Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a process where a woman’s eggs are extracted from her ovaries, frozen, and stored for future use. This allows individuals to preserve their fertility for:
- Delaying childbearing for personal or career reasons.
- Medical treatments that may affect fertility (e.g., chemotherapy).
- Health conditions like endometriosis or premature ovarian insufficiency.
Key Steps in the Process
- Consultation & Testing:
Blood tests (hormone levels, ovarian reserve).
Ultrasound to assess ovary health. - Ovarian Stimulation:
Daily hormone injections for 10–14 days to stimulate egg production. - Egg Retrieval:
Minor surgical procedure under sedation (15–30 minutes).
Eggs are collected via a thin needle guided by ultrasound. - Freezing (Vitrification):
Eggs are rapidly frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen.
Success Rates
- Age matters: Eggs frozen before age 35 have higher success rates.
- Live birth rates: ~2–12% per thawed egg, depending on age at freezing.
- No guarantee: Success depends on egg quality, quantity, and future IVF outcomes.
Risks & Considerations
- Physical Risks:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) – rare but serious.
- Discomfort, bloating, or bruising from injections/procedure.
- Emotional Impact: Stress, anxiety, or unrealistic expectations.
- Financial Cost: cycle treatment plus annual storage fees.
Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?
- Women aged <35 (optimal time) or <40 (diminished returns).
- Those facing:
- Cancer treatment.
- Surgery affecting ovaries.
- Family history of early menopause.
- Personal choice to delay parenthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can eggs be stored?
A: UK law allows storage for up to 55 years (updated 2022), with clinic consent.
Q: Does freezing eggs affect future children’s health?
A: No increased risk of birth defects reported.
Q: Can I use my eggs later?
A: Eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm (IVF), and transferred as embryos.
Q: What if I don’t use my frozen eggs?
A: You can donate, discard, or keep them stored (fees apply).
Q: Are there age limits for IVF with frozen eggs?
A: Most UK clinics set a limit of age 50 for embryo transfer.
eGynaecologist Advice:
- You should seek counselling services provided by fertility clinics if you are considering egg freezing.
- You should explore funding options (e.g., medical egg freezing may be NHS-funded) if you need financial support for this procedure
- You should consider Time Commitment of 2–4 weeks per cycle of egg freezing and discuss it with the fertility specialist.
