Egg freezing is popular among women looking for options and balancing family planning with other important responsibilities. Thanks to significant scientific advancements in the laboratory, success rates are higher than ever.
In this Q&A, Alan Copperman, MD, Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Vice Chair of the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Mount Sinai Health System, explains the process of egg freezing and its benefits. Dr. Copperman is also Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of RMA of New York.
“Fertility preservation has the potential not only to safeguard fertility, but also to empower women to choose parenthood on their terms, at their own pace, aligning with personal and professional aspirations,” says Dr. Copperman. “It enables informed decisions about future family planning.”
Why should I freeze my eggs?
Egg freezing halts the biological clock, which is crucial for women whose age may mean they are facing possible declines in egg quality and quantity. Preserving eggs at a younger age enhances the chances of future conception and reduces risks of chromosomal abnormalities in offspring. It safeguards a woman’s fertility timeline while optimizing her prospects of having biological children later in life.
When should I freeze eggs?
Freezing eggs at a younger age is advisable, ensuring eggs are preserved at their peak quality and minimizing age-related reproductive challenges.
How does the process work?
Over a two-week period, the ovaries are stimulated to release multiple mature eggs for retrieval. Patients self-administer fertility medications, attend monitoring appointments, and then undergo a brief egg retrieval procedure under light sedation. Eggs are frozen and securely stored for future use.
How many eggs are frozen?
The number of eggs to freeze varies based on a woman’s age and family-building goals. Some may require multiple rounds of egg freezing to collect an adequate number of eggs.
What happens next?
When you are ready to conceive, your frozen eggs are thawed and fertilized with sperm, leading to embryo transfer into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.