Egg Freezing: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
Overview
Women's eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for use in the future in a medical procedure known as egg freezing, also called oocyte cryopreservation. This technique is commonly used by women who wish to preserve their fertility for various reasons, including delaying childbearing due to career or personal goals, undergoing medical treatments that may affect fertility, or preserving fertility before undergoing gender-affirming treatments.
Preparation
The following steps are typically involved in egg freezing preparation:
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Before undergoing egg freezing, women usually consult with a fertility specialist to discuss their medical history, reproductive goals, and egg freezing.
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An ultrasound scan and blood test can be used to determine a woman's ovarian reserve, which determines the quantity and quality of her eggs.
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In order to maximize the number of eggs retrieved during the procedure, women undergo ovarian stimulation with hormonal medications to stimulate their ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Procedure
There are several key steps involved in freezing eggs:
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Women self-administer hormone injections to stimulate their ovaries to produce multiple eggs over a period of about 10-14 days.
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After the eggs have matured, a fertility specialist performs a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided egg retrieval. A thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to aspirate the fluid-containing eggs from the ovarian follicle.
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In order to preserve the eggs' viability, the retrieved eggs are immediately frozen using a process called vitrification. This involves rapidly cooling the eggs to ultra-low temperatures to prevent ice crystal formation.
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The frozen eggs are stored in a specialized laboratory facility called a cryobank until they are ready for use.
Recovery
The egg retrieval procedure can cause mild discomfort or bloating due to ovarian stimulation. Most women are able to resume normal activities within a day or two.
Risks
In general, egg freezing is considered safe, but it does carry some risks, including:
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In rare cases, ovarian stimulation medications may cause OHSS, which is characterized by enlarged ovaries and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
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If more than one embryo is implanted during a future IVF cycle using frozen eggs, there is a risk of multiple pregnancies, which may pose health risks to both the mother and the child.
Aftercare
The following aftercare instructions may be given to women after egg freezing:
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Women typically have follow-up appointments with their fertility specialist to monitor their progress.
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In the future, women may be advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
By undergoing this procedure, women can extend their reproductive lifespan and be able to pursue pregnancy at the appropriate time. Egg freezing is a fertility preservation option that allows women to preserve their eggs for future use. It is important to consult with a fertility specialist to discuss your options and develop a customized treatment plan if you are considering egg freezing.
