Oocyte Freezing, also known as Egg Freezing or Social Freezing
As women age, the likelihood of conceiving diminishes, primarily due to the declining quantity and quality of oocytes (eggs). Until recently, oocyte or egg freezing was not a common practice because the procedures lacked standardization, and there was insufficient data to support it as a routine fertility preservation technique. However, this situation has evolved, and there is now substantial evidence confirming the safety and effectiveness of egg freezing as a standard procedure for women’s fertility preservation.
At Gada IVF & HD Care Center, we possess both the expertise and the capacity to routinely freeze eggs.
Innovations in Egg Freezing and the Latest Techniques
We have established a Fertility Preservation Program. In 2016, we celebrated our first successful birth from cryopreserved oocytes, and we have transitioned from the older slow freeze method to the more efficient Vitrification protocol. Vitrification, also known as Rapid Freeze, is associated with a significantly higher retrieval rate because it prevents the formation of ice crystals.
Worldwide, more than 6,000 babies have been born from in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles using frozen eggs, and this number continues to grow steadily, thanks to the recognized safety and efficacy of the procedure.
The use of frozen eggs has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly due to the choices made by many celebrities, such as Diana Hayden and Jennifer Frappier.
Common Queries Regarding Egg or Oocyte Freezing
We recognize your apprehensions regarding these relatively modern techniques, and we aim to address all your questions in the following Frequently Asked Questions section.
When Should Oocyte/Egg Freezing Be Considered?
- Women who intend to postpone starting a family for reasons related to their profession, career aspirations, or personal choices should contemplate oocyte freezing. It’s crucial to recognize that both the quantity and quality of oocytes decline as women age. Considering this, professionally-driven women who decide to delay motherhood can explore oocyte freezing. With advancing age, not only do the prospects of pregnancy decrease, but they also come with an increased risk of miscarriages and the potential for chromosomal abnormalities like Down’s syndrome. Therefore, freezing eggs during the appropriate reproductive stage is a sensible option.
- Women diagnosed with malignancy or cancer who are slated to undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy can benefit from fertility preservation through oocyte freezing. Many cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can harm eggs. The extent of this damage may vary, and it’s often unpredictable. Consequently, if an individual is diagnosed with cancer and has future plans for childbearing, oocyte freezing offers a practical option.
- For individuals with a family history of early menopause, known as premature ovarian failure, oocyte freezing provides an opportunity to safeguard their fertility before their egg reserves deplete.
When is the ideal time to consider Egg Freezing?
The prime reproductive years typically fall within a woman’s 20s and early 30s, a period when both egg quantity and quality are at their peak. Understandably, during this phase, the thought of egg freezing may not be a top priority for most women. However, it’s important to recognize that the sooner one decides that conceiving is not an immediate priority, the more advantageous it is to opt for egg freezing.
How Does Egg Freezing Work?
The initial stages mirror those explained in our IVF section:
- Ovarian Stimulation – Super Ovulation
- Egg Retrieval – Collection of Eggs (Refer to IVF Cycle Details)
Following these steps, the eggs undergo freezing. At the Indore Infertility Clinic and IVF Center, the current freezing technique employed is called Vitrification.
How Long Can Eggs Be Preserved and What's the Process for Their Future Use?
Currently, the legal framework permits the storage of eggs, sperm, and embryos for up to five years. It’s important to note that this maximum storage duration is progressively extending as further evidence affirms the safety of the procedure. When a woman decides to pursue pregnancy, the stored eggs are thawed (restored to their normal state), fertilized with her partner’s sperm, and the resulting embryo is subsequently implanted in her uterus.
How Many Eggs Are Needed?
Typically, our objective is to preserve a minimum of 10 eggs. This recommendation is derived from a backward calculation that considers global and center-specific retrieval rates. When 10 oocytes are preserved, it’s anticipated that 7-8 will successfully endure the freezing and thawing procedures. Out of these 7-8 viable oocytes, one can expect the development of 5-6 embryos, leading to an approximate pregnancy success rate of 50-60%. Most women below the age of 38 are likely to produce 10-12 oocytes following successful superovulation.
Is Egg Freezing a Safe Procedure?
The safety of egg freezing is supported by a substantial body of evidence, with over 6,000 babies born globally through this technique. Numerous studies, which are referenced in the resources section below, affirm its safety. The largest study, involving 900 babies, has demonstrated that the risk of complications for both the baby and the mother is on par with that of the general population. As a result of this data, most reproductive medicine societies worldwide have embraced egg freezing as a standard and accepted practice.