Egg Vitrification
Egg freezing has been more of a challenge scientifically than the freezing of embryos because the egg is the largest cell in the human body and contains a lot of water. During the freezing process, this water may turn to ice crystals, which could destroy the egg. Until vitrification (a rapid freeze technique) was developed recently previous attempts at egg freezing were not very successful. However, latest published data on the new technique suggests that 99% of eggs preserved by vitrification survive and 92% fertilize successfully*. Implantation rates and pregnancy rates are in keeping with women having IVF treatments at under 35 years of age. While this breakthrough is new and studies are small it offers a major advance for fertility preservation for women either for medical or social reasons. So far around 1000 babies have been born worldwide using frozen and thawed eggs. The rate of chromosomal and birth defects of these babies has been no higher than in babies born from ICSI with fresh eggs**.
Barbados Fertility Centre is proud to offer egg freezing by vitrification to our patients and is the 1st centre in the Caribbean to do this.
*Antinori et al 2007 Reprod. Med Online 14:72-79.
** Chiang et al. 2008 Reprod. Med Online 16:608-610.
Frequently asked questions
Who may benefit from egg freezing?
Many women feel the pressure facing them of choosing between career and having children at a younger age. Considering egg freezing for fertility preservation allows this pressure to be alleviated somewhat and presents the freedom to chose the right time to embark on the important choice of having a family.
As a general rule women under the age of 35 are most likely to benefit from egg freezing for preservation of fertility. However, it may be considered up until age 40. it is not recommended after age 40.
How do I go about egg freezing?
The first step is to contact us to arrange a free consultation. This will allow us to review your personal history with you and establish whether egg freezing is a good option for you. In preparation there will be a some blood tests performed to ensure the dose of medication to stimulate the development of eggs is best for you and to clear you for egg freezing.
Then you will start on medications and undergo an identical process to any woman having IVF. Following the egg collection procedure, which is a day case, simple procedure all mature eggs will be frozen by the flash freezing process known as vitrification. These eggs will then be stored in a safe long term storage facility until you are ready to use these, at which time they will be thawed and fertilized with your subsequent partners sperm, cultured and transferred into your uterus (womb).
How many eggs will I store?
At Barbados Fertility Centre we will freeze all mature eggs from each IVF egg freeze cycle. A typical ovarian response can vary between 8 and 18 eggs, with an average of 12 eggs per cycle. Although younger women will often produce more than 12 eggs. Currently it is felt than to give the best chance having 20 eggs stored is ideal. Hence for some women they may elect to do two cycles.
What is the cost of egg freezing?
Egg freezing costs are approximately the same as an IVF cycle plus medication costs (which vary with individual patients). Costs may vary slightly depending on your location and for the most accurate assessment please contact us directly.
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