Egg Freezing:
Egg Freezing
One of the reasons fertility issues are becoming more common is that many women are choosing to delay motherhood.
While postponing this decision may lead to better mental health, financial security, and social standing, our bodies may no longer be as prepared for pregnancy. As we age, the chances of having children and passing on our genes decrease, either because egg production declines or the quality of the eggs diminishes.
Egg freezing offers an alternative for women who wish to delay motherhood until they feel more stable, allowing them to preserve their fertility and maintain the same chances of pregnancy as when their eggs were initially frozen.
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing is a technique where a woman's eggs are preserved while she is still fertile. This process ensures higher survival rates after thawing compared to other methods. It is a safe procedure that works by preventing ice crystals from forming in the eggs, which protects them from damage during freezing and thawing.
Why Freeze Your Eggs
When it comes to fertility, age plays a crucial role. As you age, both the quantity and quality of your eggs decline, making it more challenging to conceive or sustain a pregnancy. This decline happens at varying rates for different women, but it inevitably occurs, regardless of overall health.
By your late 30s, about half of your eggs will have chromosomal abnormalities, meaning they may have too few or too many chromosomes. These abnormalities often result in failed implantation or miscarriage. By the time you reach your 40s, your chances of becoming pregnant each month drop to just 5%.
For women who aren’t ready to conceive but want to preserve their fertility for the future, freezing your eggs in your 20s or 30s allows you to take advantage of your body’s fertility when your eggs are at their healthiest.
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Egg Freezing Process
Step 1: Fertility Testing and Assessment
The process begins with a consultation with your doctor to discuss your medical history, needs, and expectations. On the third day of your menstrual cycle, you will undergo blood tests to assess your hormonal function. These fertility tests help us gauge your current fertility status, or "ovarian reserve." Additionally, a vaginal ultrasound is performed to check for any structural abnormalities and to estimate the number of eggs that may be retrievable. The results from these assessments allow your fertility doctor to evaluate your fertility potential and create a personalized treatment plan.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
Next, you will administer hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce as many eggs as possible, a number that should align with your initial ultrasound evaluation. Throughout the ovarian stimulation process, you will visit our office every few days for regular monitoring through ultrasound and blood tests to track your response to the medications and adjust dosages if necessary. Once your eggs have matured, your doctor will notify you that it's time to trigger the final stage of maturation and initiate the ovulation process with a different injectable medication, commonly known as the "trigger shot."
During ovarian stimulation, it's important to avoid activities that might jostle your pelvis, as your ovaries will enlarge due to the growing follicles (which contain the eggs). You should also avoid alcohol, caffeine, certain medications, and many herbal supplements. Your doctor or nurse will provide guidance on which medications and activities are safe during this period.
You may experience symptoms similar to those of your regular menstrual cycle, such as fatigue, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, cramping, and mood swings.
Step 3: Egg Retrieval
Approximately 35 hours after the trigger shot, your doctor will perform a minor surgical procedure to collect your eggs. This procedure, conducted under anesthesia, involves using a needle to access the follicles through the vaginal wall under ultrasound guidance. On the day of the egg retrieval, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day as the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
In the days following the retrieval, you may experience bloating, cramping, and mild discomfort. Most patients can return to work within 24-48 hours and feel fully back to normal after their next menstrual period. We advise refraining from exercise until your next period begins.
Step 4: Egg Freezing
After the eggs have been successfully retrieved, all mature eggs are rapidly frozen using vitrification and securely stored until you are ready to use them. The embryologist will inform you of the number of mature, healthy eggs that have been frozen.
The entire process of preparing for egg freezing and retrieving the eggs typically takes 2-3 weeks for most patients, though this timeframe can vary depending on individual circumstances.