Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)​

Embrace the power of choice with egg freezing

Understanding Egg Freezing​

Secure your reproductive future and embrace the future possibilities of parenthood with egg freezing. As you navigate life’s complexities, from pursuing career aspirations to establishing relationships, egg freezing offers a proactive approach to preserving your fertility potential.

What Is Egg Freezing?​

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a groundbreaking fertility preservation technique that empowers individuals to safeguard their reproductive potential by freezing and storing their eggs for future use. This transformative approach holds immense value for those seeking to postpone childbirth or are facing situations that could potentially jeopardize their fertility.

What Is The Egg Freezing Process?​

The process of egg freezing involves a series of carefully orchestrated steps:

  1. Ovarian Stimulation: Fertility medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries, encouraging the development of multiple eggs, maximizing the number of eggs available for freezing.

  2. Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs reach maturity, a minimally invasive procedure called follicular aspiration is performed to retrieve them from the ovaries. This procedure is typically performed under light sedation or general anesthesia.

  3. Cryopreservation: The retrieved eggs are then subjected to a controlled cooling process called cryopreservation, halting their development and preserving their viability. This process utilizes advanced cryopreservation techniques to ensure minimal damage to the eggs and maintain their quality for future use.

  4. Storage: The frozen eggs are securely stored in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures (-196°C), where they remain dormant until the individual is ready to use them for conception. This ensures that the eggs remain viable for extended periods, allowing individuals to plan their pregnancies at a time that aligns with their personal and professional goals.

When Is Egg Freezing Recommended?​

Egg freezing is recommended for individuals who want to preserve their fertility for future use.

This includes:

  • Women who are delaying childbirth: Egg quality declines with age, so freezing eggs in your 20s or early 30s can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy in your 30s or 40s.

  • Women who are facing medical treatments that may affect their fertility: Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can damage eggs and impair fertility. Freezing eggs before undergoing these treatments can help safeguard your reproductive potential.

  • Women with a known fertility condition: Women with conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) may have reduced fertility. Egg freezing can help them preserve their eggs while they are still viable.

  • Women who are single or have a partner who is not ready to have children: Egg freezing allows you to preserve your fertility even if you are not currently in a relationship or your partner is not ready to start a family.

FAQs

The ideal time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s or early 30s, when your eggs are at their peak quality. After age 35, egg quality declines rapidly, so freezing your eggs sooner rather than later can give you the best chance of a successful pregnancy later in life.

Here are some notable benefits of egg freezing:

  • Preserving Peak Fertility: Egg freezing allows you to preserve your eggs at their optimal quality, maximizing your chances of a successful pregnancy later in life. As women age, egg quality naturally declines, leading to reduced fertility. Freezing eggs in your 20s or early 30s, when eggs are at their peak, can significantly enhance your reproductive potential.
  • Enhancing Pregnancy Chances: Studies have demonstrated that the success rates of IVF using frozen eggs are comparable to those of IVF using fresh eggs. This means that the odds of achieving pregnancy with frozen eggs are just as promising as with eggs retrieved and fertilized immediately.
  • Flexible Family Planning: Egg freezing offers a unique degree of flexibility in your family planning journey. Whether you’re focused on pursuing your career, establishing yourself financially, or simply waiting for the right partner, preserving your eggs at a young age allows you to defer childbearing without compromising your reproductive future.
  • Expanded Access to Donor Eggs: Frozen donor eggs provide a more readily available and consistent option for women who require donor eggs. This expanded pool of options can alleviate the challenges associated with finding suitable fresh donor eggs.
  • Reduced Costs: Compared to surrogacy or adoption, egg freezing is a significantly more cost-effective option. It offers a viable alternative for women seeking to expand their family without the substantial expenses of surrogacy or adoption.
  • Enhanced Well-being and Control: Egg freezing empowers individuals to take control of their reproductive choices and alleviates the anxiety associated with age-related fertility decline. It allows you to approach parenthood with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Eggs can be safely cryopreserved for an indefinite period, and many fertility clinics offer unlimited storage options. The viability of frozen eggs remains remarkably consistent for decades, with no significant decline in their potential for successful fertilisation and pregnancy.

The egg freezing procedure is generally well-tolerated, with mild discomfort typically experienced during the egg retrieval procedure itself. This discomfort is usually managed effectively through medications and light sedation, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for most patients.

The success rates of egg freezing vary depending on a number of factors, including the woman’s age, egg quality, and the type of fertility treatment used to conceive. However, studies have shown that the success rates of egg freezing are comparable to those of IVF using fresh eggs.

No, egg freezing is not a guarantee of pregnancy. The success rates of IVF using frozen eggs are comparable to those of IVF using fresh eggs, but there are still no guarantees. The success rate of IVF depends on a number of factors, including the woman’s age, egg quality, and the type of fertility treatment used.

Eggs retrieved from younger women typically exhibit higher fertilisation rates and implantation rates, leading to increased pregnancy success. However, even with frozen eggs from slightly older women, the probability of conception remains promising.

The risks of egg freezing are generally low. The most common risks associated with the procedure include:

  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): A rare condition characterized by fluid buildup in the abdomen and ovaries, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

  • Bleeding or infection at the retrieval site

  • Damage to the eggs during the retrieval or freezing process

Medication plays a critical role in egg freezing procedures. It stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and cryopreserved for future use. Clomiphene citrate, letrozole, and injectable gonadotropins are commonly used medications in egg freezing.

The specific fertility medications prescribed will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Your fertility doctor can advise and prescribe the appropriate medications for you.