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 fertility specialists, qualified nurses 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.
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Ovarian stimulation
Hormone medications are used to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs in one cycle.
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Egg retrieval
Once your eggs are ready, they are collected through a minor procedure performed under light sedation.
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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.
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