All About Egg Freezing
Egg freezing – also called oocyte cryopreservation or egg vitrification – is a proactive method of fertility preservation that has become increasingly popular.
Women who choose fertility preservation undergo the first few steps involved in IVF: ovarian reserve testing (to see whether you have enough eggs), ovarian stimulation using injectable fertility medication and egg retrieval. The eggs are instantly frozen into a glass-like, rather than crystallized, form. These vitrified eggs are stored until you are ready to start your family.
- Have a Cancer Diagnosis. Egg vitrification was developed primarily for women between the ages of 13 and 40, and who have a cancer diagnosis and/or treatment regimen that is known to compromise fertility. Thanks to Senate Bill 600 private health insurance companies must cover the costs associated with sperm preservation as well as egg freezing procedures. SB 600 also covers the initial consultations and office visits related to those procedures.
- Are Focused on Their Career. Age affects a woman’s egg quantity and quality. After age 35, both of these female fertility factors diminish rapidly. If you are on the career path, and are sure you won’t be ready to start a family until your mid- to late-30s or beyond, fertility preservation can notably increase your fertility chances.
- Haven’t Found Their Life Mate. Similarly, women who are in their early- to mid-thirties and are still single often worry about their biological clock. Egg freezing allows you to freeze your eggs “just in case,” which can significantly relieve the pressure to find “The One.”
| Age (years) | |
| < 32 | Usually too young to worry. |
| 32 – 36 | Ideal age to freeze eggs. |
| 37 – 38 | Clock is ticking. |
| 39 – 40 | Maybe too late. |
| 41+ | Usually too late. |
| Cancer: | Any age 13 – 40 years old. |
- < 38 years old: about 80% chance of a live birth per 20 eggs vitrified.
- 38 – 40 years old: about 70% chance of a live birth per 30 eggs vitrified.
Questions?
If you have questions and/or feel you are a candidate for egg freezing, contact us here at Northern California Fertility Medical Center. (916) 634-0406. We’re happy to speak with you by phone or you can schedule a consultation with one of our renowned fertility specialists.
