Egg Freezing - Myths & Facts

For a long time egg freezing was given an experimental status as the success rates for egg freezing and subsequent pregnancy were not well defined. In 2012 the experimental label was removed from this procedure and it was introduced into practiced clinical medicine. 

There are some facts one needs to know about egg freezing before you go in for it. 

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a method where a woman's eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored to be used later. Here are some myths and facts about egg freezing:

Myth: Egg freezing is only for women who delay childbearing for career reasons.

Fact: While career planning is a common reason, egg freezing is also used by women facing medical treatments that may affect fertility or those who haven't found a suitable partner yet but want to preserve their fertility.

Myth: Egg freezing guarantees future pregnancy.

Fact: Success rates vary, with factors like age at freezing, quality of eggs, and the number of eggs frozen influencing outcomes. It increases the chances of future pregnancy but doesn't guarantee it.

Myth: Egg freezing is risky and harmful to health.

Fact: Egg freezing is generally safe. The process involves hormone injections for ovarian stimulation, which can have short-term side effects like bloating or mood swings. Long-term risks are minimal, though research continues.

Myth: Only older women need to consider egg freezing.

Fact: While fertility declines with age, even younger women may choose egg freezing for various reasons, such as medical conditions impacting fertility or personal circumstances.

Myth: Frozen eggs have a limited lifespan.

Fact: There's no definitive expiry date for frozen eggs if properly stored. They can potentially remain viable for many years, but success rates may vary over time.

Myth: Egg freezing is prohibitively expensive.

Fact: Costs can be significant, including initial extraction and storage fees, which vary widely by location and clinic. Some employers offer coverage as part of benefits packages.

These points highlight that while egg freezing offers reproductive options, it's crucial for individuals to weigh the benefits, risks, and uncertainties involved based on their unique circumstances.

Female infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and more. At Genessa Fertility, we offer a range of fertility treatments and support services to help identify and treat female infertility, and help you on your journey to parenthood.

It's generally recommended to consider egg freezing before age-related decline in fertility becomes significant, which typically starts in the late 30s. Here's the breakdown:

Early 30s: Egg quality and quantity are generally good, making this an optimal time for egg freezing with higher success rates per egg retrieved.

Late 30s: Fertility declines more noticeably, and egg quality decreases, which can affect the success of egg freezing. However, freezing eggs in the late 30s can still be beneficial for future fertility preservation.

Early 40s and beyond: While egg freezing can still be done, success rates decrease significantly due to further declines in egg quality and quantity.

Therefore, while there's no strict age limit, the effectiveness of egg freezing can vary based on individual circumstances. It's advisable to discuss timing with a fertility specialist to make an informed decision based on your specific reproductive health and goals.

Egg freezing involves several steps and does require time and commitment. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Preparation: Before egg retrieval, there's typically a period of hormonal stimulation (about 10-14 days) involving daily injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

2. Monitoring: During this time, frequent monitoring through blood tests and ultrasound scans is necessary to track ovarian response and adjust hormone doses if needed.

3. Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs reach maturity, a minor surgical procedure is performed under sedation to collect them from the ovaries. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

4. Freezing: After retrieval, the eggs are frozen using a process called vitrification, which preserves them at very low temperatures.

5. Time Commitment: Egg freezing involves multiple clinic visits and careful scheduling to ensure hormone injections are administered correctly and monitoring appointments are attended.

While the process itself is manageable, it's important to recognize that egg freezing does require time, planning, and adherence to medical protocols. It's best approached with guidance from a fertility specialist who can tailor the process to individual needs and circumstances.

No, it's not true that all eggs retrieved through egg freezing will yield a pregnancy. The success of using frozen eggs to achieve a pregnancy depends on several factors:

1. Age of the Woman: Younger women generally have higher-quality eggs, which can lead to higher success rates when used in fertility treatments.

2. Number and Quality of Eggs: The quantity and quality of eggs retrieved vary among individuals. Some eggs may not survive the freezing and thawing process, and others may not fertilize or develop into embryos successfully.

3. Health of the Woman: The woman's overall reproductive health, including factors like uterine health and hormonal balance, can influence the success of implantation and pregnancy.

4. Fertility Treatment Method: The success of using frozen eggs also depends on the specific fertility treatment method used (e.g., in vitro fertilization (IVF) with frozen eggs).

While egg freezing can increase the chances of future pregnancy, it doesn't guarantee it. Success rates vary widely and are influenced by multiple factors, which is why it's important for individuals considering egg freezing to discuss their specific situation with a fertility specialist.

To counteract myths about egg freezing, it's important to provide accurate information and education. Here are some strategies:

1. Education and Awareness: Provide factual information about egg freezing through reliable sources such as medical professionals, fertility clinics, and reputable websites. Highlight the process, success rates, and potential outcomes realistically.

