Treatment Overview
Cryo-Oocyte and Embryo Preservation refers to the freezing of a woman’s eggs (oocytes) or fertilized embryos for future use — a cornerstone of fertility preservation for cancer patients. Before undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery that could impair fertility, eggs or embryos are retrieved, frozen using vitrification technology, and stored securely until the patient is ready for conception after recovery.
In Korea, fertility specialists have perfected these preservation techniques through ultra-rapid freezing methods, advanced hormonal stimulation protocols, and state-of-the-art embryology laboratories. The process is fast, precise, and coordinated with oncology teams to ensure that cancer treatment is not delayed.
This form of preservation allows women to safeguard their reproductive potential and maintain the possibility of having biological children once cancer therapy is complete.
Purpose & Benefits
The goal of cryo-oocyte and embryo preservation is to secure fertility before gonadotoxic cancer treatments.
Key benefits include:
- Long-term fertility protection: Eggs or embryos remain viable indefinitely when properly vitrified.
- No delay to cancer therapy: Stimulation and retrieval can be completed in 10–14 days.
- High success rates: Vitrified oocytes and embryos show excellent survival and pregnancy outcomes after thawing.
- Flexibility for the future: Patients can choose to use their eggs or embryos years later.
- Emotional reassurance: Provides psychological relief and a sense of control during cancer treatment.
- Personalized options: Unmarried women can freeze oocytes, while married or partnered patients may choose embryo preservation.
- Safe for cancer patients: Hormone protocols can be modified to avoid stimulating estrogen-sensitive cancers.
Korean fertility programs focus on rapid, safe, and effective preservation strategies aligned with each patient’s oncologic and reproductive needs.
Ideal Candidates
Cryo-oocyte and embryo preservation is suitable for:
- Women diagnosed with cancer who have not yet begun chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Patients with reproductive-age cancers such as breast, ovarian, cervical, lymphoma, or leukemia.
- Unmarried women who wish to preserve their eggs for future use.
- Married or partnered women who can create embryos using partner or donor sperm.
- Patients with hormone-sensitive malignancies, using special estrogen-suppressed stimulation protocols.
- Young cancer survivors planning delayed pregnancy after remission.
Fertility specialists in Korea assess each case based on age, ovarian reserve, and treatment urgency to determine the best preservation method.
Possible Risks & Complications
Cryo-oocyte and embryo preservation is safe, but potential risks may include:
- Mild ovarian hyperstimulation: Managed with low-dose stimulation and careful hormone monitoring.
- Procedure discomfort: Minor cramping or bloating after egg retrieval.
- Cycle cancellation: Possible if ovarian response is insufficient due to limited time before treatment.
- Hormonal sensitivity: Special medications are used for patients with estrogen-sensitive cancers to prevent adverse effects.
- Emotional stress: Undergoing fertility procedures during cancer diagnosis can be psychologically taxing.
Korean fertility centers minimize risks through customized medication regimens, constant hormone tracking, and gentle retrieval techniques designed specifically for oncology patients.
Techniques & Procedures Used
1. Ovarian Stimulation
- Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is started immediately after consultation — no need to wait for a specific menstrual phase.
- Medications (FSH, hMG, and sometimes Clomiphene or Letrozole) are used to mature multiple follicles.
- For hormone-sensitive cancers, aromatase inhibitors like letrozole are added to control estrogen levels.
2. Monitoring
- Frequent ultrasound scans and hormone testing track follicle growth and hormone levels (E2, LH, P4).
- The process lasts about 10–12 days and is closely supervised to ensure safety.
3. Ovulation Trigger & Egg Retrieval
- Ovulation is triggered using hCG or a GnRH agonist.
- Eggs are retrieved through a short, minimally invasive transvaginal procedure under light sedation.
- The procedure takes 10–20 minutes, with recovery in a few hours.
4. Cryopreservation Options
- Oocyte Cryopreservation: Unfertilized eggs are vitrified for future use. Ideal for single women or those without a sperm source.
- Embryo Cryopreservation: Eggs are fertilized with partner or donor sperm, and resulting embryos are frozen at the blastocyst stage.
