I want to preserve my eggs

- For social reasons: egg freezing empowers women to engage in their fertility when they are ready
- Fertility preservation in patients that will undergo chemotherapy due to cancer
- Females transitioning into male but would like to preserve their fertility for the future

At your first appointment you will meet with one of our doctors who will describe in detail the egg freezing procedure; what to expect throughout the process; success rates for your own particular case and the expected outcome.

The next step in the process is to prepare you for your treatment. You will be encouraged to book in for tests at particular stages of your cycle if they are cycle dependent. These tests generally include a transvaginal ultrasound scan and some hormone blood tests.

You will likely undergo three to four scans over the course of your treatment prior to the actual egg retrieval procedure. The scan appointments last around 15 minutes and you will be able to go about your day as normal afterwards. You may be asked to increase or decrease your medications and you will be advised of the next steps.

Yes and in many cases, it’s strongly recommended as a proactive and empowering step in protecting their future fertility.

If you have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), you may have a higher number of eggs, however,  the quality of those eggs may vary. There is also a risk of hormone response during stimulation can be unpredictable. With the right monitoring and a personalised treatment plan, many people with PCOS respond well to egg freezing. Your fertility team will tailor the medication to reduce the risk of complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which people with PCOS can be more prone to.

If you have endometriosis, egg quality and ovarian reserve may decline over time, especially if you’ve had surgery. In these cases, freezing eggs earlier in your journey can help preserve your future fertility.

Both PCOS and endometriosis come with unique fertility challenges, but neither automatically rules out egg freezing. In many cases, they’re actually reasons to consider it sooner rather than later. The key is working with a fertility team that understands your condition and can create a plan tailored to your body and long-term goals.

One of the most common questions about egg freezing is whether it’s painful and the good news is, most people are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the process actually is.

The hormone injections can feel a little intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never self-injected before. But the needles are small, and most people get the hang of it quickly with a little practice and support from their clinic.

When it comes to the egg collection itself, the procedure is done under conscious sedation, so you’ll be relaxed and pain-free throughout. The whole process usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Afterward, it’s normal to feel a bit crampy or bloated, similar to period pain, but this typically eases within a day or two.

Most people choose to take the day off on the day of egg collection, but many are back to work or their usual routine by the next day. While everyone’s experience is different, the process is generally well tolerated and the short-term discomfort is often outweighed by the long-term benefits of preserving your fertility.

Egg freezing is generally considered a low-risk procedure, but like any medical treatment, it does come with some potential side effects. Most people experience mild, temporary symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or mood changes from the hormone medications used during the stimulation phase. These are usually short-lived and resolve once the cycle is complete.

In rare cases, a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur, where the ovaries over-respond to the medication. Very rarely, there’s also a small risk of infection or bleeding during the egg retrieval itself. That said, your fertility team will monitor you closely at every stage and adjust your treatment to minimise any risks. You’ll be supported and guided throughout the process to ensure your safety and comfort.

And if you’re wondering whether egg freezing could “use up” your eggs or bring on early menopause the answer is no. The eggs collected during your cycle are ones your body would have naturally lost that month. The process simply gives them another chance, preserving them for future use rather than letting them go to waste.

One of the great advantages of egg freezing is that once your eggs are frozen, they’re essentially paused in time. Thanks to a technique called vitrification a fast-freezing method that prevents ice crystals from forming, your eggs don’t age or degrade while in storage. They stay exactly as they were at the moment they were frozen, meaning the biological quality of the egg is preserved, even as you grow older.

In Ireland, frozen eggs can legally be stored for up to 10 years. In some cases, this storage period can be extended depending on your medical or personal circumstances. This gives you flexibility and peace of mind, knowing your eggs are safely stored until you’re ready to use them.

Egg freezing is a significant decision, both emotionally and financially. The cost can vary depending on your clinic, your individual treatment plan, and how your body responds to medication.

In Ireland, the price of one egg freezing cycle typically starts around €2,295. On top of that, you’ll need to factor in the cost of hormone medications, which can vary, as well as ongoing storage fees—usually around €450 per year to keep your eggs safely frozen.

While it’s certainly an investment, many people see egg freezing as a way to buy time and preserve future options. Whether you’re not quite ready to start a family due to personal goals, career plans, or a medical diagnosis, freezing your eggs can offer peace of mind and a sense of control over your reproductive timeline.

Ultimately, whether it’s “worth it” depends on your circumstances and what fertility means to you. A consultation with our fertility specialists can help you weigh the benefits, costs, and timing to see if egg freezing is the right choice for your future.

From initial consultation to egg collection, the egg freezing process typically takes around 2–3 weeks. This includes a few days of hormone stimulation, regular scans, and finally, the egg retrieval procedure, which is done under sedation.