Egg freezing
Egg freezing
Egg freezing offers a way to preserve fertility for the future. By storing eggs at a younger age, when egg quality is generally higher, it may increase the chances of achieving a pregnancy later in life.
The number of eggs retrieved during a cycle depends largely on age. People in their early 30s often collect a higher number of eggs in a single cycle, while those in their late 30s or beyond may have a reduced ovarian reserve and may need multiple cycles to store a similar quantity.
When someone decides to use their frozen eggs, the eggs are thawed and then fertilised using sperm from a partner or donor. This is usually done using a technique called ICSI, where a single sperm is carefully injected into each egg. The fertilised eggs are then cultured in the laboratory to allow embryos to develop before transfer.
Not all eggs will survive the thawing process, and not every fertilised egg will progress to an embryo.
For example,
· if 10 eggs are thawed,
· around 7–8 may remain viable,
· approximately 5–6 may fertilise,
· and typically, 1–3 embryos may continue developing.
One embryo is usually selected for transfer, and any additional suitable embryos can be stored for future use.
It is important to understand that egg freezing does not guarantee a successful pregnancy. If possible, attempting pregnancy at a younger age may provide additional opportunities, particularly if frozen eggs do not result in a live birth.
As age increases, so do the risks associated with pregnancy, and changes in the uterus or overall health may also affect the chances of success.
Some individuals may conceive naturally earlier in life but later rely on frozen eggs to have additional children as fertility declines.
Because this is a highly personal decision, it is valuable to discuss your situation with your doctor or a fertility counsellor before proceeding.