5. Vitrification Technology
- Korea uses ultra-rapid freezing known as vitrification, which prevents ice crystal formation inside cells.
- Ensures high survival rates (over 90%) and excellent fertilization potential upon thawing.
6. Storage & Maintenance
- Oocytes and embryos are stored in cryogenic tanks at -196°C.
- Advanced tracking systems ensure safe labeling, documentation, and long-term storage management.
Recovery & Aftercare
Post-procedure recovery is simple and swift:
- Most patients return to normal activity within one or two days after retrieval.
- Mild bloating or discomfort may occur temporarily.
- Cancer treatment can typically resume within 24–48 hours after the procedure.
- Patients are followed up for hormone normalization before starting chemotherapy.
- Psychological and emotional support is offered throughout treatment and recovery.
Korean fertility centers ensure seamless transition from fertility preservation to oncology treatment, minimizing delays and maximizing safety.
Results & Effectiveness
Cryo-oocyte and embryo preservation in Korea is supported by decades of successful data and advanced laboratory techniques.
Typical outcomes include:
- Cycle completion time: 10–14 days on average.
- Oocyte retrieval: 8–15 mature eggs per cycle, depending on age and ovarian reserve.
- Survival rate after thawing: Over 90% for oocytes and embryos.
- Fertilization success: 70–80% for vitrified oocytes, similar to fresh eggs.
- Pregnancy success rates: 40–60% per transfer cycle using frozen embryos.
- High cumulative success: Many patients achieve pregnancy years after initial preservation.
These outcomes make Korea one of the top destinations for successful oncofertility programs globally.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Oncofertility Consultation
- Coordinated meeting between fertility and oncology teams.
- Rapid evaluation of cancer stage, treatment schedule, and ovarian reserve (AMH, FSH, ultrasound).
Step 2 – Immediate Stimulation Protocol
- Hormonal stimulation begins right away using cycle-independent or “random-start” IVF protocols.
- Letrozole or other estrogen-suppressing agents are included for hormone-sensitive cancers.
Step 3 – Monitoring and Retrieval
- Ultrasound and hormone tests every 2–3 days.
- Once follicles are ready, eggs are retrieved quickly and safely.
Step 4 – Cryopreservation
- Mature oocytes are vitrified, or fertilized embryos are created and frozen.
- All samples are stored securely under constant monitoring.
Step 5 – Post-Treatment Coordination
- Cancer therapy begins immediately after retrieval.
- Fertility recovery is monitored post-treatment, and preserved samples remain available for future use.
Why Korea Excels in Cryo-Oocyte & Embryo Preservation
- Rapid-response fertility programs: Fast stimulation and retrieval with minimal disruption to cancer care.
- Advanced vitrification technology: Ensures excellent oocyte and embryo survival.
- Integrated oncofertility services: Collaboration between oncology and fertility departments.
- Personalized hormone management: Tailored stimulation for each patient’s health condition.
- High laboratory standards: ISO-certified cryogenic storage and advanced embryology equipment.
- Comprehensive patient care: Includes psychological, nutritional, and long-term reproductive counseling.
Korean fertility centers are recognized for their ability to deliver both speed and precision — two vital factors in cancer-related fertility preservation.
Cost Range
The cost of cryo-oocyte and embryo preservation in Korea varies depending on cycle complexity, hormone medication, and storage duration. Approximate cost breakdown:
- Oocyte cryopreservation cycle: USD 3,000 – 5,000
- Embryo cryopreservation cycle: USD 4,000 – 6,000
- Medication and monitoring: USD 1,000 – 2,000
- Annual storage fee: USD 300 – 800
- Comprehensive preservation package (including consultation, stimulation, retrieval, and freezing): USD 4,000 – 7,000
Many Korean fertility hospitals offer fast-track, cost-inclusive oncofertility packages to minimize financial and scheduling burdens for cancer patients.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul, Bundang): Expert in rapid fertility preservation and long-term cryostorage.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Provides integrated oncofertility services with high success in oocyte freezing.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Specializes in embryo cryopreservation and cancer-safe stimulation protocols.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic: Known for personalized ovarian stimulation and hormone-safe IVF.
- Seoul Women’s Hospital: Offers international fertility preservation programs for cancer patients.
