What Is Egg Freezing
Egg freezing, medically known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation technique in which a woman's eggs are collected, frozen, and stored for future use. When you are ready to start a family, the eggs are thawed, fertilised in our laboratory, and transferred as embryos.
Egg quantity and quality generally change with age. Freezing eggs preserves them at the stage at which they are frozen, but it does not guarantee a future pregnancy. The potential benefits and limitations depend on factors including age at freezing, the number of mature eggs stored, and their later use.
Vitrification is a rapid-freezing method used for egg cryopreservation. Outcomes after thawing vary, and the laboratory method and expected results should be discussed with the treating fertility specialist. Confirm the technique currently offered at the hospital.
Who Should Consider Egg Freezing
- Women planning pregnancy later for career, education, personal, or relationship reasons
- Women advised cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation that may affect fertility
- Women undergoing surgery for conditions like endometriosis or ovarian cysts that may reduce ovarian reserve
- Women with a family history of early menopause or a declining ovarian reserve
- Couples in IVF treatment who wish to preserve eggs for future cycles
Age can influence egg-freezing outcomes, but there is no single age that is appropriate for everyone. A fertility specialist can discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and risks in light of your medical history, ovarian reserve, and reproductive plans.
The Egg Freezing Process
Step 1: Fertility Assessment
The initial assessment may include a consultation, review of medical history, ovarian reserve tests such as AMH, and ultrasound examination, depending on individual clinical needs.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
Fertility medication may be prescribed to stimulate the development of multiple follicles. The medication plan and duration vary according to the individual's response and clinical assessment.
Step 3: Monitoring
Ultrasound scans and, where indicated, hormone tests may be used to monitor follicle development and help the treating team determine the timing of egg retrieval.
Step 4: Egg Retrieval
Mature eggs are frozen within hours of retrieval using vitrification and stored securely in our embryology laboratory until you are ready to use them.
Step 5: Vitrification & Storage
Mature eggs are frozen within hours of retrieval using vitrification and stored securely in our embryology laboratory until you are ready to use them.
Why Choose Mayflower for Egg Freezing
- Fertility assessment Consultation and investigations may help determine whether egg freezing is an appropriate option for an individual's circumstances.
- Individualised treatment planning The proposed stimulation protocol and monitoring plan depend on clinical findings and the patient's response to treatment.
- Egg cryopreservation Ask the hospital about the freezing method, laboratory arrangements, and storage services currently available.
- Cost information Request details of treatment charges, medication costs, storage fees, and any additional charges that may apply.
- Discussion of benefits and risks A consultation can cover the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and alternatives to egg freezing.
- Related fertility services Contact the hospital to confirm whether fertility treatment, fertility-preservation procedures, and related specialist consultations are available.
Understanding Egg Freezing
Egg freezing is a fertility preservation option, but it cannot guarantee a future pregnancy. The potential outcome depends on factors such as age at freezing, the number of mature eggs stored, and how the eggs are used in future treatment. Discuss the likely benefits, limitations, and available options with a fertility specialist.
Meet Our Fertility Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
Age is an important factor when considering egg freezing, but the appropriate timing varies between individuals. A fertility specialist may review your medical and reproductive history and, where indicated, ovarian reserve investigations. The potential benefits and limitations should be discussed before deciding whether to proceed.
Egg storage is subject to applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and the storage arrangements agreed with the facility. Freezing does not guarantee that an egg will lead to a future pregnancy. Contact the hospital to confirm the permitted storage period, consent requirements, renewal arrangements, and applicable fees.
Egg freezing involves ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, and the effects and risks should be discussed with a fertility specialist. The procedure does not guarantee future fertility or pregnancy, and individual circumstances may affect natural conception. Ask your specialist about potential risks, ovarian reserve, and alternatives before proceeding.
Egg retrieval may involve sedation or another anaesthesia arrangement, depending on the clinical plan and facility protocol. Discomfort, side effects, and recovery vary between individuals. The treating team should explain the procedure, potential risks, pain-management arrangements, and expected recovery before treatment.
There is no single number of eggs that can guarantee a future pregnancy. The number that may be considered depends on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, treatment response, and reproductive goals. A fertility specialist can explain the limitations of available estimates and discuss an individual treatment plan, including whether more than one cycle may be considered.
The cost of egg freezing may depend on the treatment plan, medication, egg retrieval, laboratory services, and storage arrangements. Contact the hospital at +91 6352 800 850 to enquire about current charges, what is included, and any additional fees that may apply.
If you are considering egg freezing, contact Mayflower to enquire about consultation arrangements, available services, potential risks, and treatment costs.
Schedule a Consultation TodayExplore Our Fertility Services
IVF Clinic
Information about IVF treatment and related fertility services. Contact the hospital to confirm the available treatment options, laboratory facilities, and monitoring arrangements.
Learn MoreEndometriosis & IVF
Information about endometriosis and fertility treatment options. The appropriate approach depends on clinical findings; contact the hospital to confirm available consultations and services.
Learn MoreEndoscopic Surgery
Information about endoscopic surgery and related treatment options. Whether a minimally invasive procedure is suitable, and its potential risks and recovery, depend on the condition and clinical assessment.
Learn More