Egg freezing, as part of the innovative cryopreservation process, allows women to preserve their reproductive cells for the future—whether for medical or personal reasons. This method is gaining increasing importance worldwide, as women now have the opportunity to postpone motherhood and safeguard their reproductive potential in line with their life plans. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of this procedure, how it is performed, what preparatory tests are required, and the legal frameworks that regulate it.
REASONS FOR EGG FREEZING
Egg freezing is usually done for two main reasons:
Medical Reasons:
Oncological Therapy: Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can irreversibly damage the ovaries. Freezing eggs before therapy allows for the preservation of reproductive potential after recovery.
Surgical Interventions: Procedures that involve the removal of ovaries or other reproductive organs can lead to fertility loss. Cryopreservation offers the possibility of conception in the future.
Genetic Factors: Women with a family history of early menopause may choose this procedure to secure their reproductive future.
Personal and Social Reasons (Social Freezing):
Delaying Motherhood: Women who wish to focus on their career or education, as well as those who have not found the right partner, may freeze their eggs to preserve their reproductive potential.
Lack of a Partner: In an era when starting a family is postponed, this method provides security and freedom in planning for the future.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FREEZE EGGS?
The ideal time to freeze eggs is in your twenties and early thirties, when the quality and quantity of eggs are at their best. However, the decision is individual and depends on health status, lifestyle, and personal circumstances. Consulting with specialists is crucial for making an informed decision.
THE EGG FREEZING PROCEDURE AND PREPARATORY TESTS
Preparatory Tests
Hormonal Tests: AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): An indicator of ovarian reserve.
Hormonal Tests: AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): An indicator of ovarian reserve.
FSH and LH: They regulate the menstrual cycle and stimulate follicle development.
Estradiol: Provides insight into ovarian function and the hormonal status of the patient.
Progesterone: Allows assessment of the menstrual cycle phase and the quality of the luteal phase.
Ovarian Ultrasound: Allows assessment of the number of antral follicles.
General Health Tests: Screening for infections (HIV, hepatitis B and C) and physical fitness.
How the Procedure Looks
The egg freezing procedure involves several important stages that require careful monitoring and preparation.
- Ovarian Stimulation:
The goal of this step is to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs during one menstrual cycle. This is achieved by administering hormonal injections containing various hormones that stimulate the follicles to grow and develop. This phase typically lasts 10 to 14 days, during which the patient undergoes regular ultrasound and laboratory checks to assess follicle growth and estradiol levels. Ultrasound is used to monitor the follicles, and blood tests measure hormone levels to evaluate the ovaries’ response to the stimulants.
- Ovarian Aspiration:
Once the follicles have reached the appropriate size, the next step is ovarian aspiration. This procedure is performed under minimal anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort. A thin needle is carefully inserted into the ovaries under ultrasound guidance. The doctor retrieves the eggs from the developed follicles and prepares them for further use. The procedure is quick, but it may be somewhat uncomfortable due to the anesthesia and the access to the ovaries.
- Vitrification:
After egg retrieval and collection, the freezing phase follows. Vitrification is a rapid freezing technique that prevents the formation of ice crystals within the cell. Ice crystals can damage the cell structure, which could lead to reduced quality and fertilization ability after thawing. Vitrification is achieved using special substances, called cryoprotectants, which are added to the eggs before freezing. The process is extremely fast, and the eggs are frozen within just a few minutes, ensuring high-quality cells during long-term storage. They are stored in liquid nitrogen at very low temperatures and can be preserved for years until the patient decides to use them for in vitro fertilization.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN SERBIA AND WORLDWIDE
The legal framework in the Republic of Serbia provides guidelines for assisted reproductive procedures, including the storage of reproductive material. According to the law from 2019, the storage of reproductive material is limited to a period of 5 years. After this period, the storage can be extended for another 5 years, but only under specific conditions. In certain situations, with the fulfillment of specific criteria, it is possible to further extend this period.
These legal provisions ensure that patients have enough time and options for planning and undergoing in vitro fertilization procedures in accordance with their needs and medical indications.
In countries such as the Czech Republic, Greece, and the United States, where there are no strict restrictions on the storage of eggs, this procedure is widely accepted and attracts many patients from abroad.
WHAT RISKS AND LIMITATIONS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROCEDURE?
Although the egg freezing procedure is generally safe and has a good risk profile, it is important to note that there is no guarantee of a successful pregnancy in the future. The success of this procedure depends on several factors, including:
The woman’s age at the time of freezing
One of the most important factors affecting the success of egg freezing is the woman’s age. The older the woman, the lower the quality and quantity of her eggs. Female reproductive capacity declines with age, and eggs frozen later in life have a lower chance of successful fertilization and pregnancy development after thawing. For this reason, it is recommended that women freeze their eggs as early as possible, when they are in their best reproductive condition.
The number of frozen eggs
The number of eggs that are collected and frozen also plays an important role in the success of the procedure. The general rule is that the more eggs are frozen, the higher the chance that at least some of them will survive the thawing process, be fertilized, and result in a successful pregnancy. Women are usually advised to undergo the procedure multiple times, if possible, to collect as many eggs as possible, especially if they are younger and have a better chance of responding well to ovarian stimulation.
Financial Demands:
The egg freezing procedure can be financially demanding, as it involves not only the ovarian stimulation process itself but also laboratory tests, consultations with specialists, and the storage of eggs. Additionally, the cost may increase if multiple stimulation cycles and egg collection procedures are needed to ensure a sufficient number for future use. Furthermore, there is also the cost of storing the eggs, which can last for several years.
Limitations of the Procedure:
- Low survival rate after thawing:
Although vitrification increases the chances of egg survival after thawing, not every egg is successful after the thawing process. Some eggs may lose their functionality or become unusable after being thawed. - Does not guarantee pregnancy:
Egg freezing does not guarantee future success. While the number and quality of eggs are important, success also depends on other factors, such as the health of the partner, a good response to treatment, and other medical factors.
INTERESTING FACTS
Company Benefits: Large companies such as Google and Apple offer to cover the costs of egg freezing for their employees as part of their health and reproductive benefits package.
Worldwide trends: In Japan and South Korea, egg freezing is becoming an increasingly common practice as women are delaying starting families due to professional and social reasons.
Hollywood stars: Many Hollywood actresses have shared their experiences with egg freezing, helping to popularize the procedure.
CONCLUSION
Egg freezing represents a significant step toward preserving reproductive health and autonomy for women. With proper information, medical preparation, and support from specialists, this decision can provide peace of mind and security for the future.