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

Egg freezing is a great option if you’re considering fertility preservation. At Aria Fertility clinic, we will devise a specific protocol for you, bespoke to your needs.

Dr Anna Carby is one of our fertility experts, specialising in fertility preservation, and she details what you can expect. “One of the more common protocols, called the antagonist protocol, involves starting injections of a hormone called FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) on day two or three of a cycle.

“After around five days of injections, the second injection of medication is introduced (known as an antagonist) which prevents the release of eggs ahead of collection. Once sufficient follicles of large enough size are reached, then a final injection called a trigger injection is used approximately 36 hours before egg collection.

“This enables the eggs to make their final divisions so that they can be collected. The collection is normally transvaginal (internal) with an ultrasound scan.”

Dr Carby explains how many scans you can then expect during your egg freezing treatment. “During treatment, you will normally need anything between three to five scans to monitor the progress of your follicles. This may alter according to how your ovaries are responding.”

How long can I freeze my eggs?

After freezing your eggs, currently, they can be stored for 10 years. If you suffer from premature infertility – for example, if you have had cancer treatment that has stopped your periods – then in some circumstances you may be able to store your eggs for up to 55 years.

Dr Anna Carby is a highly regarded fertility expert and consultant gynaecologist. She has a specific interest in surrogacy and egg donation. She is passionate about fertility preservation for both medical and social indications and is extremely experienced in carrying out IVF on patients and aiding egg donations.

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.