oocyte cryopreservation
(OH-oh-site KRY-oh-PREH-zer-VAY-shun)
The process of
freezing one or more unfertilized eggs (eggs that have not
been combined with sperm) to save them for future use. The
eggs are thawed and fertilized in the laboratory to make
embryos that can be placed in a woman’s uterus.
Oocyte cryopreservation is being studied as a
type of fertility preservation. It may be useful for women
with cancer who want to have children after having
radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or certain types of
surgery, which can cause infertility. Also called egg banking, egg cryopreservation, and egg freezing.