What to Know Before Freezing Your Eggs

Whether you're actively trying to conceive, or have plans to hold off until a later time, learning what you can beforehand about freezing your eggs can help you make the best decision.  For those who are actively trying to conceive and going through IVF for egg retrieval, you may be looking into freezing any extra eggs from the procedure.  Cyropreservation, or egg freezing can be an option for many people with different circumstances.  You may be holding off to start a family, you may have a medical condition that may affect your fertility down the road, or you may just want options.  

The first step in cyropreservation involves a consultation with a physician experienced in the field that can go over your options and what the process involves.  Many agencies will offer a free consultation so be sure to inquire about this.  From there a specific plan to fit your needs will be developed.  After your consultation a doctor will do a fertility health assessment which includes hormone testing, a transvaginal ultrasound, and fertility plan.

From there your doctor will want to ensure the best possible outcome for egg retrieval and freezing.  This includes recommending supplements you may need, putting together a specialized nutrition plan, and encouraging wellness through activities.  Specific medications to ensure the best egg retrieval outcome will be prescribed, as well as a visit to show you how to do your own injections at home.  Your doctor will closely monitor you during this time with blood work and ultrasounds to ensure that everything is going smoothly.

When it comes time for the egg retrieval your doctor will do this as quickly and minimally invasive as possible.  While under sedation the doctor will use a transvaginal ultrasound to navigate to the mature follicles and then a thin needle will be used to enter the follicles and take out the eggs.  This process generally only takes 20-30 minutes.

After this your job will be to rest and recuperate while your doctor and his team go to work analyzing the retrieved eggs and cooling them for preservation.  Your doctor will be in touch with you shortly after to check in on how you're doing and to answer any questions you may have.  For more information you can check out CNYPreserve.com, leaders in fertility and cyropreservation.