In a first, pregnancy achieved with frozen oocytes

In the first of its kind instance in the country, frozen oocytes have been used to achieve pregnancy. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) specialists - Dr Himanshu and Dr Falguni Bavishi at Ahmedabad based Bavishi Fertility Institute, have to their credit a pregnancy achieved by way of a new technique of freezing – 'vitrification', a method of quick freezing.

Unlike sperms, which have tremendous natural protection against any adverse circumstances provided by nature to protect the sperm in its journey from testes to fallopian tubes of female partner and achieve fertilisation, female gametes — oocytes (eggs) are very fragile and difficult to take care of the invitro (outside of the body). While the 'sperm freezing' is successfully practiced since many years, this is the first instance in the country that pregnancy has been achieved by use of frozen oocytes through 'vitrification'.

 

"IVF has developed very good techniques, culture media and disposable materials for handling this very sensitive gametes," explained Dr Himanshu Bavishi, founder director of Bavishi Infertility Institute.

"For freezing oocytes, we take them to –196oC temperature. The life remains suspended at this temperature. This temperature is maintained till we want to preserve it. When we defreeze the oocytes and bring them to normal temperature, they become live and viable again," Dr. Bavishi further explained. Vitrification is a method of flash freezing. Different chemicals and process are used to avoid the resulting damage.