Egg Freezing/ Oocyte Preservation

What is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing, or oocyte preservation, is a fertility preservation technique in which a woman’s eggs (oocytes) are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. This method allows individuals of reproductive age to safeguard their fertility potential.

Why is Egg Freezing Important?

Today, women are choosing to have children later in life more than ever before. Egg freezing can help preserve fertility for later stages of life. As a woman grows older, the quality of her eggs tends to decline. The eggs may contain more chromosomal abnormalities, and women will no longer ovulate after menopause. Egg freezing can enable a woman to delay pregnancy until a later stage.

Why Has Egg Freezing Increased in Popularity?

Advancements in medical technology and the options to pursue career and personal goals have made egg freezing more popular for those who are unsure if or when they would like to start a family. Individuals are becoming more empowered to take control of their reproductive health and family planning timelines. Egg freezing has become more accessible and successful over the years, with significant survival rates post-thaw with vitrification, making the process highly effective.

Who Needs Egg Freezing?

• Women with cancer requiring chemotherapy or pelvic radiation therapy that may affect fertility.
• Those undergoing surgery or with ovarian disease that may damage the ovaries.
• Individuals at risk of premature ovarian failure due to chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner syndrome, fragile X syndrome, or a family history of early menopause.
• Women with a genetic mutation requiring the removal of the ovaries (e.g., BRCA mutation).
• Those wishing to delay childbearing for personal or professional reasons.

Process of Egg Freezing

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The egg freezing process starts with ovarian stimulation, beginning on day 2 of the menstrual cycle. Two to three types of hormone medications are injected daily for 10-12 days to stimulate multiple egg production. Four to six transvaginal ultrasounds are required to track the development of the eggs.

2. Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs have matured, they are retrieved through an ultrasound-guided surgical procedure, which takes 20-30 minutes under anesthesia.

3. Freezing: An embryologist verifies that the eggs are matured and freezes them. When you are ready to try and get pregnant, the eggs are thawed and fertilized by injecting sperm into the eggs (ICSI).

When is the Best Time to Freeze Your Eggs?

The best possible time to freeze eggs is between the ages of 20-30. Women under 30 have higher success rates in egg freezing. Egg quality starts declining after 30 years of age, making it advisable to freeze eggs earlier for better outcomes. However, it is possible to freeze eggs successfully after the age of 30, though it may require persistent monitoring and adjustments to medication if necessary.

How Long Can Eggs Be Frozen?

Eggs frozen through vitrification can be stored for many years without significant quality decline. They can be used for future fertility treatments. It is important to renew consent for storage every year. Storage of frozen eggs incurs an annual cost, which varies depending on the clinic. At Vardhan Fertility Center, our egg freezing package includes six months of storage.

What Are the Side Effects of Egg Retrieval?

After egg retrieval, some women may experience the following side effects:

• Abdominal cramping
• Bloating
• Spotting
• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Headache
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHS): In rare cases, egg stimulation can lead to OHS.

For Inquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01-5970360