Egg freezing pathways
The myths, the truth, and what it really feels like. Let’s be honest, egg freezing can feel a bit… intense. Let Celery Health help answer your questions
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing (aka oocyte preservation) helps women to save their fertility for the future. As egg quality declines with age, freezing your eggs at a younger stage preserves a reserve of healthier eggs, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy down the line (or a second baby).
This offers some comfort for those not ready to conceive yet but wanting to keep their options open for later. There are many reasons someone may choose to egg freeze. Some women may not have found the right partner while others are focused on career or personal goals.
What is the process?
Egg freezing is often more straightforward than most women expect. It often starts with an appointment with a fertility nurse or doctor to talk through expectations of egg freezing and plans for the future. This includes a clear explanation around the benefits and limitations of freezing.
A reproductive health review occurs to look at any medical issues as well as age and genetics. Some important baseline tests are arranged involving bloodwork and ultrasound looking at the ovaries and growing eggs. The process then begins.
Over 2-3 weeks, a woman undergoes ovarian stimulation through daily hormone injections to mature multiple eggs during a single cycle. These eggs are then collected through a minor surgical procedure called an oocyte retrieval.
The retrieved eggs are assessed by an embryologist to ensure they are able to be stored. Then they are frozen using a process called vitrification, which involves rapidly cooling the eggs to very low temperatures to prevent ice crystal formation and damage.
What is the best age to freeze my eggs?
Freezing eggs tends to work best when you’re younger, preferably before hitting 35. Egg quality is usually better in your 20s and early 30s, which ups the odds of a successful pregnancy later on. It’s important to remember lifestyle modifications can help optimise egg quality but age remains a big factor for most women.
Depending on your baseline ovarian reserve, it may take several cycles to collect enough eggs for better future pregnancy chances. Even if you’re older, egg freezing could still be worth considering. Consulting with a fertility specialist can give you more insights depending on your unique situation.
Celery Health connects clients to fertility doctors if they are egg-freezing curious or have made the decision to start the process.
What are the success rates with egg freezing?
Success rates for egg freezing can vary based on factors like a woman’s age at retrieval, medical history, number and quality of eggs retrieved and the clinic’s expertise.
Generally, younger women have higher success rates. It’s a big question and important to have realistic expectations, so it’s wise to have a thorough chat with a fertility doctor to understand your personal odds. Celery Health can help coordinate this process and connect you with the right team.
How do they freeze my eggs?
A specialised scientist called an embryologist review the eggs after collection and prepares them for storage. Freezing is done through vitrification, a rapid freezing process which avoids ice crystal formation and damage to the egg cell.
This means the egg quality is maintained and increases the chance of a successful pregnancy when thawed later. Eggs can be stored for many years in specialised cryogenic facilities. The length of storage can vary depending on the regulations of the fertility clinic and the preferences of the individual. Facilities charge an annual fee for the ongoing storage.
What happens when I want to use my eggs?
When a woman is ready to use her precious eggs, they are thawed and fertilised with sperm through a process called in vitro fertilisation (IVF). They are then transferred to the woman’s uterus as embryos. The success of pregnancy and live birth rates after using frozen eggs depend on various factors. These factors include the woman’s age at the time of egg freezing and the quality of the embryos created from them.
How can Celery help with my egg freezing?
Deciding to freeze your eggs can feel overwhelming and it’s normal to take time before making the final call. Often it can take a year or two before deciding to proceed. Many people worry about the cost, potential risks and some of the myths they my have heard.
At Celery Health, we’re here to clear up the confusion. From understanding the basics to choosing the right fertility clinic, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s separate fact from fiction and make egg freezing feel a little less daunting.
Why choose Celery Health?
Virtual clinic support
No matter where you are in Australia, our convenient virtual clinic gives you access to top quality and up-to-date reproductive health information with specialist GP support. Get clinical advice at a time that suits you. It’s simple, convenient and on your terms.
Fertility specialist input
At Celery, we’ve teamed up with CREI fertility specialists who are highly qualified and have undertaken a higher level of training in the field of reproductive health. They work in the space every single day. Be reassured that fertility care recommendations they provide are the gold standard.
Lifestyle guidance
With our team, we deep dive into your daily habits, from nutrition and sleep to managing stress. We work with you to learn about your cycles, ovulation and your fertile window. And since babies aren’t a one-person job, we also review important male factors to ensure you get a comprehensive, personalised approach.
Virtual clinic support
Fertility specialist input
Lifestyle guidance
Thinking seriously about egg freezing?
It’s often more straightforward than many women expect, but understanding the pros, cons and long-term implications is key. We always recommend chatting with one of our specialist general practitioners to get started.
Curious or considering it? Reach out.
FAQs
A virtual consultation is a remote appointment conducted through secure and interactive video conferencing technology. It allows you to receive guidance, discuss your fertility plans (including egg freezing) and explore treatment options from the comfort of your own home or preferred location.
During the virtual consultation, one of our Celery team gain a better understanding of your fertility goals. They will talk about any relevant health issues and the impact this may have. We discuss any concerns or challenges you may be facing and answer your questions. They will recommend additional diagnostic tests or screenings to evaluate your fertility health and potential. You’ll receive recommendations tailored to your specific circumstance.
Absolutely. One of the benefits of Celery Health is that we are able to connect with individuals and couples throughout Australia and sometimes elsewhere in the world. Regardless of your location, you can schedule a virtual fertility consultation with our team without a referral or GP input.
If it hasn’t been done before, it’s likely that further screening or will be recommended ensuring we have a complete picture. Our team will guide you through the necessary steps. We’ll coordinate with you to ensure a seamless and efficient process. We can also liaise with your local health care provider if you prefer.
Absolutely. We understand that the fertility journey can be emotionally challenging. If you need, Celery can provides you with mental health tools through psychological support to help you navigate the tricky aspects of your fertility journey. These tools may be useful in other aspects of life too! Feel free to ask when you connect with the team.
Scheduling a virtual fertility consultation with Celery Health is easy. Just reach out through our website or Instagram, and one of our friendly team members will help you book an appointment that fits your schedule. We’ll also provide you with all the details you need to connect for your consultation.