Should I Freeze My Eggs?

Everything You Need to Know About Egg Freezing

Egg freezing is a powerful option for potential parents, offering the chance to safeguard fertility while pursuing life's other goals. This article delves into its advantages, success rates, key factors, risks, and the pathway it opens for future family building through IVF. 

What is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process that allows you to store eggs for future use. Mature eggs are harvested from the ovaries, frozen, and stored until needed. The eggs can later be thawed, fertilized with sperm, and used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) when you're ready to start a family.

Why Choose to Freeze Your Eggs?

There are several reasons you might choose to freeze your eggs:

• Medical reasons: Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can impact fertility. Egg freezing provides a lifeline for those facing such treatments.
• Finding the right partner: Egg freezing allows you to seek out the right partner while ensuring the availability of healthy eggs when the time is right. 
• Age-related concerns: As a woman's age increases, the quality and quantity of eggs decrease. Egg freezing at a younger age can help safeguard against age-related fertility decline. Someone with a strong family history of premature ovarian failure (early menopause) may choose to freeze their eggs earlier in life. 
• Career-building: Egg freezing gives you the flexibility to prioritize professional success without compromising future family plans.
• To preserve fertility and plan for family-building later. Trans individuals with eggs may choose to freeze their eggs before undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Success Rates Across Different Age Groups

Egg freezing success rates can vary depending on the age at which the eggs are frozen. Generally, younger individuals tend to have higher success rates. For example, women in their 20s or early 30s typically have a higher chance of achieving a successful pregnancy using frozen eggs compared to those in their late 30s or 40s. However, each person's situation is unique.

Factors Affecting Egg Freezing Success

Several factors can influence the success of egg freezing:

• Age: Younger individuals typically produce healthier eggs.
• Egg quantity and quality: The number and quality of eggs retrieved impact the likelihood of success.
• Individual health: Overall health, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions can affect the success of egg freezing.

Risks and Considerations

While egg freezing is generally safe, being aware of potential risks and considerations is essential. These may include hormonal side effects during the stimulation phase, the need for multiple egg retrieval procedures, and the possibility of not achieving a successful pregnancy. Consulting with a fertility specialist can help individuals make informed decisions.

Building Your Family Through IVF in the Future

Egg freezing can be the first step on the path toward family building. With the security of having frozen eggs in reserve, you decide when you’re ready for parenthood. Egg freezing can give you the freedom to build the life you want and then build your family on a solid foundation through IVF.

Your Fertility Partners

Egg freezing empowers you to make informed decisions about your reproductive future, provides peace of mind and flexibility in pursuing your life goals, and gives you the security of knowing you can build a family when the time is right. We're here to support and guide you through every step of your journey. Contact us today.