What is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing is a fertility preservation technique that allows women to preserve and store their eggs for future use. This procedure is often chosen by individuals who want to delay childbearing for personal, medical, or career reasons. By freezing eggs, women can have the option to conceive a child later in life, ensuring their fertility is preserved for a more convenient time.
Benefits of Egg Freezing
- Career and Lifestyle flexibility: Egg freezing allows women to focus on career, education, and personal development without worrying about the biological timeline of fertility.
- Medical preservation: It serves as a safeguard for women undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy, which may affect their reproductive health.
- Family planning: By preserving eggs, individuals have the flexibility to plan a family at a time that suits them best.
- Increased success rates: Higher chances of conception using previously frozen eggs in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) if needed.
How Egg Freezing is performed?
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Initial Consultation and Assessment:
- Step 1: During the initial consultation, the fertility specialist evaluates the individual’s overall health and fertility status. This may involve a review of medical history, assessment of any underlying health conditions, and a physical examination.
- Step 2: The specialist may also conduct blood tests to assess hormone levels, such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which can provide insights into ovarian reserve and overall fertility potential.
- Step 3: Imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, may be performed to assess the condition of the ovaries and the number of follicles.
- Step 1: During the initial consultation, the fertility specialist evaluates the individual’s overall health and fertility status. This may involve a review of medical history, assessment of any underlying health conditions, and a physical examination.
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Ovarian Stimulation:
- Step 1: Once the assessment is complete, the patient will begin ovarian stimulation. This phase involves administering hormonal medications, usually in the form of injections, to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Step 2: Hormonal medications typically contain a combination of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which encourage the development of multiple follicles in the ovaries.
- Step 3: Throughout the ovarian stimulation process, regular monitoring is required to assess the response to the medication. This involves blood tests and frequent ultrasounds to monitor the size and number of developing follicles.
- Step 4: Adjustments to the medication dosage may be made based on the monitoring results to optimize the outcome.
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Egg Retrieval:
- Step 1: The egg retrieval procedure is typically performed under sedation, ensuring the patient is relaxed and comfortable. The sedation is administered intravenously, making the process virtually painless for the patient.
- Step 2: A fine needle is carefully inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovaries to aspirate the eggs from the developing follicles.
- Step 3: The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes, and most patients can return to their daily routine within a day or two.
- Step 4: Once the eggs are collected, they are examined under a microscope to confirm maturity and quality.
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Freezing and Storage:
- Step 1: Once the eggs are collected, they undergo cryopreservation using advanced techniques such as vitrification. Vitrification is a rapid freezing process that helps preserve the eggs’ structural integrity and viability.
- Step 2: The frozen eggs are stored in cryo storage tanks at extremely low temperatures to maintain their viability for future use.
- Step 3: The patient can choose to have their eggs stored for as long as they wish, with continued monitoring to ensure the eggs’ integrity during storage.
By understanding each step of the egg freezing, patients can approach their treatment with confidence, knowing that they are in capable hands at Shukan Hospital & IVF Centre.
Risks of Egg Freezing
Like any medical procedure, egg freezing carries some risks, including:
- Minor risks: Ovarian stimulation medications can have side effects like bloating, discomfort, or mood swings.
- Egg retrieval procedure: Some discomfort or minor complications can occur during the egg retrieval procedure, but they are typically short-lived.
- Emotional and Psychological impact: Managing the emotional and psychological aspects of the procedure and the uncertainty of future outcomes can be challenging.
At Shukan Hospital, we minimize these risks through meticulous planning, advanced technology, and comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care.
Why choose Shukan Hospital & IVF Centre in Ahmedabad for Egg Freezing?
- We have inhouse team, experience embryologists and andrologists full time.
- We provide individualized and compassionate care for each patient, ensuring a tailored approach throughout the egg freezing process.
- Our team of fertility specialists is highly skilled and offers comprehensive consultations, guiding patients every step of the way.
- We utilize advanced and innovative fertility preservation techniques to ensure optimal results.
- A compassionate and supportive environment to assist patients during their journey of egg freezing.
- Our facilities are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide the highest standard of patient care.
- We incorporate cutting-edge technology in our procedures to ensure optimal outcomes and patient safety.
FAqs
How long can eggs be frozen for?
Eggs can be frozen indefinitely using modern cryopreservation techniques. However, the quality and viability of the eggs may vary over extended periods. Advances in fertility preservation technology continue to enhance long-term storage outcomes.
Is egg freezing painful?
