Egg freezing is an invaluable opportunity that modern medicine offers women to preserve fertility. Today, many women postpone pregnancy because of career goals or relationships and eventually face certain reproductive difficulties after the age of 40, when both the quantity and quality of eggs begin to decline. That is why preventive freezing of reproductive cells can help avoid difficult situations.
When is it useful and optimal?
As mentioned above, egg freezing may be beneficial in various situations, summarized below.
Conscious postponement of pregnancy for personal, professional, or family reasons. In cases of chemotherapy or ovarian surgery that may reduce reproductive function. During assisted reproductive treatments, when not all retrieved eggs are used immediately or to avoid repeated ovarian stimulation in case of unsuccessful pregnancy attempts.
What is the best age for egg retrieval and freezing? A woman’s age is a key factor in fertility. The number and quality of eggs present in the ovaries from birth gradually decrease over time. For this reason, the best period for egg retrieval and freezing is before the age of 40. At this stage, ovarian reserve is generally still good, reproductive potential remains high, and both the quantity and quality of eggs allow for optimal outcomes.
How does the egg freezing procedure work?
First of all, it is important to highlight the main step — the initial consultation with a gynecologist. This includes a gynecological examination, ultrasound assessment of ovarian reserve, and blood tests for hormones, particularly Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
Once the possibility and appropriateness of egg freezing are confirmed, the patient undergoes personalized and carefully monitored ovarian stimulation through the administration of specific hormones aimed at maturing several eggs simultaneously. Approximately two weeks later, the eggs are retrieved.
Oocyte retrieval is a simple and well-tolerated procedure performed under local anesthesia or sedation. After retrieval, the reproductive cells are treated with cryoprotectants and subjected to ultra-rapid freezing to preserve their viability (vitrification). This method reduces the risk of ice crystal formation associated with traditional freezing techniques and increases the survival rate of reproductive cells after thawing. At this stage, the eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C.
Later, these eggs can be thawed and used in assisted reproductive procedures. It should be emphasized that success rates are comparable to those achieved with fresh eggs, especially when the eggs were collected and cryopreserved at a younger age.
What should you do?
Every case is unique. A consultation with a fertility specialist regarding egg freezing can provide invaluable guidance, even if it is simply an opportunity to clarify doubts and better understand one’s reproductive potential.
Medical Center Boholiuby guarantees advanced technical expertise, including vitrification and cryopreservation of eggs, sperm cells, and embryos. Patients receive personalized support and an individual approach, both of which are essential for undergoing these procedures with confidence and peace of mind.
Egg freezing is a strategic and forward-looking choice for those who wish to preserve fertility for personal, medical, or professional reasons. It is a safe and effective procedure supported by modern technologies that ensure high success rates when performed in a timely manner.
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