Egg freezing has emerged as a beacon of hope for many women seeking to preserve their fertility for the future. As more individuals choose to delay parenthood due to personal, professional, or medical reasons, the process is gaining traction. However, an important question often arises: Does egg freezing guarantee a future pregnancy? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind egg freezing, its success rates, and what to consider before opting for this procedure.
What Is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing, medically known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where a woman’s eggs are harvested, frozen, and stored for future use. This allows women to use their younger, healthier eggs when they are ready to conceive. The procedure is often performed at an
IVF clinic or
IVF centre and is a part of the broader IVF process.
The steps include:
- Ovarian Stimulation: The patient is given hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Egg Retrieval: A minor surgical procedure is performed to extract the eggs.
- Cryopreservation: The eggs are frozen using a process called vitrification, which prevents ice crystals from forming and damaging the cells.
Does Egg Freezing Guarantee Pregnancy?
In short, egg freezing does not guarantee pregnancy. While the procedure provides an opportunity to preserve fertility, its success depends on several factors, including the woman’s age at the time of freezing, the quality of the eggs, and the expertise of the
IVF clinic.
Key Factors Affecting Success
-
Age at Freezing:
- Women in their early to mid-30s typically have higher-quality eggs compared to those in their late 30s or 40s. Freezing eggs earlier increases the likelihood of a successful embryo transfer later.
- By the time a woman reaches her 40s, both egg quantity and quality decline, making successful pregnancies less likely even with frozen eggs.
-
Number of Eggs Frozen:
- Experts recommend freezing at least 15-20 mature eggs to maximise the chances of a future pregnancy.
-
Expertise of the Clinic:
- Choosing the best gynecologist hospital in Bangalore or a trusted IVF centre near me is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. Clinics with advanced technology and skilled specialists ensure better freezing and thawing processes.
-
Other Fertility Factors:
- Success may also depend on the uterine health of the patient during the time of embryo transfer. Procedures like hysteroscopy treatment may be recommended to evaluate the uterus before implantation.
What Are the Success Rates?
Success rates vary widely and depend on individual circumstances. According to research, the survival rate of eggs during the thawing process is approximately 90-95%. Once thawed, fertilisation and implantation rates are similar to fresh eggs used in the
IVF process. However, the live birth rate per frozen egg ranges between 2-12%, depending on the woman’s age at the time of freezing.
Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing is not for everyone. It is most beneficial for:
- Women Delaying Parenthood: Those pursuing careers, education, or other personal goals.
- Women with Medical Conditions: Patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, which can affect fertility.
- Women at Risk of Early Menopause: Those with a family history of early menopause.
- Women in Uncertain Circumstances: Those who are yet to find the right partner but wish to preserve the possibility of having biological children.
It is always advisable to consult the
best gynecologist in Bangalore or a fertility expert to determine if egg freezing is the right choice for you.
Understanding the Costs
The
IVF treatment cost associated with egg freezing can vary significantly based on the clinic and location. Factors influencing costs include:
- Hormonal medication
- Egg retrieval procedure
- Storage fees for frozen eggs
- Future IVF cycles and embryo transfer
Consulting with a reputable
IVF clinic such as Milann Fertility Centre, one of the
best gynecology hospitals in Bangalore, can provide a clear breakdown of costs and options.
What Happens When You’re Ready to Conceive?
When you decide to use your frozen eggs, the process involves:
- Thawing the Eggs: The frozen eggs are carefully thawed in a laboratory.
- Fertilisation: The eggs are fertilised with sperm, either from a partner or a donor, through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
- Embryo Transfer: The resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus. Clinics like Milann, known for offering personalised care and advanced techniques, optimise this step for the best chance of success.
If additional evaluations are needed, tests like the
anomaly scan may also be recommended to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Alternative Options to Egg Freezing
While egg freezing is a great option, it’s not the only solution for preserving fertility. Other alternatives include:
- Embryo Freezing: If you already have a partner, fertilising and freezing embryos instead of eggs can lead to higher success rates.
- Ovarian Tissue Freezing: This experimental technique involves freezing ovarian tissue for future use.
- IVF: For those facing female infertility causes or male infertility causes, proceeding directly with the IVF process might be a better choice.
Choosing the Right Clinic Matters
Selecting the right fertility clinic is a vital step in your egg-freezing journey. The
best maternity hospital in Bangalore or a trusted
IVF centre near you ensures you have access to cutting-edge technology and experienced specialists. Clinics like Milann Fertility Centre are renowned for their expertise in fertility preservation, making them an ideal choice.
Conclusion
While egg freezing offers an empowering option for women to take control of their fertility, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The procedure increases the chances of pregnancy but does not guarantee it. Consulting with a reputable
IVF clinic is crucial for understanding your options and making informed decisions.
For women in Bangalore, Milann Fertility Centre, recognised as one of the
best gynecology hospitals in Bangalore, provides comprehensive fertility care. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, IVF, or hysteroscopy treatment, their team of experts, including some of the
best andrologists in Bangalore, ensures that you receive personalised care tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re ready to explore your fertility options, connect with Milann today and take the first step towards preserving your dreams of parenthood.
Reviewed by
Dr. Sowparnika S N - Consultant - Reproductive Medicine, Milann - Sarjapur.
