Egg freezing

Egg freezing — an opportunity to preserve your fertility

Although embryo cryopreservation is the most common method of preserving fertility, nowadays the freezing of eggsis the most applicable option for women of reproductive age who need to postpone motherhood for various reasons. The difficulty of freezing, due to the characteristic structure of the ovum, cost more than 20 years of development of the methods before the technique reached clinically significant success rates. Three main achievements contributed to its success: the development of the ICSI method, the improvement of cryoprotectants and the implementation of the vitrification method.

Egg freezing is a leading method in preserving fertility and is routinely used in the field of assisted reproduction in a number of cases, such as ovarian hyperstimulation, poor ovarian response, genetic mutations, donation, etc.

The egg is larger than any other cell in the human body, measuring about 100 microns in diameter, about the size of a human hair. This means that theoretically we can see the egg with the naked eye. Also, eggs are about 4 times larger than epithelial cells and about 20 times larger than sperm. The egg contains genetic material, 96% water and energy substances. The fact is that eggs need a lot of energy, especially after they are fertilized. Human eggs contain a large amount of mitochondria, which provide energy for cells by converting oxygen and nutrients into chemical energy. Their concentration is so great that this single cell supplies energy for the formation of an entire embryo and the birth of life during the first 7 days of the zygote division. Preserving the uniform integrity of each component of the egg is essential for freezing success.

How do you freeze eggs?

In order to obtain the optimal number of eggs for freezing, the patient must undergo hormonal stimulation similar to that of an in vitro fertilization procedure. During this process, the growth of follicles is monitored, hormonal levels are monitored, hormonal medications are prescribed to stimulate the ovaries, and a puncture is made to remove the eggs. After aspiration, the eggs are processed and placed in special cryoprotective media that protect the eggs when frozen. They aim to extract or convert the water content of the cell into a gel - this is an important condition for the survival of eggs after freezing. The egg is passed through a series of such solutions and, when the water content in it decreases, is placed in special containers (Duar vessels), where it is stored in liquid nitrogen (at -196 °C). After thawing, the ovules suitable for fertilization are about 80-90%.

When are eggs frozen?

• In women who plan to postpone pregnancy and the birth of a child at a later stage, for personal, professional or social reasons. The recommended age for freezing is up to 35 years, when ovarian function is active, there is a significant ovarian reserve, and the ovaries respond well to stimulation. Until this age, the probability that the eggs are carriers of a genetic abnormality is less;
• In order to preserve the fertility of a woman after chemo or radiation therapy in oncological disease;
• In women with a family history of early menopause or with a diagnosis such as premature ovarian failure;
• Patients in an in vitro procedure in which the partner failed to separate seminal fluid on the day of the follicular puncture.

How is the procedure going?

1. Consultation and research
   The doctor evaluates the ovarian reserve through hormonal studies (including AMH) and ultrasound evaluation of the follicular stock.
2. Hormonal stimulation
   In order to obtain the optimal number of eggs for freezing, the patient must undergo hormonal stimulation similar to that of an in vitro fertilization procedure. During this process, the growth of follicles is observed, hormonal levels are monitored, hormonal medications are prescribed to stimulate the ovaries. The process lasts about 10—12 days.
3. Ovarian puncture
   Under ultrasound control and mild anesthesia, a follicular puncture is performed and the mature eggs are collected.
4. Evaluation and freezing
   In the embryology laboratory, the eggs are processed and placed in special cryoprotective media that protect the eggs when frozen. They aim to extract or convert the water content of the cell into a gel - this is an important condition for the survival of eggs after freezing. The egg is passed through a series of such solutions, and when the water content in it decreases, it is placed in special containers.
5. Storage
   Frozen eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen at —196°C, in specialized Duar vessels, under strict control and traceability.

What is important to know?

• The best age to freezeis under 35 years old, when the quality and quantity of eggs are optimal.
• Freezing does not guarantee pregnancy, but significantly increases the chancesfor future success.
• After thawing, the eggs can only be fertilized by ICSI (sperm injection into the egg).
• The number of frozen eggs that is considered “optimal” varies, but usually at least 8—10 mature eggs are recommended for good chances of pregnancy in the future.

Why choose our team?

Our clinic offers:

• High-tech embryology laboratory specializing in egg vitrification.
• Personalized approach — each stimulation and procedure is tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
• Extensive experience in working with patients with social freezing or with medical indications.
• Reliable long-term storage with strict safety control.

Frequently asked questions:

How long can frozen eggs be stored?

• Theoretically — indefinitely long. Practically — according to Bulgarian legislation, the recommended storage period is 5 years.

How much does the procedure cost?

• The price depends on the number of stimulation medications used, the number of frozen eggs and the storage period.

What is the thaw survival rate?

• In vitrification, egg survival is between 85— 95%, especially in younger women.

Does the procedure guarantee a future pregnancy?

• There is no absolute guarantee, but egg freezing at a younger age significantly increases the chancesfor success in future in vitro treatment

What are the risks of the procedure?

• The procedure is safe and well established. Mild, short-term discomfort after the puncture is possible. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is rarely observed.

What is the success rate when using frozen eggs?

• Success depends on age at freezingand the number of stored mature eggs. The survival rate after thawing is about 85— 95%, and the chance of pregnancy — comparable to that of fresh eggs, especially in women under 35 years of age.

When is it too late to freeze eggs?

• There is no “too late”, but the effectiveness of the procedure decreases with age. After 38—40 years, both the number of eggs and their quality are significantly reduced.
  It is best to carry out the procedure before the age of 35when the ovarian reserve is optimal.

Why do women choose to freeze eggs for no medical reasons?

• Many women choose the so-called. social freezingwhen:

• have not yet met a suitable partner;
• want to build a career before motherhood;
• They want to have more control over their future as parents.

This is a way to maintain their biological potential, even when life circumstances change.

How many cycles of stimulation are needed?

• For some women, one cycle is enough, but for others — especially over 35 — It may take 2 or more cycles.to collect a sufficient number of mature eggs. This is assessed individually after examination and research.

What happens to the eggs if I don't use them?

The eggs are stored until the patient makes a decision — to use them, to donate them (if she has given birth to a live child, with written consent), or to discontinue storage.
You retain full controlon their fate.

Make an informed choice today

Egg freezing is an expression of concern for the future. If you are considering this opportunity, our team is here to advise and support you every step of the way. Contact us for a primary consultation.

Ten Facts Every Woman Should Know About Egg Freezing

1. The freezing of eggs allows you to preserve your fertility for a future moment.
2. The best age for the procedureis under 35 years old when the eggs are of the best quality.
3. The procedure includes hormonal stimulation, puncture of the ovaries and vitrification— rapid freezing method.
4. Only mature oocytes (stage MII)freeze — this ensures the best chances when thawing.
5. It is suitable as in medical reasons(e.g. oncological treatment), as well as social circumstances.
6. Thawing survival is 85— 95%, and the chance of pregnancy depends mainly on the age of the woman at freezing.
7. Eggs can be stored decadeswithout losing quality if stored properly.
8. Frozen eggs are used in the future by in vitro procedure, the method of fertilization is ICSI(injection of sperm into the cytoplasm of the egg).
9. You decide what to do with the eggs — use, continue storage or discontinue.
10. This is a personal choice — is not a “plan B”, but an opportunityfor control and peace of mind about future motherhood.