Egg freezing is a modern method that allows women to preserve their fertility for the future. Whether due to medical, professional, or personal reasons, this technique has gained popularity. In this article, we review how this method works, the steps of the process, the opportunities it offers, and the financial aspects related to the cryopreservation of eggs. Follow this guide to learn everything about this exciting advancement that allows you to plan your parenthood.
Understanding Eggs
Eggs are the female reproductive cells, equivalent to sperm in men. Released during ovulation, they can be fertilized by a sperm cell to form an embryo. The lifespan of an egg is generally limited to 24 hours. Each woman is born with a fixed number of eggs, which naturally decreases over the years. Ultimately, the ovarian reserve determines the possibility of conception, and age plays a key role in this ability.
Egg Freezing Process
Vitrification is the technical term used to describe the process of freezing eggs. This process takes place in several essential steps. First, a medical consultation is scheduled with a fertility specialist to assess reproductive health and conduct examinations such as ultrasounds and blood tests.
Next, ovarian stimulation begins. This involves hormone injections to encourage the production of eggs. After a period of two to three weeks, an egg retrieval is performed to collect mature eggs under local anesthesia. The eggs are then placed in a liquid nitrogen bath at very low temperatures as part of the vitrification process.
Finally, when the time is right, the thawing of the eggs is performed in view of a pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology (ART), where the thawed eggs are fertilized with sperm.
Who is this method for?
Egg vitrification is an option for many women. It is particularly aimed at women facing heavy medical treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, which may affect their ovarian reserve. Additionally, those undergoing ART may also choose to freeze excess eggs during ovarian stimulation. Individuals in gender transition may also consider this method to preserve their fertility before starting hormone treatments.
Success Rates and Costs
The statistics regarding the success of this procedure are encouraging. About 85% of vitrified eggs survive thawing, but it is important to note that the chances of pregnancy remain around 13.3%. To increase these chances, several cycles of egg collection are often necessary.
From a financial perspective, the costs of egg freezing in France range between 2000 and 3000 euros. This fee includes medical examinations, ovarian stimulation, and retrieval, but not future storage fees, which amount to about 45 euros per month.
Learn More About Egg Freezing
There are many resources to deepen your knowledge about egg freezing, with specialized sites such as Ferticentro, Dr. Aksoy IVF, and CHU Lyon for updated information on this fascinating topic.
It is essential to make a decision that best suits you regarding family planning. All women are different, and egg freezing represents an option for those who wish to have children later while preserving their reproductive health. Information is key to making informed choices regarding fertility.
With the experience and knowledge discussed, egg freezing stands out as a very promising possibility for future mothers. It embodies hope for women who dream of motherhood while wanting to master the uncertainties of modern life. Not having to choose between career and family creation is a significant step towards a more serene parenthood.
