[The first pregnancy and birth after cryopreservation of oocytes in the Czech Republic--importance of the method for reproductive medicine].

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work was to develop methods for successful cryopreservation of human oocytes.

DESIGN

Case-controlled study and case report.

SETTING

Sanatorium Pronatal, Prague.

METHODS

Propanediol (PrOH)-sucrose was used as cryoprotectant medium for cumulus-free oocytes and stepwise dilution of cryoprotectant post-thaw.

RESULTS

The method was used in three patients (38 denuded oocytes) and yielded excellent survival and fertilization rates (89.5% and 73.5% respectively). In all patients embryo-transfer was possible, one patient got pregnant and delivered a healthy baby.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that cryopreservation may ensure that the integrity of the human oocyte is adequate for normal fertilization and embryo development.