Understanding Oocyte Freezing
Oocyte freezing, commonly referred to as egg freezing, is an advanced fertility preservation method that allows women to delay pregnancy by storing their eggs for future use. The procedure involves retrieving healthy eggs from the ovaries and freezing them in a specialized laboratory until the woman decides to conceive.
The Oocyte Freezing Process
The oocyte freezing process involves several important steps:
- Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation
In the first stage, hormonal stimulation is administered to the ovaries to encourage the development of multiple eggs.
- Step 2: Egg Retrieval
Eggs are carefully retrieved from the ovaries using ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration, a minimally invasive procedure performed under sedation. A thin needle is inserted into the ovarian follicles to collect the eggs.
- Step 3: Egg Freezing
The collected eggs are frozen using a technique known as vitrification, where the eggs are rapidly cooled to subzero temperatures, preventing the formation of ice crystals that could damage the cells. These frozen eggs remain viable for many years, typically up to 10 years.
Eligibility Criteria
Oocyte freezing may be an ideal option for women in the following situations:
- Cancer Patients: Women undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation that could potentially harm their fertility.
- Women Wishing to Delay Childbearing: Women who wish to postpone pregnancy for personal, educational, or professional reasons.
- Women with Low Ovarian Reserve: Women diagnosed with a low egg reserve, particularly those who have had unsuccessful IVF attempts due to the limited number of viable eggs.
Contact Us
Oocyte freezing offers a reliable and effective way for women to preserve their fertility and improve the chances of achieving a biological pregnancy later in life. With Dr. Sawarkar's extensive experience in fertility treatments, patients receive personalized guidance on the process and its potential benefits. If you're considering fertility preservation, contact Dr. Sawarkar's clinic for a consultation to explore your options and assess your eligibility for oocyte freezing.