Egg/Embryo Freezing
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a process in which a woman's eggs (oocytes) are extracted, frozen, and stored as a method to preserve fertility. Egg freezing for future use can increase the chances of getting pregnant in the future.
Embryo freezing, also called embryo cryopreservation, is a process to freeze and store embryos for future use. An embryo is an egg that has been fertilized by a sperm. Frozen embryo transfer occurs when an embryo is thawed and implanted into a woman’s uterus.
EGG FREEZING
What to expect
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May or may not be advised to take birth control pills.
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Complete transvaginal ultrasound within 3 days of the menstrual cycle.
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Take fertility drugs such as Clomiphene (Clomid), Letrozole (Femara), or Gonadotropins for around 10 days.
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Be monitored by transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests for the development of the follicles to decide when to trigger for Egg Retrieval.
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Undergoing Egg Retrieval procedure which is guided by transvaginal ultrasound under IV sedation.
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Eggs will be frozen and stored in an embryology lab.
Who needs this?
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Social or personal reasons to delay childbearing
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Patients undergoing cancer treatments or surgeries
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Risk of premature ovarian failure
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Ovarian disease with risk of damage to the ovaries
Advantages
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Frozen eggs can be stored indefinitely.
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Can safeguard fertility prior to any surgery or medical treatment like chemotherapy.
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Allows individuals to store healthy eggs for future use.
More info
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May perform an assessment of ovarian reserve.
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An evaluation of medical history, laboratory testing, and storage consent agreement must be completed.
Q&A
EMBRYO FREEZING
What to expect
-
May or may not be advised to take birth control pills
-
Complete transvaginal ultrasound within 3 days of the menstrual cycle.
-
Take fertility drugs such as Clomiphene (Clomid), Letrozole (Femara), or Gonadotropins for around 10 days
-
Be monitored by transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests for the development of the follicles to decide when to trigger for Egg Retrieval.
-
Undergoing Egg Retrieval procedure which is guided by transvaginal ultrasound under IV sedation.
-
Semen will be collected.
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Fertilization with sperm on the day of egg retrieval.
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Embryos will be frozen at the blastocyst stage and stored in an embryology lab
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Embryos can be biopsied for genetic testing before freezing.
Who needs this?
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Patients undergoing hormone therapy, cancer treatment, or another medical intervention
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Patients wanting to delay pregnancy to a later date
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Patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
Advantages
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Over 99% of frozen embryos survive the thawing process.
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Provides a higher pregnancy rate, compared to egg freezing.
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Allows Preimplantation Genetic Screening.
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Allows potential parents to choose the healthiest embryos.
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Allows potential parents to choose their best time to be parents.
More info
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Eggs from women less than 35 years old have the highest chance of resulting in pregnancy
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Frozen embryos are stored and monitored at the fertility center
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Can be safely preserved indefinitely.
