Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a medical procedure that allows a woman to store her eggs for future use. This technique involves extracting a woman’s eggs, freezing them, and storing them until she decides to use them.

How is Egg Freezing Done?

Egg freezing typically involves several steps:.

1. Ovarian Stimulation

The first step in egg freezing is ovarian stimulation. This process involves the use of fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the usual one egg per menstrual cycle.

2. Egg Retrieval

Once the eggs have matured, they are retrieved using a minor surgical procedure known as transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle into each ovary to collect the eggs.

3. Freezing and Cryopreservation

Following egg retrieval, the eggs are frozen using a technique called vitrification. Vitrification is a fast-freezing process that prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can damage the eggs during the freezing and thawing process.

The eggs are then stored in liquid nitrogen at very low temperatures (-196°C) until the woman decides to use them.

4. Thawing and Fertilization

When the woman wants to use her frozen eggs, they are thawed and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. This can be done through either in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus to achieve a pregnancy.

Why Do People Choose to Freeze Their Eggs?

There are several reasons why individuals may choose to freeze their eggs:.

1. Delayed Childbearing

Some women may choose to freeze their eggs if they want to delay childbearing due to career aspirations, educational pursuits, or personal reasons.

By preserving their eggs at a younger age, they can increase their chances of having a biological child later in life.

2. Medical Reasons

Women who are diagnosed with certain medical conditions that may affect their fertility, such as cancer or autoimmune diseases, may opt for egg freezing before starting treatments that could potentially damage their eggs or ovaries.

3. Preserving Fertility

For individuals undergoing fertility treatments, such as IVF, egg freezing can be an option to preserve their fertility. This is particularly relevant for women who are at risk of premature ovarian failure or have a low ovarian reserve.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of women opting for social egg freezing. This is when women freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons, such as wanting to focus on personal or professional goals before starting a family.

Success Rates of Egg Freezing

Success rates for egg freezing vary depending on various factors, including the woman’s age at the time of egg retrieval and the number of eggs frozen.

Generally, younger women have a higher chance of successful pregnancy with frozen eggs compared to older women.

Cost of Egg Freezing

Egg freezing is an expensive procedure that may involve multiple steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and storage. The cost can vary depending on location, clinic, and additional services required.

It is important to consider both the upfront costs and potential long-term storage fees when considering egg freezing.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The regulation and legality of egg freezing vary between countries and jurisdictions. It is important to consult the local laws and regulations regarding egg freezing before considering the procedure.

Additionally, there may be ethical considerations when it comes to the storage and use of frozen eggs, such as the maximum storage duration and decisions regarding the disposal of unused eggs.

Is Egg Freezing Right for You?

The decision to freeze eggs is a personal one and should be made after careful consideration of one’s individual circumstances.

It is recommended to consult with a fertility specialist who can provide detailed information about the procedure and help weigh the pros and cons based on specific health and fertility factors.