What is Egg Freezing? Summary of the Process, Benefits, and What You Should Know Before Deciding
Egg freezing is the process of retrieving mature eggs from the ovaries and freezing them using Vitrification technology to preserve egg quality for the future. It is suitable for women who want to delay having children. The ideal age is between 25-35 years because the quantity and quality of eggs are still good, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy when ready.
Why Freeze Eggs?
Egg freezing is not just a trend but a “health life insurance” for modern women.
- Biological clock After age 35, the number of eggs decreases rapidly, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases.
- Life readiness Helps you focus on work, study, or wait for the right partner without worrying about infertility due to declining egg quantity and quality.
Who Should “Freeze Eggs”?
- Single women who are not ready to have children and want to plan ahead
- Those undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy that affect the ovaries
- Those with ovarian health issues, such as a family history of early menopause or having endometriomas (chocolate cysts)
In-Depth Egg Freezing Process
To achieve the highest quality, the process should be managed by a fertility specialist.
- Step 1 Physical examination and hormone testing (AMH/FSH/LH/E2) to assess egg reserve
- Step 2 Egg stimulation injections for about 8-12 days to produce multiple eggs in one cycle
- Step 3 Monitoring through ultrasound to check follicle size
- Step 4 Egg retrieval: The doctor uses a small needle to aspirate eggs through the vagina under anesthesia (painless and no external wounds)
- Step 5 Freezing (Cryopreservation): Eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius
What Are the Costs of Egg Freezing?
Costs are generally divided into three main parts:
- Assessment and stimulation medication fees (depending on the amount of medication used)
- Egg retrieval and freezing procedure fees
- Annual storage fees
Note: Prices may vary depending on the clinic and hospital technology. It is recommended to inquire about the “total package price” for clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Freezing
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What is the best age to freeze eggs?
The age range of 25-35 years is the most cost-effective. Freezing after age 40 significantly reduces the chances of success.
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How long can frozen eggs be stored?
With current Vitrification technology, eggs can be stored for more than 10 years or even a lifetime without quality degradation.
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Does egg retrieval cause eggs to “run out” faster than normal?
No. Egg retrieval uses eggs that would naturally “degenerate” that month and does not take eggs from the future.
