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With more women opting to have their eggs frozen wishing to have babies in the future, here are some key facts that you need to know about the egg freezing process.


 


What is egg freezing?


Human oocyte cryopreservation or egg freezing is an experimental technique in which a woman’s eggs (oocytes) are extracted, frozen and stored. Later, when she is ready to become pregnant, the eggs can be thawed, fertilized, and transferred to the uterus as embryos.


Who should consider it?


  • Women who wish to delay childbearing for personal reasons
  • Women diagnosed with cancer

When should I freeze my eggs?


While there is no perfect age for egg freezing, opting for it earlier will yield better results. A woman can freeze her eggs by the time she reaches reach 34/35 years of age.


How long can the eggs remain frozen?


Although there have been no studies yet on how long eggs can be frozen and survive the thawing process, it is said that a frozen embryo transfer can be successful even after 20 years in frozen storage.


Is egg freezing safe?


According to a report from USC Fertility, the largest published study of over 900 babies from frozen eggs showed no increased rate of birth defects when compared to the general population. Also, results from one study showed no increased rates of chromosomal defects between embryos derived from frozen eggs compared to embryos derived from fresh eggs.


In 2014, a new study revealed that pregnancy complications were not increased after egg freezing.


Cost of egg freezing


The cost of egg freezing vary across the country, which is between $5,000 and $12,000. This does not include the fertility medications which can cost between $4,000 and $5,000. Egg storage can vary from $100 to more than $1,000.