Egg Freezing FAQ

Egg freezing is a rapidly growing option for fertility preservation. It allows individuals to proactively plan for their future family building. Dr. Riwa Sabbagh, a reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF, provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about egg freezing, explaining the process, success rates, and ideal candidates.

1. What is egg freezing, and why do people choose to do it?
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a fertility preservation technique where an individual's eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. It is often pursued for various reasons, such as:

• Elective Fertility Preservation: Individuals who want to delay having children for personal, professional, or educational reasons.
• Medical Fertility Preservation: People who are about to undergo treatments (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation) or gender-affirming care that could impact their fertility.

2. When is the best time to freeze eggs?
There is no perfect answer, but generally, the best time is during your early to mid-30s. This is when your egg quality and quantity are optimal. If having genetically related children is important and you’re not planning to have children soon, it’s a good idea to consider freezing eggs early. Consult with a reproductive endocrinologist to determine the right time based on your unique circumstances.

3. How many eggs should I freeze?
The number of eggs needed varies based on age and reproductive goals. As a general guideline:

• For people under 35, freezing 12 to 15 mature eggs typically provides a good chance of achieving a future pregnancy.
• For people over 35, more eggs may be needed due to a decline in egg quality and quantity. An individualized plan will be created with your reproductive endocrinologist to decide on the number of eggs required based on your desired family size and current ovarian reserve.

4. What does the egg freezing process look like?
The process typically takes about two weeks, starting with the first day of your menstrual cycle:

1. Initial Consultation and Testing: Your reproductive endocrinologist will evaluate your ovarian reserve and overall health.
2. Stimulation Phase: You will take daily hormone injections for about 10-12 days to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
3. Monitoring: During this phase, you’ll have regular visits (every 1-3 days) for blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor follicle growth.
4. Egg Retrieval: About 36 hours after a trigger shot, the eggs are retrieved in a 15-20 minute procedure under IV sedation.
5. Freezing and Storage: The mature eggs are frozen and can be stored indefinitely.

5. Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?
The egg retrieval process is performed under IV sedation, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild cramping or discomfort afterward, similar to period-like cramps, but these symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

6. Will freezing eggs affect my future fertility?
No. Egg retrieval does not deplete your overall egg reserve. Each menstrual cycle, multiple eggs are recruited, but only one matures and is released during ovulation. The egg retrieval process rescues eggs that would otherwise be lost that cycle, so it doesn’t impact your future ability to conceive naturally.

7. Are there lifestyle changes I should consider before egg freezing?
Living a healthy lifestyle is always beneficial. Although there is no specific preparation required for egg freezing, avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol intake can help. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly is also recommended.

8. Can I exercise during the egg freezing process?
During the first week of stimulation, low-impact exercises are fine. As your ovaries get larger in the second week, it’s best to avoid high-impact activities to reduce the risk of ovarian torsion. Light exercises such as walking or using a stationary bike are safe options.

9. How long can my eggs be stored?
Eggs can be stored indefinitely. There is no set expiration date for frozen eggs, and they remain viable as long as they are properly stored. You can use them whenever you’re ready to start building your family.

10. What are the success rates of egg freezing?
Success rates depend on your age at the time of freezing and the number of eggs frozen. Generally, younger people have higher success rates due to better egg quality. For someone under 35, having 12-15 mature eggs gives a good probability of achieving a live birth. For someone over 40, success rates decline, and more eggs may be needed to achieve similar outcomes.

11. Is egg freezing right for me?
Egg freezing is a personal decision, and it’s best to consult with a reproductive endocrinologist to understand your individual situation. It’s ideal for those who want to preserve their fertility due to medical conditions, personal choices, or uncertain family planning timelines.

If you’re considering egg freezing or want to learn more about your fertility options, the team at Boston IVF is here to help. Schedule a consultation to discuss your reproductive health and explore the best options for your family-building journey.