Egg Freezing Process: Here's What to Expect

Egg freezing process is also known as oocyte cryopreservation. It is a process that involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving those eggs, and then freezing them for future use.

Considering Egg Freezing Process

There are several reasons why someone may consider egg freezing. Here are a few:

1. Medical reasons: Women who are facing medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, that may damage their ovaries and reduce their fertility may choose to freeze their eggs before undergoing treatment. Egg freezing allows them to preserve their fertility and increase their chances of having a biological child in the future.
2. Age-related fertility decline: As women age, their fertility declines, and the quality of their eggs decreases. Egg freezing offers an opportunity for women to preserve their eggs while they are younger and of higher quality, so they can use them in the future when they are ready to start a family.
3. Personal reasons: Some women may choose to freeze their eggs because they are not ready to start a family. By freezing their eggs, they can delay childbearing while still preserving their fertility.
4. Career or education goals: Women who are pursuing education or career goals may choose to freeze their eggs and preserve their fertility to allow for building their family later in life.

It's important to note that egg freezing is not a guarantee of future pregnancy, and the success rates of egg freezing vary depending on several factors, such as age and the number and quality of eggs retrieved. It's important to discuss your individual situation and goals with a fertility specialist to determine if egg freezing is the right choice for you.

Understanding Egg Freezing Process Step-by-Step

Egg Freezing Process Timeline

Egg freezing is a multi-step process. What you can expect:

1. Consultation (1 hour): You’ll have your medical history taken and your questions answered.
2. Testing (30 minutes): You’ll have an ultrasound and lab tests done.
3. Reviewing Results (30 minutes): Your treatment team will review the results with you.
4. Medication and Monitoring (10-12 days): You’ll take fertility shots, and your doctor will monitor the progress of your (eggs) ovaries' response.
5. Egg Retrieval (1 hour): You’ll receive anesthesia, and your doctor will retrieve your eggs to be frozen.
6. Recovery (4-5 days): You’ll spend a few days recovering if you feel sore or bloated.

Get started with the egg freezing process by meeting with a reproductive physician for a consultation at IHR at nearby locations. Take the next step in planning for the future family you want to have. Connect with our team today.