Overview

Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, retrieving them, and storing them at ultra-low temperatures. Egg quality and quantity decline with age — most rapidly after 35. By freezing eggs at a younger age, women preserve their current biological fertility potential.

Who Is Egg Freezing For?

• Women facing cancer treatment — chemotherapy/radiotherapy can permanently destroy eggs
• Women with diminished ovarian reserve — to freeze before further decline
• Women with endometriosis — to protect fertility before reserve is further reduced
• Women at risk of premature ovarian insufficiency
• Women wishing to preserve future fertility options

The Process

1. Initial assessment — AMH, AFC, FSH
2. Ovarian stimulation — 10–14 days of hormone injections; monitored by ultrasound
3. Trigger injection — when follicles are ready
4. Egg retrieval — under sedation; transvaginal needle aspiration; no incisions; 15–30 minutes; home same day
5. Vitrification — mature eggs immediately frozen
6. Storage — in liquid nitrogen until needed

Success Rates (approximate live birth per frozen egg)

• Under 35: ~5–7% per egg (10–15 eggs = meaningful cumulative chance)
• 35–37: ~3–5% per egg
• Over 38: lower per egg; more eggs needed

Egg survival after thaw: ~80–90% with vitrification. Most effective when done before age 35.

Thinking about preserving your fertility? Book a consultation today