Why choose egg freezing?
- You don’t have a suitable partner at the moment,
- you have recently been diagnosed with cancer,
- you want to postpone parenthood,
- as a preventive measure.
At what age should you freeze your eggs?
The ideal age for egg retrieval is around 25 years old when they reach their highest quality. However, it is possible to freeze them later as well.
How do we preserve the eggs?
Cryopreservation is used to preserve the eggs. They are stored frozen in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 °C in special containers. The slow freezing method previously used has now been replaced by vitrification, which causes an immediate sharp drop in temperature. Unlike slow freezing, no ice crystals are formed that could damage the cells.
How long can we store the eggs?
Eggs frozen using the vitrification method can be stored for several decades. Once the right time comes for you, they can be easily thawed and used.
How is the egg retrieval process done?
The egg retrieval procedure involves the extraction of follicular fluid using a thin needle, which is done vaginally. This process is carried out under general anesthesia and with the guidance of ultrasound. In the laboratory, embryologists locate the eggs within the retrieved fluid. The procedure itself typically lasts for only 10 to 15 minutes, after which you will be monitored and allowed to rest for a few hours under medical supervision.