The collection and storage of eggs (oocyte cryopreservation) involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving these eggs, and then freezing them for future use.
Ovarian Stimulation
Hormonal Stimulation: a course of hormonal medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This usually involves daily injections of fertility drugs (like follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) for about 10-14 days.
Monitoring: you'll have regular blood tests and ultrasound exams. These tests help track the development of the follicles (the sacs in the ovaries where eggs mature) and determine the best time for egg retrieval.
Egg Retrieval
Procedure: this is a minor surgical procedure, usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Using ultrasound guidance, a needle is inserted into the ovaries. The eggs are then gently aspirated (sucked out) from the follicles.
Duration: this takes about 20-30 minutes, and you can usually go home the same day.
Egg Assessment
Evaluation: the eggs are evaluated in the laboratory to determine their maturity and quality. Only mature eggs can be successfully frozen and used in the future.
Freezing (Cryopreservation)
Vitrification: mature eggs are frozen using a rapid freezing process called vitrification. This process involves high concentrations of cryoprotectants and ultra-rapid cooling, which prevents the formation of ice crystals that could damage the egg.
Storage: vitrified eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at around -196°C (-320.8°F). They can remain frozen for many years without significant deterioration in quality.
Using the Stored Eggs
When the individual decides to use the stored eggs, they are thawed, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory (through a process called In Vitro Fertilisation or IVF), and the resulting embryos are implanted in the uterus.
Considerations
Physical and Emotional Impact: the process can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging. Side effects from the medications may include bloating, mood swings, and discomfort.
Success Rates: the success rates of using frozen eggs depend on various your age at the time of freezing and the number of eggs retrieved.
Legal and Administrative Aspects: there are consent forms and legal paperwork, outlining the terms of use, storage, and disposal of the eggs.
Cost: egg freezing can be expensive, with costs encompassing hormonal medications, the retrieval procedure, and storage fees.
Consult with fertility specialists to fully understand the process, success rates, potential risks, and costs involved. This process should be carried out at a certified fertility clinic to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
If you’re interested in preserving fertility, you can book a Fertility Referral Session to explore your options. You can ask any questions you have and learn more about private (non-NHS) clinics in your area that suit your needs.