Egg freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is a method of preserving fertility if you want to grow your family in the future, but aren’t ready now. Fertility specialists at First Fertility centers can discuss fertility preservation and egg freezing. Learn more about egg freezing below.
The best time to freeze your eggs is at the peak of your fertility. For women, this is commonly in their mid to late 20s. By their late 20s and early 30s, fertility begins to decline. The rate of fertility loss increases around 35 and continues into the early 40s.
When you freeze your eggs, they freeze at the biological age you were at the time. This allows you to use eggs with higher fertility potential when you’re older and ready to grow your family. Frozen eggs can be stored indefinitely, so you can build your family when the time is right.
Your fertility specialist can determine if you are a good candidate for egg freezing. People choose to freeze their eggs for many reasons, from professional goals to the treatment of medical conditions. Our teams will support you through the egg-freezing and fertility treatment process when the time comes.
A fertility assessment can help our fertility specialists determine if egg freezing and which future fertility treatments may be right for you. Regardless of your current age, the right time for a consultation is now.
The first step in the cryopreservation process is to meet with a fertility specialist. You will discuss your family-building plans, medical history, and family history. Your fertility specialist will likely recommend a fertility assessment as well to gather additional information and craft a treatment plan that’s personalized to you.
To prepare for your egg freezing, you will be given hormone medication. This medication stimulates the ovaries to develop several mature eggs. Monitoring appointments will track the growth of your eggs and ovarian follicles. When they are mature, you will take a “trigger shot,” which tells your ovaries it’s time to release your eggs.
The eggs will be collected during a minor procedure under light anesthesia. Once collected, they will be frozen in liquid nitrogen for long-term storage. When you’re ready to use them, they will be thawed.
If you’re interested in preserving your fertility for the future, speak with a fertility specialist about egg freezing. This is an important decision and the fertility specialists at First Fertility locations can help you learn what you need to know about cryopreservation. Schedule an appointment today.
