Fertility Answers explains what you need to know about egg freezing
More women have been coming to Fertility Answers with questions about egg freezing. “What is it, exactly, and is it right for me?” Our Louisiana fertility center is here to answer these questions and many more about this fertility preserving procedure.
Egg freezing is a process that is very similar to in vitro fertilization, IVF
Talking about what’s involved with the process of freezing your eggs is a good starting point for the egg freezing discussion. Identical to the first stages of IVF, you can expect the following when you come to our Louisiana fertility center:
- First, you will take fertility medications to stimulate the growth and development of eggs in your ovaries. Your fertility specialist will ask you to come in for several ultrasound monitoring appointments during this time.
- Next, when your eggs are ready, your fertility specialist will place you under light sedation and perform egg retrieval. This is a fast outpatient procedure that generally lasts no more than 30 minutes.
- Finally, an embryologist will prep and freeze your eggs in a laboratory. Your eggs can remain frozen indefinitely, giving you the freedom to use them when you’re ready.
When you want to use your eggs to start a family, an embryologist will thaw your eggs and place them in a petri dish with your partner’s sperm. Then, your physician will perform embryo transfer and monitor you for signs of pregnancy.
Egg freezing is an excellent option for some women
Our Louisiana fertility center recommends freezing your eggs when the situation is right.
- You want to have children in the future, but you’re not ready yet. You might be working on your education or career, or you could be waiting to find the right partner.
- You have been diagnosed or are at risk for premature menopause.
- You’re preparing to undergo treatment for cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy can damage your fertility.
If you would like to learn more about egg freezing at Fertility Answers, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team of physicians can help you preserve your fertility.
