Free guide to Egg Freezing
Egg freezing, is a process in which a woman’s eggs are extracted, frozen and stored to be used in the future. This procedure has become increasingly popular among women who want to preserve their fertility, either due to medical reasons or personal choice. You may be wondering what does the egg freezing process involve. Let’s see!
Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation
The egg freezing process begins with ovarian stimulation, which involves taking medication to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This medication typically includes a series of injections that are administered over the course of two weeks. During this time, the woman will undergo ultrasound monitoring to track the development of her eggs.
Step 2: Egg Retrieval
Once the eggs have matured, they are retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure known as transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration. The procedure involves a thin, hollow needle being inserted through the vaginal wall and into the ovaries to extract the eggs. The procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes and is performed under sedation or local anaesthesia. This is a very simple and safe procedure with risks of complications of less than 0.5%!
Step 3: Egg Freezing
After the eggs have been retrieved, they are immediately frozen using a process known as vitrification. Vitrification involves rapidly cooling the eggs to -196°C, which preserves their structure and prevents damage from ice crystal formation. The eggs are then stored in liquid nitrogen until they are ready to be used.
Step 4: Thawing and Fertilisation
When a woman is ready to use her frozen eggs, they are thawed and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. This process is known as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) although when eggs are frozen there has to be IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). After fertilisation, the embryos are cultured in the lab for several days before being transferred into the woman’s uterus. Any remaining embryos can be frozen for future use.
Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing is a viable option for women who want to preserve their chances of achieving a child with their own eggs and later in life. This can be due to various reasons. Some women choose to freeze their eggs because they want to delay pregnancy due to personal or career reasons. Others may choose to freeze their eggs due to medical reasons, such as undergoing cancer treatment that may affect their fertility.
By understanding the egg freezing process, women can make informed decisions about their reproductive health and plan for their future. Book your consultation with one of our fertility specialists and keep your options open.