The egg retrieval procedure is typically done under sedation, minimizing discomfort for the patient. Any discomfort from ovarian stimulation medication is usually mild and temporary.
Can you get pregnant after freezing eggs?
Yes, you can get pregnant after freezing and using your frozen eggs. The eggs are thawed, fertilized, and transferred to the uterus, just like a typical in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. This process offers a viable option for individuals who have preserved their fertility for future use.
Will I get periods if I freeze my eggs?
Yes, freezing eggs does not affect your natural menstrual cycle. Your periods will continue to occur as normal. The egg freezing process primarily affects the ovarian stimulation phase, which helps produce and collect eggs.
Who should not freeze eggs?
Individuals with certain medical conditions or those who have had severe ovarian damage may not be suitable candidates for egg freezing. A thorough consultation with a fertility specialist can determine whether egg freezing is appropriate based on individual health and circumstances.
How successful is egg freezing?
Success rates vary depending on age, egg quality, and other individual factors. Generally, younger women have higher success rates in achieving a pregnancy using their frozen eggs.
Is there an ideal age to consider egg freezing?
The ideal age to consider egg freezing varies, but generally, younger women (in their late 20s and early 30s) tend to have the highest success rates. Consulting with a fertility specialist can help determine the best time for egg freezing based on individual circumstances.
Can I use my frozen eggs for fertility treatment in the future?
Yes, frozen eggs can be used for fertility treatments in the future. After thawing and ensuring the viability of the eggs, they can be fertilized, and the resulting embryos can be transferred.
How much does egg freezing cost?
The cost of egg freezing varies and depends on the number of cycles and additional services required.
How many eggs should I freeze to increase the chances of success?
The number of eggs needed can vary. Generally, freezing more eggs increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. Your fertility specialist can provide guidance on the optimal number of eggs based on individual factors.
How long does the egg freezing process take?
The egg freezing process typically takes several weeks, including ovarian stimulation, monitoring, and egg retrieval. The timeline may vary based on individual circumstances and medical advice.
Is egg freezing suitable for everyone?
Egg freezing may not be suitable for everyone. A comprehensive consultation with a fertility specialist can help determine whether egg freezing is the best option based on medical history, current health, and reproductive goals.
Can I freeze eggs if I have a medical condition or take medication?
Yes, you can freeze eggs even if you have a medical condition or take medication. However, it’s essential to have a consultation with a fertility specialist to assess the best approach and ensure the treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs.
How do ovarian stimulation medications affect my body during egg freezing?
Ovarian stimulation medications are typically hormone-based and can cause mild side effects such as bloating, mood swings, or mild discomfort. These symptoms generally subside after the treatment phase is completed.
Meet Our Specialists
Dr. Prakash Patel
MBBS, DGO, Diploma in Laparoscopy, Diploma in Fetal Medicine
Specialities: IVF, Male Infertility, Female Infertility
Experience: 10+ years
Language: English, Hindi, Gujarati
- Expert in advanced laparoscopic surgeries.
- Successfully manages complex IVF cases and recurrent miscarriages.
- Proficient in high-risk pregnancy and advanced IVF treatments.
- Compassionate, personalized patient care.
- Certified by top institutions in France and Croatia.
- Member of FOGSI and ISAR, recognized internationally.
Dr. Ajay Prajapati
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), MS (Master of Surgery)
Specialities: IVF, Infertility, Fetal medicine
Experience: 10+ years
Language: English, Hindi, Gujarati
- Over a decade of hands-on experience in fertility and pregnancy challenges.
- Expert in advanced laparoscopy for minimally invasive surgeries.
- FOGSI-certified sonologist, ensuring accurate pregnancy assessments.
- Known for successful outcomes and trusted care in high-risk cases.
- Earned patient trust across Gujarat and beyond
Dr. Hardik Savaliya
MBB, DGO
Specialities: IVF, Male Infertility, Female Infertility
Experience: 5+ years
Language: English, Hindi, Gujarati
- Holistic approach to patient care, providing both medical treatment and emotional support.
- Focuses on empowering women with knowledge about their health.
- Expertise in infertility treatments like IVF, IUI, and other assisted reproductive technologies.
- Successfully treats couples with infertility issues.
- Competent in managing high-risk pregnancies, ensuring safety for mother and baby.
- Skilled in minimally invasive surgeries, offering effective solutions with quicker recovery times.
- Holds MBBS and DGO degrees, with in-depth knowledge in gynecology and obstetrics.