Top Egg freezing Doctors in India

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, involves the extraction of eggs, freezing them, and storing them for future use. People choose egg freezing for various reasons, such as preserving fertility due to medical treatments like chemotherapy, delayed childbearing for personal or career reasons, or having options for family planning when facing infertility risks.

Egg freezing involves several steps- first, hormonal stimulation through fertility medications stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Then, the eggs are retrieved using a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration. The retrieved eggs are then rapidly cooled and frozen using a process called vitrification. Finally, the frozen eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen at very low temperatures until they are ready to be thawed and used in the future.

A suitable candidate for egg freezing includes individuals wanting to preserve their fertility due to medical treatments or those who wish to delay childbearing. It can also be an option for those at risk of diminished ovarian reserve, genetic conditions, or those with personal or career-related reasons for delaying pregnancy. Consult a fertility specialist to assess individual circumstances and determine if egg freezing is appropriate.

Several factors can influence the success of egg freezing, including the age of the individual at the time of egg freezing, the number of eggs frozen, the quality of the eggs, and the expertise of the laboratory performing the freezing and thawing processes. Additionally, the individual's overall health, underlying fertility factors, and the success of the subsequent fertility treatments when using frozen eggs also contribute to the overall success rate.

Yes, age plays a significant role in the success of egg freezing. Generally, the younger an individual is when they freeze their eggs, the higher the chances of success. Younger individuals tend to have higher egg quality and a larger number of viable eggs. As they age, both the quantity and quality of their eggs decline, leading to decreased success rates in fertility preservation with egg freezing.

The process of freezing eggs is generally safe, but there are risks and side effects to consider. These include potential side effects from fertility medications, such as bloating, mood swings, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in rare cases. The egg retrieval procedure carries minimal risks such as infections, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures, although these complications are rare. Discuss potential risks with a fertility specialist.

The number of eggs needed to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy in the future can vary depending on individual factors. Generally, a larger number of frozen eggs provides better chances of success. Fertility specialists often recommend freezing at least 10-20 mature eggs to have a reasonable likelihood of achieving a future pregnancy.

The optimal age range for egg freezing is typically in the 20s to early 30s of the individual. At this stage, there are more healthy eggs and better egg quality, resulting in increased success rates. However, every individual's situation is unique, and consulting a fertility specialist to discuss individual fertility factors and determine the optimal timing for egg freezing is necessary.

Eggs can be stored through the process of egg freezing for an extended period, typically up to 10 years or longer, depending on the local regulations and individual circumstances. However, the duration of storage may vary depending on factors such as the individual's age at the time of egg freezing and specific legal restrictions or guidelines in the country or region.

While eggs can be stored for an extended period, they cannot be frozen indefinitely. Each country or region has regulations regarding the maximum allowable storage time for frozen eggs. If the eggs are not used within the specified storage period, they may need to be discarded or donated for research purposes, depending on local laws and individual preferences.

Yes, there are alternatives to egg freezing for preserving fertility. Another option is embryo cryopreservation, where eggs are fertilized with sperm to create embryos, which are then frozen and stored. This option is typically available to individuals or couples who have a partner or donor sperm available. Additionally, for individuals facing medical treatments that may affect fertility, discussing options like ovarian tissue cryopreservation or hormonal suppression with a fertility specialist may be considered.

Yes, egg freezing can be used by individuals with certain medical conditions. It can be an option for those facing medical treatments that may affect their fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Additionally, those with certain genetic conditions or those at risk of premature ovarian insufficiency may also consider egg freezing to preserve their fertility. Consultation with a fertility specialist is crucial to determine the suitability and safety of egg freezing for specific medical conditions.

When the time comes for pregnancy, the frozen eggs are thawed in a controlled laboratory setting. The eggs are carefully warmed to room temperature, and the protective solutions are removed. Once thawed, the eggs are assessed for viability, and the most suitable ones are fertilized using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected into each egg. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman's uterus through an embryo transfer procedure. The number of embryos transferred will depend on various factors, including the individual's age, embryo quality, and the recommendations of the fertility specialist. After the embryo transfer, the individual will undergo a monitoring period to assess if the pregnancy has been successfully established.

The success of using frozen eggs in achieving pregnancy can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's age at the time of egg freezing, the quality of the frozen eggs, the expertise of the laboratory, and the overall health of the person. Generally, success rates are higher for younger individuals who freeze a number of high-quality eggs. Success rates can range from 10% to 50% per thawed egg, with cumulative success rates increasing with the use of multiple frozen eggs.

Yes, egg freezing can be performed multiple times if a person desires to freeze more eggs. Some individuals may choose to undergo multiple cycles of ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval to collect an optimal number of eggs for future use. This approach allows individuals to increase their chances of having a sufficient number of eggs for potential pregnancies.

The process of egg freezing is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some discomfort. The hormonal injections used to stimulate egg production may cause temporary side effects such as bloating, breast tenderness, or mood swings. The egg retrieval procedure itself is performed under sedation or anaesthesia, ensuring that the woman experiences minimal to no pain during the process. Some individuals may experience mild cramping or pelvic discomfort after the procedure, which typically subsides within a few days.

The chances of pregnancy with frozen eggs can vary depending on various factors, including the individual's age at the time of egg freezing and the quality of the eggs. Generally, frozen eggs have slightly lower success rates compared to fresh eggs. However, with advancements in egg-freezing techniques such as vitrification, the success rates have significantly improved in recent years. It is important to discuss individual circumstances with a fertility specialist who can provide more personalized information based on specific factors.

Before the egg-freezing process, a doctor may recommend certain lifestyle modifications to optimize the chances of success. This may include maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and refraining from smoking. Additionally, the healthcare provider may prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate egg production and regulate the menstrual cycle. These medications are typically self-administered through injections and require adherence to a specific schedule. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the doctor and attend all necessary monitoring appointments during the process.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Leena Yadav, Principal Consultant - Reproductive Medicine & Art, Infertility & IVF, Panchsheel Park and Gurgaon on 20-Sep-2023.