A "cryo bank" for sperm and eggs is a fertility bank that stores frozen human gametes (sperm and eggs) in liquid nitrogen tanks for later use in fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or home insemination. These banks provide donor sperm and eggs, requiring extensive donor screening and offering various donor profiles to help recipients find a suitable match and achieve their dream of having a child.
How a Cryo Bank Works
- Donor Recruitment and Screening: Banks recruit altruistic donors who undergo thorough medical and physical screenings.
- Gamete Collection: Donors provide sperm or eggs at designated locations.
- Processing and Freezing: Gametes are processed in a laboratory to ensure high quality and then frozen, a process called vitrification, which uses liquid nitrogen for long-term storage.
- Storage: Frozen sperm and eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks, which are equipped with multiple safety and monitoring systems for temperature and level stability.
- Distribution: Patients can order donor sperm or eggs for fertility treatment, such as in-home insemination or at a fertility clinic.
Benefits of Using a Cryo Bank
- Flexibility: Using frozen donor eggs eliminates the need to synchronize the recipient's cycle with the donor's, offering more flexibility and potentially lower costs.
- Donor Selection: Patients can choose from a broad selection of donors based on detailed profiles, including medical history, physical characteristics, and personal details.
- Safety and Quality: Cryo banks adhere to strict international quality standards and employ advanced monitoring systems to ensure the safety of the stored gametes.
- Accessibility: They provide a reliable source of donor gametes for people worldwide who need assistance conceiving.
