Fertility Preservation/Egg Freezing 101

Fertility preservation, often achieved through a process known as egg freezing or oocyte cryopreservation, has become a valuable option for women who wish to safeguard their ability to have biological children in the future.

Whether it's due to medical reasons, personal choices, or career aspirations, fertility preservation offers a way to preserve the possibility of motherhood. Let's explore the essentials of this procedure.

Why Choose Fertility Preservation?

There are several common reasons why women opt for fertility preservation:

• Medical Conditions: Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can impact fertility. Preserving eggs before undergoing these treatments can increase the chances of conceiving later.
• Age-Related Concerns: As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs diminish. Egg freezing allows women to freeze their eggs at a younger age when they are healthier and more viable for future use.
• Career and Life Goals: Many women choose to focus on their careers or personal development in their younger years and decide to preserve their fertility until they are ready to start a family.
• Family Planning: Fertility preservation gives women greater control over when and how they want to build their families, providing peace of mind and flexibility.

The Egg Freezing Process

Egg freezing involves several key steps:

• Ovarian Stimulation: To retrieve multiple eggs, a woman undergoes hormonal stimulation, typically for a period of 10-14 days.
• Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved using a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration.
• Cryopreservation: The retrieved eggs are then frozen using a process called vitrification, preserving them for future use.
• Storage: The frozen eggs are stored in a fertility clinic until the woman is ready to use them.
• Thawing and Fertilisation: When the woman decides to use her frozen eggs, they are thawed, fertilized with sperm (either from a partner or a donor), and the resulting embryos are transferred into her uterus.

Success Rates and Considerations

Success rates of egg freezing can vary, but advancements in the field have significantly improved outcomes. It's important to consider factors such as age at the time of egg retrieval and the number of eggs frozen, as these can impact the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Fertility preservation through egg freezing is an empowering option that allows women to take control of their reproductive future. By preserving healthy eggs at a younger age, women can increase their chances of having biological children when they are ready. It's essential to consult with a fertility specialist to discuss individual options and considerations when considering fertility preservation.