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Egg Freezing & Fertility Preservation

Egg freezing and fertility preservation are increasingly popular choices among Australians who wish to plan for their future family on their own terms. With advancements in reproductive technology, these options are more accessible and effective than ever, providing hope and solutions for those facing medical treatments, career considerations, or personal decisions that might delay childbearing.

Overview of Egg Freezing Techniques

Egg Freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a method of saving a woman’s eggs so that she can conceive in the future. The process includes several key steps:

  1. Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg typically released during a menstrual cycle.
  2. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected from the ovaries in a minor surgical procedure using an ultrasound-guided needle through the vaginal wall.
  3. Vitrification: This rapid freezing technique prevents the formation of ice crystals in the eggs, which could cause damage. Vitrified eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen until they are needed for fertilisation.

Fertility Preservation also encompasses:

  • Embryo Freezing: Fertilising the retrieved eggs with sperm before freezing the embryos. This option is often chosen by couples or individuals with a known sperm donor.
  • Ovarian Tissue Freezing: An emerging technique where ovarian tissue is removed, frozen, and then reimplanted later. This can spontaneously restore fertility and hormonal functions.

Statistics on Egg Freezing in Australia

The demand for egg freezing has surged in Australia, mirroring global trends. Key statistics include:

  • Increasing Popularity: Reports indicate a 3-fold increase in egg freezing procedures over the last decade. Clinics across major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne have noted particularly high growth rates.
  • Age and Success: The majority of women opting for egg freezing are aged between 30 and 40, with the best outcomes seen in those who freeze their eggs before the age of 35. The likelihood of pregnancy from thawed eggs declines with the age at which eggs are frozen, highlighting the importance of early decision-making.

Success Rates and Key Considerations

The success of egg freezing depends significantly on the woman’s age at the time of freezing. Other factors include:

  • Survival Rate: With modern vitrification techniques, about 90-95% of frozen eggs survive the thawing process.
  • Pregnancy Rates: Successful pregnancy rates vary but are estimated at around 30-60% depending on the age at freezing and the number of eggs stored.

Conclusion

Egg freezing and fertility preservation are empowering options that allow individuals to align their reproductive choices with their life circumstances and goals. For those considering fertility preservation, it is crucial to consult with a fertility specialist who can provide personalised advice based on your medical history, current health, and future desires.

As technology and techniques continue to advance, these options will likely become even more effective and accessible, offering promising opportunities for future family planning.

Dr Shree Mane is a Sydney Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Fertility Medicine sub-specialist with 30+ years of experience. She has achieved specialist registration in India, the United Kingdom and Australia.

She consults and operates across Western Sydney and offers Saturday appointments, as well as telehealth bookings.

If you have a question about a condition or treatment, or would like to book an appointment, please contact us and one of our friendly staff members will happily assist you.

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