Egg Freezing

Individuals may choose to freeze their eggs for a number of reasons. The procedure was originally offered to people undergoing cancer treatment. In the event of infertility following treatment, with their eggs frozen, individuals could still try and build a family. These days, many are choosing to freeze their eggs to insure against fertility for other reasons, such as a focus on their career, the desire to wait until they’ve found the right partner, genetic reasons limiting fertility or if an individual is undergoing sex reassignment surgery or hormone therapy.

One of the methods used to freeze oocytes (egg cells) is vitrification.

This concept is based upon the idea that if the cell is dehydrated to a certain degree and then cooled fast enough, everything will “freeze” in place and damage will not have time to occur to the egg cells.

With vitrification, the solution containing the oocyte is cooled so rapidly it forms an instant glass-like structure, meaning water molecules don’t have the chance to form ice crystals that could potentially damage the egg cells.

 

What is Involved?

If you are interested in egg freezing you will first meet with a specialist, who will make sure you are medically healthy. A fertility coordinator will explain the process, medication and any potential risks or side effects of treatment if you decide to go ahead.

The IVF for Egg Freezing treatment cycle generally follows these stages:

• Pre-treatment tests and preparation.
• IVF treatment information and discussion.
• Follicle growth treatment – fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries and promote the growth of follicles containing the eggs.
• Monitoring of follicle growth – developing follicles are monitored with ultrasound and/or blood tests to control their size and quantity.
• Egg collection – once follicles are large enough, they’re carefully emptied to collect the eggs. This procedure is performed by the treating specialist after the patient has been given a general anaesthetic or light sedation.
• Vitrification – eggs are frozen and placed in storage in liquid nitrogen.

 

Storage

The standard storage period for eggs is 10 years. This period can be exceeded only in certain circumstances. Our staff will be able to explain whether you can do this and for how long you may be able to store your eggs. For more information, please visit our page: Eggs, sperm and embryos storage

 

Where do I Start?

If you’re interested in freezing your eggs for possible future use, please ask your GP or specialist for a referral to see one of our fertility doctors at Rainbow Fertility.

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:

• As of 4th June 2020, people wishing to have assisted reproductive treatment in Victoria are no longer required to undergo a criminal records check and child protection order check. For further information please visit our page Legislative Requirements – Victoria.
• When contemplating fertility treatment, you should be aware of the possible risks, some of which are comparable to those of elective surgery. We encourage you to discuss these with your treating specialist.
• All fertility preservation procedures are carried out at City Fertility in our Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC) accredited fertility clinics, where gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos are also stored.

 

Before going ahead with fertility treatment, please consider that each state has different legislation in regard to assisted reproductive treatment. Therefore, we encourage you to refer to your own state legislation for more information and see one of our specialists to discuss your individual circumstances and explore your options.

 

If you’d like to find out more about our fertility preservation services or discuss the options available to you, just give our friendly team a call or send us a message in confidence.