Cryopreserved oocytes can serve as the treatment for secondary infertility: a novel model for egg donation.
OBJECTIVE
To report the use of previously cryopreserved oocytes for the treatment of secondary infertility.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
University-based IVF program.


METHODS
A 41-year-old woman with 18 months of secondary infertility and a previous history (age 38) of elective oocyte cryopreservation.


METHODS
Previously cryopreserved oocytes.


METHODS
Fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy, and outcome.


RESULTS
The patient achieved pregnancy and delivery following thaw of oocytes electively cryopreserved 39 months before use. Before thawing the oocyte, the patient attempted pregnancy naturally for 12 months, followed by two unsuccessful clomiphene citrate ovulation induction cycles with intrauterine insemination and one fresh IVF cycle resulting in a chromosomally abnormal twin gestation that aborted.


CONCLUSIONS
Although oocyte cryopreservation is still labeled an experimental procedure, this case demonstrates that oocyte cryopreservation used for electively deferred reproduction can subsequently serve in the treatment for secondary infertility when the patient becomes her own oocyte donor.
Knopman
Jaime M
JM
New York University Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA. jaimeknopman@gmail.com
Noyes
Nicole
N
Grifo
James A
JA
D000328:Adult; D015925:Cryopreservation; D033001:Directed Tissue Donation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008954:Models, Biological; D018587:Oocyte Donation / Q000379:methods*; D009865:Oocytes; D011247:Pregnancy; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy