Egg freezing is something you’ve probably heard about. These services are being offered by a number of new startups, including local fertility clinics.
There are likely scare tactics that you have heard about freezing eggs. This is especially important if you don’t know if you will have a child soon. Are you thinking about egg freezing? Are all the eggs you freeze viable? Are you ripe for egg freezing? Don’t panic! These questions can be answered by us. First, let’s clarify what egg freezing is.
Egg freezing is a medical procedure that has been proven effective and safe for women who are unable to conceive in the near future. It is basically the preservation of a woman’s egg. Women can delay their pregnancy by freezing eggs.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has found that between 20 and 30 is the best time to freeze eggs. Why? Why? Here are some things you should know before freezing eggs.
- Side Effects
Today, it is well-known that every person who wishes to have a medical procedure must be aware of the possible side effects. The big question is: Are there side effects associated with egg freezing? Different bodies respond differently to this procedure. Some women may feel cramping, pain, and mood swings. These symptoms are common and will disappear over time. Unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy if eggs are lost during retrieval.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome affects less than 1% women. This is when the eggs react too strongly to the medication. This syndrome can cause weight gain or bloating in women who are affected. The chances of complications are less during egg retrieval.
- Success Rates
The fact that eggs freeze does not guarantee you will be fertile for life is not an assurance. It is not an insurance policy. It does not guarantee that all eggs frozen will be viable. Your age will affect the number of eggs that survive the heating process. According to ASRM, the current live birth rate is closer to 4-14% per eggs.
The number of eggs and the age at which they are frozen will affect your success rate.
- Price
It is costly to freeze eggs. The cost of a single egg frozen for the whole cycle is estimated at $15,000 to $20,000. If you add in storage costs, the cost could even rise. You should also consider other fees such as the in-vitro fertilization cost if you want to take those eggs out.
The entire process is expensive so it can be difficult to find insurance. You can also consider other financing options prior to completing the process.
- Egg Freezing is a Strenuous Procedure
Your ovarian reserve must be evaluated before egg freezing. The screening will check for any infections in your body. A scan may be performed to assess your ovarian function. The synthetic hormones will be administered to stimulate your ovaries and create a group of follicles. To prevent you from ovulating prior to egg retrieval, medicine will be given. To help your eggs mature, you will need to be given a human chorionic gonatropin. Transvaginal ultrasound aspiration is then used to recover the eggs. The eggs can then be taken out one at a time. After the eggs have been removed, they are cooled in vitrification. The eggs are then flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen. This study has shown that eggs frozen in liquid nitrogen have a 91% survival ratio.
Information is Power
Consider egg freezing if you’re serious about it. Be thorough, ask questions, and be patient.
