Concepts of cryobiology and ovarian physiology in fertility preservation

Cryobiology focuses on understanding how biological materials react to very low temperatures. This field has experienced significant advances, particularly in the field of assisted reproduction, where programs have been developed to preserve fertility. These developments are of critical importance for those exploring alternatives in fertility and gamete preservation. Fertility preservation aims to protect a person's reproductive capacity under various health conditions, medical treatments, and social reasons that may compromise it. Accepted techniques for human fertility preservation include the cryopreservation of gametes and embryos. There is growing promising evidence on different experimental techniques within this field, such as cryopreservation of gonadal tissue or in vitro maturation strategies, as well as new methodologies in cryogenic protocols that will optimize results and mark a turning point in the field of assisted reproduction. This work aims to explore the current state-of-the-art strategies offered to women in the context of fertility preservation, review advances in cryobiology, and its role in the evolution of this area. (c) 2024 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.