Fertility is a deeply personal journey, and thanks to advancements in reproductive technology, women now have the option to take control of their future through egg freezing. Whether you're planning to delay motherhood for personal, career, or health reasons, egg freezing offers a scientifically proven method to preserve fertility.

In this guide, we’ll break down what egg freezing is, how the process works, who should consider it, and what to expect.

What is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing, medically known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where a woman’s eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use. These frozen eggs can later be thawed, fertilised with sperm, and implanted into the uterus through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Unlike embryo freezing (which involves fertilising the egg before freezing), egg freezing allows women to preserve their eggs unfertilised, giving them the freedom to decide on parenthood later.

Why Do Women Choose to Freeze Their Eggs?

Women opt for egg freezing for various reasons, including:

• Delaying Motherhood – Many women want to focus on their careers, education, or personal growth before having children.
• Medical Conditions – Women undergoing cancer treatment or other medical conditions that affect fertility may choose to freeze their eggs.
• Declining Fertility with Age – Female fertility naturally declines with age, and egg freezing allows women to store younger, healthier eggs for future use.
• Not Ready for Parenthood – Some women have not found the right partner or are not emotionally ready for children but want to keep their options open.

When is the Best Time to Freeze Your Eggs?

The ideal time to freeze eggs is in the 20s to early 30s, as this is when egg quality and quantity are at their peak. However, women in their late 30s can still benefit from egg freezing, although success rates may be lower due to decreased egg quality.

A fertility specialist can assess your ovarian reserve through tests like AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels and antral follicle count to determine if egg freezing is a good option for you.

How Does the Egg Freezing Process Work?

The egg freezing process takes about two to three weeks and involves several key steps:

1. Ovarian Stimulation

You’ll take hormone injections for about 10-14 days to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the usual single egg per cycle.

2. Monitoring & Egg Maturation

During this period, your doctor will monitor your egg development through blood tests and ultrasound scans. Once the eggs have matured, a trigger injection is given to prepare them for retrieval.

3. Egg Retrieval

This is a minor outpatient procedure performed under sedation. The doctor will use an ultrasound-guided needle to collect eggs from your ovaries. It typically takes 15-20 minutes, and you can go home the same day.

4. Freezing the Eggs

The collected eggs are rapidly frozen using a technique called vitrification, which prevents ice crystal formation and ensures a higher survival rate when thawed.

How Long Can Frozen Eggs Be Stored?

Eggs can be stored for several years without a decline in quality. Many fertility clinics allow storage for 10+ years, but legal regulations may vary depending on your location. When you decide to use the eggs, they will be thawed, fertilised, and transferred into the uterus through IVF.

Success Rates of Egg Freezing

While egg freezing is a promising option, success depends on the age at the time of freezing, the number of eggs retrieved, and egg quality.

• Women who freeze eggs before 35 have higher success rates.
• On average, 8-15 eggs are needed per pregnancy attempt.
• Not all frozen eggs will survive thawing or fertilisation, which is why multiple eggs are collected.

Risks and Considerations

While egg freezing is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of:

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) – A condition where the ovaries over-respond to fertility medications, causing bloating and discomfort.
• Egg Survival Rate – Not all eggs will survive the freezing and thawing process.
• Emotional Considerations – Egg freezing does not guarantee a future pregnancy, and emotional readiness is essential.
• Cost – The procedure can be expensive, including retrieval, storage, and eventual IVF treatment.

Is Egg Freezing Right for You?

Egg freezing is a personal decision that depends on your health, fertility goals, and life circumstances. If you’re considering egg freezing, it’s important to consult with a fertility specialist who can provide personalised advice based on your medical history and fertility tests.

Consult with Dr. Isha Kriplani for Expert Guidance

If you’re thinking about fertility preservation, Dr. Isha Kriplani, a renowned Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Infertility Specialist, and Laparoscopic Surgeon can help you understand your options and guide you through the egg freezing process.

Book a consultation today to take control of your reproductive future with confidence!