The egg freezing process is one of the most modern and effective solutions for those women who want to preserve their fertility.
Whether for medical, personal or professional reasons, many women opt for this technique to keep open the possibility of becoming mothers in the future. Despite what some may imagine, this procedure is quite simple and adapts to different stages of life.
Why freeze eggs?
The passage of time affects the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs, and vitrification (rapid freezing) of eggs is one way to safeguard fertility before these natural changes begin to influence the chances of conception.
It is also an option for those women who must undergo medical treatments that could damage the ovarian reserve, or for those who simply want to delay motherhood for personal or work reasons.
Body Preparation: Ovarian Stimulation
The process of freezing eggs begins with ovarian stimulation. To do this, a woman must follow hormone treatment that allows her ovaries to produce more than one egg during her cycle. Normally, in each menstrual cycle, only one egg matures and is released, but with this treatment, the growth of several follicles is stimulated.
This hormone treatment is given through daily injections, usually over a period of 10 to 14 days, and the doctor closely monitors the development of the follicles using ultrasounds and blood tests.
Egg retrieval
Once the follicles have reached the right size, egg retrieval, also known as follicular aspiration, is scheduled. This procedure is performed under mild sedation, which ensures that the woman does not feel pain or discomfort. Through a fine needle inserted vaginally, the doctor removes the eggs directly from the ovaries.
Egg aspiration is an outpatient process and usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Recovery is quick, and most women can return to their daily activities the next day.
Vitrification: The Freezing Process
Once retrieved, the eggs are evaluated in the laboratory to ensure that they are mature and in good condition for vitrification. The selected mature eggs are subjected to a rapid freezing process, known as vitrification. This method is very effective because it prevents the formation of ice crystals that could damage the eggs during the freezing process.
Unlike conventional freezing techniques, vitrification freezes eggs in a matter of minutes, which significantly increases the survival rates of eggs when thawed in the future.
What happens after freezing?
Once the eggs have been vitrified, they are stored in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures, where they can be kept indefinitely without affecting their quality.
Keep in mind that the time that the eggs remain frozen does not decrease their potential for fertilization in the future. When a woman decides it’s time to try to get pregnant, either months or even years later, the eggs are thawed and used in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
In this process, the eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with a semen sample, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus to attempt pregnancy.
How much does it cost to keep eggs frozen?
Once the eggs have been vitrified, they are stored under special conditions and require proper maintenance. This storage comes with a monthly or annual cost, which can vary depending on the clinic where the procedure is performed.
It is critical for women who wish to vitrify their eggs to be aware of these costs and plan financially for the long term if they decide to keep their eggs frozen for several years.
At Fertivida, we understand that preserving fertility is an important and very personal decision. Our team is committed to guiding and accompanying you every step, offering the necessary support in both the physical and emotional process. We ensure that all of our patients receive the best care and have clear information about the procedure, costs, and expectations.
Freezing eggs is an opportunity to take control over your reproductive future. If you are thinking of taking this step, remember that you can always count on the guidance and experience of our specialists to help you make the best decision for you.
