What is Egg Freezing: A Modern Solution for Preserving Fertility
What is egg freezing? Who is it for? And how can fertility clinics like FertilityMed assist you on this journey?
Are you and your partner struggling to conceive? Or are you a single woman looking to plan your future family but concerned about declining fertility with age? With the biological clock ticking louder every day, you probably wish you could hit the pause button. Fortunately, modern medicine has a solution: egg freezing.
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is becoming increasingly common as an effective method of fertility preservation. In fact, the UK experienced a 460% increase in egg freezing cycles between 2010 and 2016. This trend is mirrored in the United States, where egg freezing cycles rose by 880% between 2010 and 2015.
So, what is egg freezing? Who is it for? And how can fertility clinics like FertilityMed assist you on this journey?
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing involves extracting and freezing a woman's mature eggs for future use. An embryologist can thaw these eggs and fertilize them with sperm in a laboratory to form viable embryos.
Then, a doctor can transfer the embryos to the uterus during an assisted reproductive technology procedure. This technique has been around since the 1980s, but recent technological advancements have made it more accessible and successful.
Fertility clinics play a crucial role in providing egg freezing services, as they have the expertise, technology, and facilities necessary to support the delicate process of egg freezing, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.
Reasons women choose to freeze their eggs
The reasons behind the decision to freeze eggs can be varied and deeply personal, ranging from protecting fertility before medical treatments to seeking motherhood at the right time.
Medical reasons: A lifeline of hope
For individuals facing medical conditions or treatments that may affect their fertility, egg freezing offers hope.
They may opt for egg preservation before undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or other medical treatments that can damage fertility. Women at risk of experiencing premature menopause can also use egg freezing to preserve their fertility.
Freezing eggs for future family planning
Embarking on the path of egg freezing is an empowering choice for women. It grants the freedom to pursue personal growth and career aspirations without compromising the dream of motherhood when the time is right.
Egg freezing offers the flexibility to focus on professional goals while providing peace of mind for future family planning. In this regard, it is suggested that:
- Egg freezing can enhance and strengthen women's reproductive autonomy.
- Fertility preservation could bridge the gap between the desire to become a mother and being ready to have children with the right partner.
- Egg freezing can promote gender and social equity.
- Preserving fertility through egg freezing allows women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. This proactive step provides control over future family planning and contributes to overall well-being.
Advances in egg freezing technology
In recent years, egg freezing technology has significantly improved, resulting in higher success rates and better outcomes.
The most advanced technique for egg freezing is called vitrification, which involves rapidly freezing eggs in liquid nitrogen at very low temperatures. Vitrification prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can damage the eggs. It also reduces the risk of cell death.
Vitrified eggs have a survival rate of over 90% after thawing. Pregnancy and live birth rates from vitrified eggs are comparable to those from fresh eggs.
Age and egg quality
As women age, ovarian reserve (the number and quality of eggs in their ovaries) declines. When this happens, eggs are more prone to chromosomal abnormalities. This leads to a lower likelihood of conception and a higher risk of birth defects or miscarriages.
Since egg supply tends to decrease significantly between ages 30 and 37, the optimal time to freeze eggs is when a woman is in her 20s or early 30s. By freezing their eggs at a younger age, they can preserve fertility and increase the chances of having a healthy baby in the future.
How are eggs frozen?
The egg freezing process typically lasts about two to three weeks and involves the following steps:
1. Initial consultation and testing
1. Initial consultation and testing
- Schedule a consultation with a specialist at a fertility clinic. During this visit, the doctor will discuss medical history and perform necessary tests to assess ovarian reserve and overall reproductive health.
2. Ovarian stimulation
- After completing the initial consultation and testing, the next step is to start ovarian stimulation. This involves taking fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of just one during a regular menstrual cycle.
3. Egg retrieval
- After approximately 10-12 days of ovarian stimulation, the next step is egg retrieval, during which the doctor uses a thin needle to extract eggs from the ovaries. This minor surgical procedure, performed under sedation, takes about 20 minutes.
4. Freezing and storage
- After egg retrieval, an embryologist immediately freezes the eggs using vitrification. This method ensures that the eggs are rapidly and safely frozen without damaging their structure. The embryologist stores the frozen eggs in liquid nitrogen until you are ready to use them.
5. Future use
- When the time is right, the embryologist can thaw your frozen eggs and fertilize them with sperm during a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection. They then transfer the resulting embryos to the uterus for implantation during an in vitro fertilization procedure.
The egg freezing process is safe and well-tolerated by most women. However, some may experience side effects such as: Swelling Cramping Pain These are usually mild and temporary. Medication and rest can help alleviate symptoms.
Psychological and emotional aspects of egg freezing
In addition to the physical process, egg freezing can also have emotional and psychological implications. Many women undergo egg freezing because they want to delay motherhood for various reasons, such as advancing in their careers, personal goals, or lack of a partner.
This decision often comes with feelings of:
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Stress
- Uncertainty
A 2020 study found that patients undergoing repeated cycles were more likely to report treatment-related stress. This highlights the importance of emotional support and counseling.
Choosing the right fertility clinic for egg freezing
Choosing a reputable fertility clinic is crucial when considering egg freezing. Here are three factors to consider:
- Experience. When choosing a fertility clinic, it's essential to consider the level of experience and expertise of the medical team.
- Patient care. Egg freezing can be challenging, especially for those going through it alone. Find a compassionate staff team that can help navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with fertility treatments.
- Success rates. Research the success rates of the fertility clinic. This information can provide insight into the quality of care and potential outcomes.
Embrace your future with confidence: FertilityMed is here to support you
Embarking on the path of egg freezing is an important decision that can open up a world of possibilities. It's not just about preserving eggs. It's about preserving your future.
FertilityMed has been a trusted partner for countless individuals navigating this complex journey. We rely on the most advanced technologies and techniques to ensure the best success rates for our patients.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Taking the first step is often the hardest. We're here to take it with you.
