Fertility preservation has grown in popularity among those who want to have children in their futures. There are numerous methods for preserving fertility, such as egg and embryo freezing. Both of these procedures allow people to save their eggs for a later date, although they differ in terms of the methodology and success rates.
The freezing process
The process is similar for both methods. This process starts off with the collection stage, where after thorough examination and diagnosis, the specialist will prescribe the best medications that will help in stimulating the ovaries to generate mature and fertile eggs. They will administer these medications for a duration of 2 to 3 weeks. During this stage, the specialist will keep monitoring the endometrium thickness to check the progress of the patient. After that, the patient will undergo a small surgical operation performed in the clinic under anesthesia to collect the eggs, which will then be transported to the laboratory for inspection.
Cryopreservation is a technique used to freeze and store eggs and embryos. Water in the cell is substituted with a freezing solution known as a cryoprotectant, which prevents crystallization during the freezing process. The freezing process comprises of flash freezing and quick cooling from 37oC to -196oC. After that, the eggs or embryos are placed in liquid nitrogen.
Advantages to egg freezing
Disadvantages of egg freezing
Advantages to embryo freezing
Disadvantages to embryo freezing
Success rates of egg and embryo freezing
Egg and embryo freezing success rates vary depending on multiple variables, including the woman's age at the time of freezing, the quantity of eggs or embryos preserved, and the method employed to freeze them. In general, younger women have higher success rates than older women because their eggs and embryos are of greater quality. Furthermore, clinics that are specialized in fertility preservation frequently have higher success rates than others.
It is crucial to remember, however, that success rates vary substantially based on specific circumstances. It is best to consult with our fertility specialist who can provide tailored advice and information.