Egg freezing (cryopreservation) is a process in which a woman's eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored as a way to help preserve fertility. At The Reproductive Medical Group, we provide a variety of egg-freezing services, including oncofertility and elective egg freezing.
Egg cryopreservation requires retrieval of the eggs from the ovaries in the same manner as is performed for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Fertility medications are utilized to stimulate the development of multiple eggs within the ovaries. These medications are administered by injections for approximately two weeks to allow the eggs to reach maturity. Transvaginal ultrasounds and blood work are utilized to assess the development of the eggs.
When these tests suggest that a reasonable group of eggs are likely to be mature, a final injection medication is given, also known as the “trigger” shot. Then, a reproductive specialist removes the eggs from the ovaries by placing a needle through the vaginal wall using ultrasound guidance. The eggs are then frozen. More than 1000 births resulting from cryopreserved eggs have been reported with no increased rate of chromosomal or birth defects noted.
Approximately 50,000 reproductive-age women in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year. Earlier diagnosis and more aggressive treatment regimens have significantly improved survival and cure rates in children and adults with cancer. Although more effective, many of the current treatment regimens such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and medications associated with bone marrow transplants are toxic to the human oocyte, resulting in infertility or sterility. As such, reproductive-age women facing cancer treatments are strongly urged to consider egg freezing and oncofertility if they wish to preserve their potential future fertility.
Learn more about oncofertility.
Women with certain non-cancerous disorders, such as endometriosis or benign tumors, may face potential fertility issues due to their disease or the treatment they undergo. In some cases, the removal of one or both ovaries, performed as a treatment measure, can lead to decreased fertility or even sterility. Additionally, women who test positive for the BRCA gene or have a strong family history of ovarian cancer may choose to undergo prophylactic removal of their ovaries as a preventive measure. Furthermore, women with autoimmune diseases may be exposed to medications that can be toxic to the oocyte or may experience early menopause, further affecting their fertility.
Elective egg freezing has become increasingly popular in recent years among reproductive-age women. This is when someone chooses to freeze their eggs for personal reasons, rather than medical ones. Common reasons for elective egg freezing include a desire to focus on a career, educational pursuits, travel, and other personal circumstances. Whatever the reason is, egg freezing makes it possible for women to delay pregnancy and preserve their ability to have a biological child in the future.
Everyone’s egg freezing journey looks different. No matter your path, The Reproductive Medication Group is here to guide you through the process from start to finish. For more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Tampa, FL, contact us today.
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional, personalized care to the Greater Tampa Bay area. To schedule an egg freezing consultation with one of our fertility doctors, contact us today.
