There are many reasons why women decide to freeze their eggs and advances in egg viability once they have thawed means this procedure is becoming increasingly popular. However, there is a lot to consider in order to prepare for egg freezing, both mentally and physically, before you enter treatment.

How do I prepare for egg freezing mentally?

The consultation is an important part of the process to ensure you are happy with the clinic’s techniques and protocols. This is because there are two different sets of risks associated with egg freezing.

As Dr Anna Carby explains, “generally the chances of a significant complication with egg collection are less than 1% – these risks are infection, bleeding and damage to the pelvis.
Another condition called ovarian hyperstimulation can occur when the ovaries are stimulated for treatment such as egg freezing.”

However, it is important to note that “in the vast majority of cases this is avoidable by using specific protocols and medications with careful monitoring of treatment cycles.”

Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you discuss your clinic’s approach to treatment with your clinic so that they can assess whether you are at higher risk of this happening.

How do I prepare physically?

Your ovarian reserve can be affected by several factors. Firstly, however, it is important to understand exactly what an ovarian reserve is.

Dr Anna Carby describes it as “the capacity for your ovaries to respond to stimulatory drugs and is generally measured with hormonal testing and an internal ultrasound scan looking at the ovaries and specifically the number of small follicles in each ovary – known as antral follicles.”

“Before going through egg freezing your doctor will make an assessment as to your general health. Your BMI is important as the process usually involves some sedative drugs through your veins. If your BMI is high (35 or over) you may need to lose weight before going through this process.”

“There are no specific dietary requirements ahead of treatment but wherever possible be as healthy as you can – eat a varied diet, try to do some regular exercise and although you can drink when doing egg freezing it is sensible to have no more than the recommended daily amount and not to have alcohol in the days immediately before and after egg collection.”

Contact us with any questions you have regarding the preparation for the treatment by calling us on 0203 263 6025 or emailing us at admin@ariafertility.com.

There are many different considerations as to why you might decide to have your eggs frozen.

As Dr Anna Carby explains, “you may be single or in a relationship but perhaps not sure that you want to start a family at this moment or indeed ever. Perhaps you have a medical or surgical problem that may threaten your fertility – ranging from cancer to a family history of periods stopping early or other conditions that require medication that may alter the function of your ovaries. You may be transitioning and want to freeze eggs before undergoing surgery or hormonal treatment affecting your fertility.”

What must be considered prior to egg freezing?

“The success of egg freezing is related to the age at which eggs are frozen. Generally, the success rates with egg freezing start to fall after the age of 34 and therefore ideally it is good to freeze eggs before this time in your late twenties or early thirties.

“However, the actual age at which you freeze eggs may well be related to factors you can’t predict – relationship breakups, medical and surgical issues, gender issues. It is really important to talk to your doctor about the chances of success with treatment.”

Dr Anna Carby also explains what physical assessment might be made. “Your BMI is important as the process usually involves some sedative drugs through your veins. If your BMI is high (35 or over) you may need to lose weight before going through this process.”

If you are contemplating whether you should freeze your eggs, Dr Anna Carby can discuss the process in full with you in a consultation and advise whether you are suitable for egg freezing. To arrange a consultation with Dr Carby to discuss your fertility journey call us on 0203 263 6025 or email us at admin@ariafertility.com