The Procedure

The Procedure

Freezing Your Eggs: A Step-by-Step Guide

During the procedure, medications are used to stimulate eggs to grow. Those eggs are then harvested from the ovaries and frozen for storage. At a later date, the eggs can be thawed and combined with sperm to create an embryo. The embryo can then be implanted into the uterus during an embryo transfer cycle.

The Procedure Explained.

1. FERTILITY ASSESSMENT

This step involves conducting an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test, typically through a blood sample, and a transvaginal ultrasound. These tests provide valuable insights into ovarian reserve and reproductive health, helping the medical team understand your fertility status.

2. INITIAL CONSULATION

During the initial consultation, you'll sit down with a fertility specialist who will carefully review medical history and the results of your fertility assessment, and review the science, the process, and personalized expectations of egg freezing.

3. STIMULATION

Once your fertility assessment is complete and any necessary preparations are made, you'll begin the stimulation phase. This typically involves administering hormone medications, often via small needles or injection pens, to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs during a single menstrual cycle. The goal is to increase the number of eggs available for retrieval, thus improving your chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy.

4. MONITORING

Throughout the stimulation phase, you'll have regular monitoring appointments with your medical team. These appointments may include ultrasound scans to monitor follicle development in the ovaries and blood tests to track hormone levels. By closely monitoring your response to the medication, the doctor can adjust your treatment protocol as needed to optimize results and minimize risks.

5. RETRIEVAL DAY

On the day of egg retrieval, you'll undergo a short surgical procedure performed under mild sedation or anesthesia. Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor will insert a thin needle through the vaginal wall to access the ovaries and aspirate the follicular fluid containing the eggs. This process is typically quick and minimally invasive, with most patients able to return home the same day and resume normal activities within a day or two.

6. VITRIFICATION AND STORAGE

After retrieval, the mature eggs are carefully processed and then frozen using a technique called vitrification, which preserves their viability for future use. The frozen eggs are stored in cryogenic tanks filled with liquid nitrogen, where they can remain viable for several years. This step allows you to preserve your fertility potential and use the eggs when you're ready to pursue pregnancy, regardless of your current circumstances.

5.RECOVERY

Following the egg retrieval procedure, it's common to experience some discomfort, including cramping and bloating, as well as possible side effects from anesthesia. Most patients recover within a few days to a week, although individual recovery times may vary. During this time, it's important to rest and avoid strenuous activities to allow your body to heal fully. Additionally, staying hydrated and following any post-procedure instructions provided by your medical team can help ensure a smooth recovery process.