Egg Freezing & Fertility Preservation: What You Need to Know

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Egg Freezing & Fertility Preservation

Starting Your Journey with Egg Freezing

Egg freezing, scientifically known as oocyte cryopreservation, has gained popularity as a choice for women seeking to preserve their fertility. Whether it’s due to delaying family planning or concerns about age-related fertility decline, egg freezing offers a potential solution. However, making this decision comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we will delve into the science of egg freezing, discuss its pros and cons, break down the preparation process, and address concerns.

Egg Freezing: The Science

Every female is born with all the eggs she’ll ever have, housed in structures called follicles. However, only a fraction of these eggs will undergo ovulation; the rest will deteriorate and die. Egg freezing is designed to preserve the eggs that would otherwise perish, providing women with future reproductive possibilities.

The Pros and Cons of Egg Freezing

Before deciding, weighing the pros and cons of egg freezing is essential.

Pros of Egg Freezing

  • Preserving Fertility: Egg freezing allows you to protect your fertility for a later time, offering flexibility for family planning.
  • Flexibility: You can delay pregnancy until you feel more prepared, whether for personal, professional, or health reasons.
  • Avoiding Age-Related Decline: Freezing eggs at a younger age can help prevent complications associated with age-related fertility decline.

Cons of Egg Freezing

  • Cost: Egg freezing and its subsequent procedures can be expensive.
  • No Guarantee: Egg freezing does not guarantee a successful pregnancy, as the process has inherent risks. Not all eggs may survive the freezing and thawing, and even fertilised eggs may not always result in a successful pregnancy.
  • Medical Risks: The procedure involves hormone injections and an egg retrieval process, which carry medical risks.
  • Emotional Considerations: The decision to freeze eggs can be emotionally complex and requires considerations about future health and family planning goals.

How to Prepare for Egg Freezing

If you’ve decided that egg freezing might be a good idea, preparation is essential for a smooth process.

Step 1: Initiate the Process with a Comprehensive Consultation with Dr Nothman

Start your journey with a crucial step: an in-depth consultation with a fertility specialist. This step evaluates your reproductive health and discusses your fertility goals, providing the guidance and support you need.

Step 2: Undergo Fertility Testing

Several fertility tests are necessary to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for egg freezing.

Step 3: Consider the Timing

Timing is crucial in egg freezing, and factors such as age and health will influence the decision.

Step 4: Financial Planning-A Crucial Aspect of the Egg Freezing Process

Plan financially, considering the costs of egg freezing, storage fees, and potential future IVF treatments. In partnership with Genea, a leading organisation in fertility services, Dr Nothman is pleased to offer interest-free financing options to help you achieve your reproductive goals. He is committed to helping facilitate this for you, ensuring that your financial planning is as smooth and supportive as possible.

Step 5: Prepare for the Procedure

Mentally and physically prepare for the hormone injections and egg retrieval procedure. Dr Nothman and his team will guide you through the process to help make it as smooth and pleasant as possible.

Addressing Common Concerns About Egg Freezing

It’s natural to have concerns about egg freezing.

How Successful is Egg Freezing?

The success of egg freezing depends on several factors, including the age at which the eggs are frozen and the number of eggs retrieved. Younger women generally have higher success rates. However, it’s important to remember that while egg freezing preserves eggs at a certain age, it doesn’t guarantee a future pregnancy.

Will the Hormone Injections Affect My Health?

Hormone injections are generally safe but may cause side effects such as bloating, mood swings, and discomfort. There is a small risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), but serious complications are rare. Your fertility specialist will monitor you closely to minimise risks.

How Long Can Eggs Be Frozen?

Eggs can be frozen indefinitely without significant quality decline. Studies have shown that eggs can remain viable for many years, providing flexibility.

What If I Don’t Use My Frozen Eggs?

If you decide not to use your frozen eggs, you have several options: you can keep them in storage, donate them to another person or couple, donate them for research, or have them discarded. Your decision should align with your personal values and future family planning goals.

Is Egg Freezing Right for Me?

Whether egg freezing is proper depends on your circumstances, such as age, fertility health, and future family plans. A consultation Dr Simon Nothman can provide personalised advice and help you make an informed decision.

In Summary

Egg freezing offers the potential for fertility preservation but requires careful consideration. You can make an informed decision by understanding the pros and cons, adequately preparing, and addressing concerns. Remember, consulting with a fertility specialist can provide the guidance and support you need.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re considering egg freezing and want to explore options, book a consultation with Dr Simon Nothman today. He is here to help you make the best decision for your future family planning. Contact us now to schedule your appointment.

Egg Freezing & Fertility Preservation FAQs

What age is ideal for egg freezing?

The ideal age for egg freezing is typically in your late 20s to early 30s when egg quality and quantity peak. However, depending on your fertility health, it can still be an option in your mid-30s.

How many eggs should I freeze?

The number of eggs to freeze varies based on individual circumstances. Generally, freezing 15-20 eggs increases the likelihood of a future pregnancy. Many women undergoing egg freezing need to undergo three or more cycles of treatment to achieve the requisite number of eggs, but this will vary greatly depending on one’s age, ovarian reserve, and fertility goals. Dr Nothman can provide personalised recommendations based on your health and goals.

Can I still conceive naturally after egg freezing?

Yes, you can still conceive naturally after egg freezing. The procedure does not affect your natural fertility. The frozen eggs serve as a backup option for the future.

Does egg freezing guarantee a future pregnancy?

While egg freezing preserves your eggs at a certain age, it does not guarantee a future pregnancy. Success depends on various factors, including the quality of the eggs and your health at the time of use.

How painful is the egg retrieval process?

The egg retrieval process is typically performed under sedation or anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort, cramping, or bloating may occur afterwards, but these symptoms are usually mild and temporary.

    © 2024 All rights reserved. Dr Simon Nothman. ABN 54 572 986 907