Everything Every Woman Should Know About Egg Freezing

Egg freezing, also called mature oocyte cryopreservation, is the process by which a woman’s eggs are harvested from their ovaries, frozen, and stored unfertilized to save their ability to bear a child in the future. Before you have your egg implanted in your uterus through In Vitro fertilization, the frozen egg is first warmed and joined with sperm. This guide tells you everything you need to know about the egg freezing process and why you should consult with Dr. Michael Cho before signing up for it.

Why Is Egg Freezing Done?

Unlike embryo cryopreservation (the freezing of fertilized eggs), egg freezing does not require sperm before the eggs are frozen. Nonetheless, there are many reasons as to why you would prefer egg freezing, such as if you:

•       Wish not to get pregnant now but in the future.
•       Are undergoing in vitro fertilization.
•       Have a pre-existing circumstance or health condition that can negatively affect your fertility.
•       Are undergoing cancer treatment or another illness that can negatively affect your ability to bear a child.

 What Can You Expect From the Procedure?

The egg freezing procedure involves steps that include, egg retrieval, ovarian stimulation, and freezing.

·       Ovarian Stimulation

Before your egg freezing treatment, your doctor will first carry out some tests to examine your body’s reaction to ovarian-stimulation medications before administering them to stimulate your ovaries to produce many eggs. After this, they will recommend post-treatment checkups which will involve having a vaginal ultrasound to examine the development of your fluid-filled sacs (follicles), where eggs mature for egg retrieval.

·       Egg Retrieval

Usually, egg retrieval treatments are performed in a doctor’s clinic or office under sedation. During your egg retrieval procedure, a transvaginal ultrasound probe is carefully guided through into the vagina to identify your fluid-filled sacs. A needle is then connected to a suction device and inserted via your vagina into the identified follicle to remove eggs from it.

·       Freezing

As soon as your unfertilized eggs are harvested, they are immediately cooled to very low temperatures to preserve them for later use.

Possible Risks of Egg Freezing

Despite the absence of research showing any risks of defects for babies born through egg freezing, the egg freezing treatment can sometimes (although rarely) carry different risks such as:

• Using injectable fertility drugs can result in the swelling and pain of your ovaries immediately after ovulation.
• Using an aspirating needle during egg retrieval can cause infection, damage, or bleeding to your bladder, bowel, or other blood vessels.
• There is no guarantee that egg freezing treatments will be successful in getting you pregnant.

Post-Procedure Tips

Normally, you are allowed to resume daily routines soon after a week of your egg retrieval. However, you should immediately contact your doctor if you experience the following post-treatment:

• Severe abdominal pain.
• Trouble urinating.
• Fever exceeding 38.6° C (101.5° F).
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Gain weight of more than 0.9Kg (2lbs) in 24 hours.

Conclusion

If you decide to have an egg freezing procedure, you should consult with the fertility professionals at University Reproductive Associates. With their offices located in Hasbrouck Heights, Wayne, and Hoboken, New Jersey, they will not only educate you more about the benefits and egg retrieval process but also, they will preserve your fertility for future use. Feel free to book an appointment online or call any of their offices today to learn more about their services.