2. Personal Testimonials: Sharing experiences of individuals who have undergone egg freezing can provide real-life insights and dispel misconceptions.

3. Discuss Success Rates: Discuss the actual success rates of egg freezing based on age, number of eggs frozen, and other relevant factors. Emphasize that while it increases the chances of future pregnancy, it's not a guarantee.

4. Address Safety Concerns: Address concerns about the safety and health implications of egg freezing by explaining the rigorous protocols and safety measures followed by fertility clinics.

5. Highlight Diverse Reasons: Highlight that egg freezing is not just for delaying childbearing for career reasons but also for medical purposes or personal circumstances.

6. Cost Considerations: Discuss the costs involved in egg freezing and whether financial assistance or insurance coverage options are available to make it more accessible.

7. Encourage Consultation: Encourage individuals to consult with fertility specialists who can provide personalized information and guidance based on their specific situation.

By promoting accurate information, sharing real experiences, and encouraging informed discussions, you can help counteract myths and misconceptions surrounding egg freezing effectively.

Newer Treatment Advances in Egg Freezing - 

Recent advances in egg freezing technology and techniques have improved outcomes and options for fertility preservation. Here are some notable advancements:

1. Vitrification: Vitrification is a fast-freezing technique that has largely replaced slow freezing for egg preservation. It minimizes ice crystal formation, which can damage eggs, leading to better survival rates after thawing.

2. Egg Quality Assessment: Improved methods for assessing egg quality before freezing help identify the most viable eggs for preservation, potentially increasing the chances of successful pregnancy when used later.

3. Egg Banking: Some fertility clinics offer egg banking services, where eggs from multiple donors are frozen and stored for future use. This expands options for individuals who may not have enough viable eggs for freezing or who prefer to use donor eggs.

4. Genetic Screening: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can be performed on embryos created from thawed eggs to screen for genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities before implantation, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.

5. Fertility Preservation for Medical Reasons: Advances in egg freezing have expanded options for women undergoing medical treatments that may impact fertility, such as chemotherapy. This allows them to preserve their fertility before starting treatment.

6. Social Egg Freezing: Increasing social acceptance and advancements in egg freezing technology have made it more accessible for women who wish to delay childbearing for personal or career reasons.

These advancements reflect ongoing research and technological improvements aimed at enhancing the efficacy, safety, and accessibility of egg freezing as a fertility preservation option. They provide more choices and better outcomes for individuals considering this option for their reproductive futures.

How long we can keep frozen eggs? 

Frozen eggs can be stored for a significant amount of time, but the exact duration can vary based on several factors:

1. Storage Facility: Eggs are typically stored in specialized cryogenic tanks filled with liquid nitrogen, which maintains very low temperatures (around -196°C). The quality and longevity of storage depend on the reliability and maintenance of these facilities.

2. Vitrification Technique: Eggs frozen using vitrification (a rapid freezing method) generally have higher survival rates and better long-term storage potential compared to slow freezing methods.

3. Regulatory Guidelines: Regulatory guidelines in different countries may specify maximum storage durations for frozen eggs. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety and viability of stored reproductive tissues.

4. Quality at Freezing: The quality of eggs at the time of freezing can impact their longevity in storage. Higher-quality eggs are more likely to survive the freezing and thawing process intact and maintain viability over time.

In general, most fertility clinics and storage facilities aim to maintain frozen eggs for extended periods, potentially decades, under optimal conditions. It's essential for individuals considering egg freezing to discuss storage durations and guidelines with their fertility clinic to understand the options available and any regulatory limitations that may apply.

Outcome of egg Freezing through IVF - 

The outcome of egg freezing through IVF (in vitro fertilization) can vary based on several factors:

1. Success Rates: Success rates depend significantly on the age of the woman at the time her eggs were frozen. Generally, younger women (under 35) tend to have higher success rates because their eggs are typically of higher quality.

2. Number of Eggs Frozen: The more eggs that are frozen and stored, the greater the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. This is because not all thawed eggs will survive, fertilize, and develop into viable embryos.

3. Quality of Thawed Eggs: The vitrification process (rapid freezing) has significantly improved egg survival rates compared to older slow freezing methods. However, the quality of thawed eggs can still impact the success of fertilization and embryo development.

4. Fertility Clinic Expertise: The expertise of the fertility clinic and the techniques used in IVF procedures also play a crucial role in the outcome. Experienced clinics with high success rates in IVF procedures generally yield better outcomes for egg freezing patients.

5. Use of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Genetic screening of embryos (PGT) can help identify chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders before embryo transfer, potentially increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Overall, while egg freezing through IVF offers reproductive options, it's important to discuss realistic expectations and success rates with a fertility specialist. They can provide personalized guidance based on individual circumstances and help navigate the process effectively