How long can eggs stay frozen?
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has become an increasingly popular option for women who want to preserve their fertility for later in life. But one common question that many women have is how long their eggs can be stored before they become unusable. Let’s dive in!
How long can a woman’s eggs stay frozen? The short answer is that there is no definitive answer. However, studies have shown that frozen eggs can remain viable for many years. In fact, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) states that there is no limit on the amount of time that eggs can be stored as long as they are properly preserved.
The success of pregnancy using this technique depends on a variety of factors, including the age of the woman at the time the eggs were frozen, the quality of the eggs, and the technique used for freezing and thawing the eggs. Generally, the younger the woman is at the time of egg freezing, the higher the chance of success when those eggs are later used in a pregnancy attempt.
If you are considering egg freezing, there are several steps you can take to maximise the chances of success when you later attempt to use those frozen eggs:
1. Choose a reputable fertility clinic
Make sure the clinic you choose has experience with fertility preservation techniques and a proven track record of success.
2. Freeze your eggs at a young age
As mentioned earlier, the younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the better chance they have of being viable when you later attempt to use them. Our doctors would recommend freezing your eggs below the age of 35.
3. Freeze a sufficient number of eggs
The more eggs you freeze, the higher the chance of success. Our experts recommend freezing at least 10-15 eggs, although this number may vary depending on your age and other individual factors.
4. Use a high-quality freezing technique
There are two main techniques for freezing eggs: slow freezing and vitrification. Vitrification is generally considered to be the superior technique because it causes less damage to the eggs during the freezing process and it is the technique we use at ReproMed.
5. Work with a skilled fertility specialist
Make sure you choose a fertility specialist who is experienced in using frozen eggs for pregnancy attempts. Your specialist can help you develop a personalised plan that maximises your chances of success. We have an incredible team of fertility doctors on hand to provide you with the highest standard of care in Ireland.
Egg freezing is a valuable tool for women who want to preserve their fertility for the future. With proper preservation techniques, frozen eggs can remain viable for many years. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy using frozen eggs. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to talk to contact us at info@repromed.ie.