All you need to know about egg freezing
If you’re approaching your thirties, no doubt the hot topic of conversation at your last catch up with friends was about freezing your eggs. It may seem that everyone around you is freezing their eggs, but what exactly does the egg freezing process entail and is it something that you should consider?
We spoke with Dr Melissa Cameron and Dr Violet Kieu, two of Melbourne IVF’s leading fertility specialists, to find out what you really need to know about egg freezing.
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing is a method of storing unfertilised eggs to allow for future fertility opportunities. Dr Melissa Cameron summarises the egg freezing process as ‘When we stimulate your ovaries with hormone injections with the aim to retrieve multiple eggs and subsequently freeze any suitable ones.'
For those whose fertility is at risk for medical reasons, such as cancer or other serious conditions, egg freezing can give them the opportunity to preserve their fertility for the future. It is also an option for those who, for a variety of reasons, aren't ready or able to attempt to get pregnant.
Why is egg freezing so popular now?
Egg freezing has increased in popularity due to advancements in reproductive technology and improvement in success rates.
Dr Violet Kieu also believes that societal change has led to the increased egg freezing rate. ‘It's important to give people choices and alternatives because I think families are changing. People are having children later for a variety of reasons.’
Egg freezing is now a much more viable option, compared to when Dr Cameron started specialising in fertility medicine. The technology has advanced, around 90% of eggs are surviving the thawing process and recent studies by Melbourne IVF have showed that a frozen egg, if it survives the thaw, has the same potential for fertilisation and embryo creation as a fresh (not frozen) egg.
How does the egg freezing process work?
The process begins with a thorough consultation with your fertility specialist, where they will get to know your personal medical history and answer any questions you may have about egg freezing. It’s also an opportunity to have a fertility health check, which may include a blood test and an ultrasound to assess your ovarian reserve.
If you decide to proceed, your specialist will tailor a personalised treatment plan to freeze your eggs. As Dr Kieu explains, ‘When you are ready to start the journey, you will need approximately two weeks of hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries. Once your follicles are of adequate size, you will then proceed to an egg collection. Your specialist and embryologists will then inform you of how many eggs were collected, and of those, how many can be frozen. You should expect your period about 10-14 days later.’
Frozen eggs may be stored for many years without significant deterioration. When you’re ready to use your eggs, they are warmed and then fertilised with sperm. The aim is for the fertilised egg to develop into an embryo, which can then be transferred to the woman’s uterus giving a chance of pregnancy.
What are the egg freezing success rates?
A 2017 study showed that a woman who freezes 10 eggs under the age of 35 has about a 70 per cent chance of having a baby, and a woman who freezes 10 eggs at the age of 44 has about an 8 per cent chance of having a baby.1
To help improve the egg freezing success rate, Dr Cameron emphasises; ‘I would always encourage a patient to seek out a clinic that is experienced in egg freezing, as the quality of the laboratory that does the freezing (vitrification) can impact the eggs' likelihood to survive the thawing process and fertilisation. Also consider if the clinic you choose offers the full range of fertility services including donor sperm if this is something you may wish to access in the future.'
What age is best for egg freezing?
The main factor for success in the egg freezing process is the age of the woman when her eggs are frozen. This determines the quality and the quantity of eggs.
Dr Kieu says, ‘We know that women are born with a finite number of eggs and as we age, both egg quality and quantity decline. Studies have shown that younger women who freeze their eggs will require less eggs to achieve a live birth. I would recommend chatting to your GP or fertility specialist to discuss your individual circumstance and determine if egg freezing is the right option for you.’
How much does egg freezing cost?
For a full breakdown of egg freezing costs, visit the Melbourne IVF website here. For payment plan options, read more here.
Dr Cameron explains the different cost levels are dependent on individual circumstance; ‘If a person has a medical reason to freeze their eggs, such as requiring chemotherapy, or surgery for severe endometriosis, which may impact her egg count, then Medicare may cover some of the cost. For many women without a medical condition who wish to electively freeze their eggs, Medicare does not provide a rebate. The cost of egg freezing may be anywhere between $6000-$10,000 for one round, and there will be an ongoing storage fee to keep them in the freezer, which is $550 per year.’
Should I freeze my eggs?
Dr Kieu explains that egg freezing can provide women with choice. ‘Women may be forging their own paths, such as their careers, travel, or haven’t found the right person. Passing time makes it difficult for women, because egg quality and quantity continues to drop as they're getting older. I think being able to offer women options is important, so they know that freezing their eggs at a younger age may allow for increased fertility chances later in life.’
Dr Cameron agrees, ‘Some of us just aren’t where we thought we’d be at this age. Now might not be the right time to start a family yet, for one reason or another. Freezing younger eggs provides opportunities for future fertility, although this is by no means a guarantee. Fertility requires more than just young eggs! The discussions you have with your doctor allow you to make an informed decision as to whether this is the right option for you.'
Deciding to freeze your eggs is a deeply personal choice based on your unique situation. You don't need to have everything figured out. Our specialists are here to help you regain some control by discussing your individual circumstances and determine if egg freezing is right for you.