What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process in which a woman’s eggs are collected, frozen, and stored for future use.
Fertility preservation
For women whose fertility may be affected in the future by medical treatments, ageing-related deterioration of their eggs, or other personal factors, egg freezing is a great option. It gives women the power to take control of their reproductive future and explore options that may not have been available in the past.
What’s the process?
Egg freezing involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The eggs are then collected through a short procedure and frozen for future use. When a woman is ready to use her frozen eggs, they are thawed and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred into her uterus. This process gives women the flexibility to plan for their future family when the time is right for them.
Who is egg freezing suitable for?
Women facing medical treatments that may affect fertility , such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Egg freezing provides them with the opportunity to preserve their eggs before undergoing these treatments.
Healthy women who wish to postpone motherhood for personal reasons, such as focusing on their career or personal goals.
Women who have not yet met the right partner and are worried about the age-related decline in fertility. This is often referred to as elective freezing.
Women at risk of death or injury, such as an armed forces member who may be deployed to a war zone.
Women who are transitioning from female to male. Hormone therapy or reconstructive surgery can lead to partial/total loss of fertility, so freezing eggs beforehand is a good option.
Treatment preparation
Like any other IVF process, you’ll need to go through a series of blood tests, including an AMH test, which shows your ovarian reserve. Once the tests are complete, your fertility doctor will prepare your treatment plan. Treatment generally involves a series of injections to stimulate your ovaries and encourage follicle growth. Throughout the course of treatment, you’ll need to have regular blood tests and scans. Once the follicles are a good size, egg collection can take place.
Freezing and storage of eggs
In order to preserve the eggs against ice crystal formation and damage, a procedure known as vitrification is used to freeze the eggs. The temperature of the eggs is abruptly dropped from 23 °C to -196 °C and kept in liquid nitrogen tanks. The eggs can then be thawed and fertilised with sperm when the woman is ready to become a mother.
Costs and insurance coverage
The cost of freezing and storing eggs can be high, with additional fees for annual storage and potential medication costs if more than one cycle is needed. Check with your insurance provider to see if they can help with expenses.
Some clinics may offer financing options to help cover some of the costs. We recommend checking to see if this is available.
Success rates
Success rates differ according to factors such as age and egg quality. You can find out about success rates by speaking with a fertility doctor. Not all frozen eggs will result in a successful pregnancy. It’s important to consider the risks involved in the process. Understanding success rates and risks can help you manage your expectations and plan accordingly.
Support and guidance
Information and support on egg freezing and fertility preservation can help you make informed decisions about the treatment and allow you to explore all options. It is important to consult with a fertility doctor to talk about the benefits and risks of egg freezing before making a decision.
Take the next step with confidence
If you’re considering egg freezing or fertility preservation, having the right guidance can make all the difference. A free 20-minute call with Procreate allows you to ask questions and explore your options in a supportive, no-pressure environment.
Have a quick question? You can send a message on WhatsApp.
