Egg Freezing for future fertility- Questions one must ask

English हिन्दी

• What is egg freezing?

• Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process in which a woman’s eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. It allows women to preserve their fertility by preserving their eggs when they are at their optimal quality.

• Who should consider egg freezing?

• Egg freezing is an option for women who want to delay childbearing for various reasons, such as pursuing education, career advancement, medical treatments that may affect fertility, or personal circumstances. It is also commonly used by women who wish to preserve their fertility before undergoing certain medical procedures that may impact their reproductive system. ( Know more about- Infertility in Women )

• What is the ideal age to freeze eggs?

• Women are generally advised to consider egg freezing before the age of 35, as the quality and quantity of eggs decline with age. However, the optimal age for egg freezing may vary depending on individual circumstances, and it is recommended to consult with a fertility specialist who can assess your specific situation.

• How is the egg freezing process performed?

• The egg freezing process involves several steps. It typically starts with ovarian stimulation using fertility medications to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Then, the eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided egg retrieval. The collected eggs are then frozen using a process called vitrification, which involves rapidly cooling them to extremely low temperatures.

• Are there any risks or side effects associated with egg freezing?

• Egg freezing for future fertility is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. The most common side effects include mild discomfort, bloating, or cramping after ovarian stimulation. There is also a small risk of infection, bleeding, or damage to the surrounding structures during the egg retrieval procedure. It’s essential to discuss the potential risks and side effects with your doctor before proceeding.

• How long can eggs be stored?

• Eggs can be stored for an extended period, typically up to 10 years or more, depending on local regulations and individual circumstances. Some countries may have specific limitations on storage duration, so it’s important to check the regulations in your location.

• What are the success rates of egg freezing?

• The success of egg freezing largely depends on various factors, including the woman’s age at the time of egg freezing, the quality of the eggs, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. Generally, younger women have higher success rates because they tend to produce more and better-quality eggs. However, it’s important to note that success rates vary, and freezing eggs does not guarantee a future successful pregnancy.

• How much does egg freezing cost?

• The cost of egg freezing varies depending on factors such as geographical location, the specific clinic, additional services, and medications required. On average, the cost can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It’s advisable to consult with fertility clinics or specialists to obtain accurate cost estimates and discuss any available insurance coverage or financing options. 

• Can frozen eggs be used for any fertility treatment?

• Frozen eggs can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. When a woman is ready to conceive, the frozen eggs can be thawed, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory (either from a partner or a donor), and then transferred to the uterus as embryos. The success of this process depends on various factors, including the quality of the thawed eggs and the overall health of the woman.

• Can egg freezing guarantee a future pregnancy?

• While egg freezing for future fertility increases the chances of having a biological child in the future, it does not guarantee pregnancy. The success rates of using frozen eggs depend on various factors, including the age and overall health of the woman, the quality of the eggs, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. 

• What is the process for using frozen eggs?

• When a woman decides to use her frozen eggs, they are thawed by the fertility clinic. The thawed eggs are then fertilized with sperm through a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to create embryos. The embryos are cultured in the laboratory for a few days, and one or more viable embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus during an IVF cycle.

• Can egg freezing affect future fertility or pregnancy outcomes?

• There is no evidence to suggest that egg freezing itself negatively affects future fertility or pregnancy outcomes. The quality of the eggs frozen at a younger age is generally preserved, and the success rates of using frozen eggs are primarily dependent on the age at which the eggs were frozen.

• What happens if I don’t use my frozen eggs?

• If you do not use your frozen eggs, you have several options. You can continue storing them until you are ready to use them, donate them to research or other individuals, or choose to discard them. It’s important to review the policies and options provided by your fertility clinic regarding unused frozen eggs.

• Can I freeze my eggs if I have a medical condition or cancer diagnosis?

• Egg freezing can be an option for women with certain medical conditions or cancer diagnoses that may impact their future fertility. However, it’s crucial to consult with a fertility specialist who can assess your specific situation and coordinate with your healthcare team to ensure the safety and feasibility of the procedure.

• Are there any alternatives to egg freezing?

• For individuals who are unable to or prefer not to freeze their eggs, other options may include embryo freezing (if in a committed relationship), using donor eggs, or exploring alternative family-building methods such as adoption or surrogacy. It’s important to discuss these alternatives with a fertility specialist to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.

• Can egg freezing guarantee the same chances of pregnancy as natural conception?

• Egg freezing aims to preserve the quality and potential of eggs at the time of freezing. However, the success rates of using frozen eggs may be slightly lower compared to natural conception, as it depends on various factors involved in the fertilisation and embryo development process. It’s important to have realistic expectations and discuss the chances of success with your fertility specialist.

• Can I undergo multiple rounds of egg freezing if needed?

• Yes, it is possible to undergo multiple rounds of egg freezing if needed. However, each round of egg freezing involves ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, which can put a strain on the body. It’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of multiple rounds with your fertility specialist.

• Can I get pregnant naturally after freezing my eggs?
• If you have frozen and stored your eggs, you can still try to conceive naturally. If you achieve a pregnancy naturally, you may not need to use your frozen eggs. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the chances of conceiving naturally decline with age, and using frozen eggs may be a viable option if natural conception does not occur.

Remember, consulting with a fertility specialist is crucial for personalised information and guidance based on your specific circumstances and goals.

There are many other doubts patients have about infertility, methods of assisted reproduction, icsi, ivf, egg freezing. You may contact some of the finest ivf specialists who are available in hospitals like HN Reliance hospital, who provide the best available ivf and egg freezing procedure. Dr Firuza Parekh is one the best of IVF specialists in India, who is available in the same hospitals.