Breaking Down Each Step of the Egg Freezing Process

Whether you have concerns about your future fertility or want to secure viable eggs during your younger years, freezing your eggs puts you in control of your family plans. For people interested in egg freezing, we provide insight into the inner workings of oocyte cryopreservation.   

Our team of reproductive specialists at University Reproductive Associates helps people throughout New Jersey and the greater New York City metro area preserve their fertility through egg freezing. 

How egg freezing works 

Since the first human birth from a frozen egg in 1986, the world of reproductive medicine has continued to advance and evolve. 

Just as traditional relationships and family units are no longer the only option, people are now granted access to advanced family planning. Now, viable eggs can be fertilized at any point in the future. 

As new methods evolve and rates of fertility success increase, more people want to ensure a future family by using egg freezing. 

However, the process is more complicated than you might think, and you’ll want to consider it carefully before committing. 

Every step of the egg freezing process

Retrieving and storing human eggs is challenging, which is why egg freezing was such a cultural milestone. 

1. Get medical clearance

First, you need to be cleared by our team to ensure you’re not at risk of any complications as a result of ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. 

2. Complete hormonal stimulation

Once your health is assured, our team moves forward and begins stimulating your follicles to grow and your eggs to mature. This is done hormonally using self-administered injections and medications. You’ll be monitored throughout the process until your eggs are ready for harvesting.

3. Harvest the eggs

Eggs are harvested during a transvaginal procedure that retrieves them from the ovaries through the vaginal wall. You’ll be under anesthesia, so you won’t feel the procedure, although you may have some light cramping and spotting afterward.

4. Freeze the eggs

Your eggs are assessed for maturity and frozen in a process that prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can fracture during thawing. They are stored in a vault freezer until you are ready to use your eggs.

Is egg freezing really that easy?

Sure, egg freezing sounds easy. 

But, anyone who has undergone cryopreservation or fertility treatment would be quick to object to the notion that it’s “simple.” For example, each step takes multiple visits to our office, treatments, and procedures. 

However, the autonomy granted by egg freezing is undeniable. If you’re interested in having children in the future, freezing your eggs provides insurance for your future, especially if you feel insecure about your fertility or relationship status. 

If you have a family history of early menopause, medical concerns about your fertility, or want to focus on the present without having to worry about the viability of your eggs later, our team at University Reproductive Associates can help you decide if egg freezing is right for you. 

To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the location closest to you or request an appointment online.