Egg freezing

Egg Freezing: Your Guide to the Process, Cost, and When to Start

What Is Egg Freezing and Why Do People Choose It?

Egg freezing, or social egg freezing, is a method of fertility preservation that allows individuals to store unfertilised eggs for future use. It is commonly chosen by those who wish to delay childbearing due to personal or professional circumstances. This process is often referred to as elective egg freezing, particularly when done for non-medical reasons.

People may choose to freeze their eggs due to the absence of a partner, a desire to focus on career goals, or to safeguard their female fertility in the face of medical concerns such as endometriosis or cancer treatment.

Why City Fertility Is the Trusted Choice for Egg Freezing

At City Fertility, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading providers of egg freezing services. Our clinics are backed by advanced technologies and supported by a national network of experienced fertility specialists. Whether you’re considering egg freezing and IVF down the track or simply planning ahead, we’re here to guide you.

We offer:

  • Cutting-edge egg cryopreservation techniques, including vitrification
  • Compassionate, patient-focused care
  • Support from qualified nurses, fertility specialists, and counsellors
  • Multiple clinic locations across Australia

Our team combines expertise with empathy, providing tailored advice to ensure you feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Book an appointment today to speak with a fertility specialist.

Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?

Elective egg freezing may be suitable for a wide range of people wanting to preserve their female fertility. You may want to consider social egg freezing if:

  • You’re not ready to have children but want to plan for the future
  • You’re prioritising career or personal goals
  • You have a medical condition like endometriosis or are undergoing cancer treatment
  • You’re not currently in a relationship

No matter the prevailing circumstances around you, fertility preservation can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have done all you can to maximise your chance of having a baby in the future.

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What is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing is a fertility preservation option that allows you to store your unfertilised eggs for use in the future. It involves a few key steps, using standard IVF techniques to safely collect and freeze your eggs.

  1. Ovarian stimulation

    Hormone medications are used to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs in one cycle.

  2. Egg retrieval

    Once your eggs are ready, they are collected through a minor procedure performed under light sedation.

  3. Egg cryopreservation

    The eggs are then frozen using a rapid-freezing method called vitrification, a trusted cryopreservation process used around the world.

The number of eggs retrieved during a single egg freezing cycle varies depending on your age, health, and how your body responds to the medication. Your fertility specialist will create a personalised plan based on your individual needs.

In some cases, patients may also like to consider alternatives like embryo freezing (fertilised eggs), if more appropriate. Embryo freezing involves fertilising eggs with sperm before freezing. This is a good option if you’re undergoing IVF with a partner or donor and wish to preserve embryos instead of eggs.

Whether you’re planning for an egg freezing cycle now or simply exploring future fertility preservation, our caring specialists are here to support you every step of the way.

Success Rates and Storage Guidelines for Egg freezing

Success Rates of Egg Freezing

Frozen eggs can be stored for many years prior to being thawed and fertilised, with similar success as eggs that are fresh*.

With our team of specialists determining your current fertility health and creating a personalised treatment plan to suit your individual requirements, we will be able to provide you with the best possible outcome.

Our highly experienced specialists will discuss with you your chances of achieving a pregnancy, using frozen eggs, based on your personal circumstances.

*Success rates are dependent on the age of the female at the time of freezing and the number of eggs retrieved. 

What are the storage guidelines for egg freezing?

Your frozen eggs will be stored in highly secured at City Fertility. City Fertility has a 10-year storage limit. You can apply for an extension by contacting us as you reach the 10-year mark, our team will be happy to guide you through the process.

City Fertility follows egg storage guidelines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC Ethical Guidelines 2017).

How does cryopreservation work?

Cryopreservation uses a rapid freezing technique called vitrification. This process prevents the formation of damaging ice crystals, preserving egg cell structure and function.

Are There Any Limitations for Egg Freezing?

While the egg freezing process is a valuable tool for preserving your fertility, it’s important to understand its limitations. Egg freezing is not a guarantee of future pregnancy, and success rates can vary depending on your age and the quality of your eggs at the time of freezing. Timing is important as egg quality naturally declines as we age. In some medical situations, egg freezing or egg cryopreservation may not be recommended.

Our specialists will help you decide whether egg freezing, or IVF is the right step for your personal circumstances.

What is the cost of freezing eggs?

The cost of social egg freezing at City Fertility is $5,400. It’s important to note that there is no Medicare rebate available for elective or social egg freezing.

At City Fertility, we provide transparent pricing to help you plan ahead. To learn more about pricing, visit our Treatment Costs page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age to freeze my eggs?

The best age to freeze your eggs is typically before 35. At this stage, egg quality and quantity are generally higher, which can improve future pregnancy outcomes. As women age, the number of available eggs decreases, as does egg quality. Freezing at a younger age provides a stronger chance of success if you plan to use your eggs later. However, every person’s fertility profile is different, so we encourage you to speak with a fertility specialist to assess your individual situation

How many eggs should I freeze for the best chance of pregnancy?

There is no universal number of eggs that guarantees a future pregnancy, as it depends on individual fertility factors and age. Some people may require more or fewer eggs depending on their response to stimulation, medical history, and family goals. Your fertility specialist will assess your situation and recommend a personalised approach based on your reproductive goals and test results.

How long can my frozen eggs be stored?

Your frozen eggs will be stored in highly secured at City Fertility. City Fertility has a 10-year storage limit. You can apply for an extension by contacting us as you reach the 10-year mark, our team will be happy to guide you through the process.

City Fertility follows egg storage guidelines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC Ethical Guidelines 2017).

Does egg freezing affect my future fertility or health?

Egg freezing is a safe and well-established procedure that does not negatively affect your future fertility or overall health.

Is egg freezing painful or uncomfortable?

Some people may experience mild discomfort during the egg retrieval procedure. Egg retrieval is done under light sedation to minimise pain. Our clinical team will provide clear guidance on how to manage any symptoms and ensure your comfort throughout the process. You’ll be monitored closely at every stage.

How successful is egg freezing in achieving pregnancy later?

Frozen eggs can be stored for many years prior to being thawed and fertilised, with similar success as eggs that are fresh. Success rates are dependent on the age of the female at the time of freezing and the number of eggs retrieved.

With our team of specialists determining your current fertility health and creating a personalised treatment plan to suit your individual requirements, we will be able to provide you with the best possible outcome.

Our highly experienced specialists will discuss with you your chances of achieving a pregnancy, using frozen eggs, based on your personal circumstances.

Can I freeze my eggs if I’m undergoing cancer treatment?

Yes, fertility preservation through egg freezing is a well-established option for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation can impact fertility, so it’s recommended to freeze eggs before treatment begins. If you’ve recently received a cancer diagnosis, speak with a fertility specialist as soon as possible to explore your options.

What happens if I decide not to use my frozen eggs?

If you choose not to use your stored eggs, there are several options available. You may elect to discard the eggs, donate them to scientific research, or donate them to someone else seeking to grow their family. These are deeply personal choices, and our counsellors are available to support you throughout the decision-making process.

How long does it take to complete an egg freezing cycle?

An egg freezing cycle generally takes around 10 to 14 days from the start of ovarian stimulation to egg collection.

 

 

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