Egg freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is an option for women and couples looking to have kids later in life. InVia Fertility's Northbrook, Illinois, clinic offers offer egg freezing to help you grow your family when it’s right for you. Learn more about the basics of egg freezing below.
When Is the Best Time to Freeze Your Eggs?
It is ideal to freeze your eggs when your fertility is at its peak. This often occurs in women in their 20s and early 30s. By 30, a woman’s fertility begins to decline.
By freezing eggs when your fertility is at its peak, you stop the “biological clock” on their aging. They remain at whatever age you froze them at, increasing your chance of conception in the future when you’re ready to use the frozen eggs.
Why Might Someone Freeze Their Eggs?
There are many reasons someone may freeze their eggs. Our fertility specialists can help you find out if you are a good candidate for egg freezing. Just a few of the reasons people freeze their eggs include:
- If you want to build a family in the future.
- If you will be taking medications or have a condition such as an autoimmune disease or cancer that may harm a fetus or make it difficult for you to get pregnant.
- If you are transgender and wish to freeze eggs before beginning gender-affirming care.
- If you are undergoing IVF and want to freeze any eggs not used in your current cycle.
There is no time limit on how long your eggs can be frozen. When you’re ready to use them, our fertility specialists are at your disposal to help you do so. We offer other fertility treatments, such as IVF, to help you grow your family.
How Does Egg Freezing Work?
The first thing you’ll do when freezing your eggs is undergo a consultation with a fertility specialist. A fertility specialist will discuss your goals, medical history, and put together a treatment plan based on your needs.
Your fertility specialist will provide you with medication that stimulates your ovaries to begin the production of eggs. Over the next couple of weeks, your fertility specialist will monitor your progress and how the eggs are maturing. When the eggs are mature, you’ll receive a “trigger shot,” a hormone injection, to complete the maturation process and prepare your ovaries to release your eggs.
When the eggs are ready, your fertility specialist will complete an egg retrieval procedure. This short surgical procedure will be done under anesthesia. The eggs will be collected using a needle and ultrasound. Once the collection is complete, they will be frozen and placed in long-term storage.
Schedule an Appointment to Discuss Freezing Your Eggs with a Fertility Specialist near Northbrook IL
If you want to discuss egg freezing with a fertility specialist, schedule an appointment with InVia Fertility specialists near Northbrook, IL. Your fertility specialist can review your options and help you create a reproductive plan that takes into account your desire to freeze your eggs. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
