Egg freezing is possible thanks to a new technique called vitrification, the most advanced technology available.

In laymen's terms, vitrification can be considered a "flash freeze." Until recently, egg freezing was not feasible because when it was attempted it was done through a slow freeze technique. That old fashioned method caused ice crystals to form within the egg, which destroyed its internal structure. By contrast, vitrification greatly minimizes the formation of ice crystals because the freezing is done so quickly; therefore we are now able to vitrify, store and thaw eggs without compromising success rates.

In our close laboratory analysis at Fairfax EggBank, we observe that eggs which have been vitrified are virtually the same as freshly retrieved eggs:

• Vitrified eggs and fresh eggs appear very similar under the microscope
• Vitrified eggs fertilize at nearly the same rate as do fresh eggs
• Resultant embryos grow and divide in the same manner
• Pregnancy rates are excellent with both fresh and frozen donor eggs

Because of these findings donor egg IVF treatment has been totally transformed. Now it is possible for a recipient to simply choose a donor and cycle right away. It is no longer necessary to wait for a donor to become available, and then synchronize with her schedule and menstrual cycle, a process that commonly took many months. This new technology has made donor egg IVF more convenient and affordable, all without sacrificing the high success rates that continue to be associated with donor egg treatment.