Egg Freezing Process
Step 1: Fertility Assessment
For the first step in the egg freezing process, you will meet with your doctor to
discuss your medical history and review your needs and expectations. On the third
day of your period, you will have blood work to assess hormonal function which
reflects your current fertility status (“ovarian reserve”) and a vaginal ultrasound
performed to make sure that there are no structural abnormalities and to let us
know how many eggs we may be able to retrieve. The results of these tests will allow
your fertility specialist to assess your current fertility potential and to develop your
personalized egg freezing treatment plan.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
Next, you will give yourself hormone injections which will stimulate your ovaries to
produce as many eggs as possible (this number should be reflected in your initial
ultrasound evaluation). During this process, you will need to come to our office
every few days to receive regular monitoring (ultrasound and blood work) to assess
your response to the medications and to see if doses need adjusting. When your
eggs have matured, your doctor will inform you that it is time to trigger the final
stage of maturation and start the ovulation process (the release of your eggs) using
a different injectable medication. Your eggs will be retrieved as described below.
During stimulation you will need to avoid any exercise that is jarring to your pelvis in
order to protect your ovaries, which will increase in size as the follicles (cysts that
contain the eggs) also grow. You will also need to avoid consuming alcohol,
caffeine, some medications, and many herbal supplements. Your doctor or nurse
will discuss what medications and levels of activity are safe for you to take during
stimulation.
Throughout stimulation you may experience symptoms similar to what you are
accustomed to during your regular monthly menstruation including: fatigue,
Step 3: Egg Retrieval
Thirty-five hours after the “trigger shot” your doctor will collect your eggs during a
minor surgical procedure, which is performed while you are under anesthesia, by
placing a needle through the wall of your vagina into the follicles under ultrasound
guidance. The day of the procedure, you will need a caregiver to drive you home and
to stay with you for the rest of the day as the anesthesia wears off.
For a few days following your retrieval, you may be bloated and experience
cramping and mild discomfort. You will be able to return to work within 24-48 hours
following your retrieval and you will feel completely “back to normal” following your
next period. We ask that you refrain from exercising until after the next period starts.
Step 4: Egg Freezing
(rapidly frozen) and stored securely until you’re ready to use them. The embryologist
will let you know how many mature, healthy eggs have been frozen.
The entire process to prepare for egg freezing and to retrieve the eggs generally
takes 2-3 weeks for most patients, but it can vary depending on the specifics of your
situation.
WHERE YOU FREEZE YOUR EGGS MATTERS
If you’re going to pause your biological clock, do it with a clinic you trust.
All fertility clinics are not created equally. Before choosing an egg freezing clinic,
visit the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) website. All SART
member fertility clinics are required to report success rates in a standardized
manner and require its members to adhere to strict practice, advertising, and
ethical guidelines. Remember, not all clinics are SART members and, therefore, do
not have to adhere to these guidelines!
Since your eventual goal is to have a baby someday, it’s important to make sure that
your chosen clinic is not only able to freeze eggs but has reported success after
eggs are thawed.
Contact us today if you are interested in inquiring about egg freezing. We will
provide a comprehensive medical evaluation to help determine which option is right
for you. We are here for you at every step of your journey.