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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can eggs be stored?
UK law allows storage for up to 55 years (updated 2022), with clinic consent.
Does freezing eggs affect future children’s health?
No increased risk of birth defects reported.
Can I use my eggs later?
Eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm (IVF), and transferred as embryos.
What if I don’t use my frozen eggs?
You can donate, discard, or keep them stored (fees apply).
Are there age limits for IVF with frozen eggs?
Most UK clinics set a limit of age 50 for embryo transfer.
