Egg freezing is a breakthrough technology for scores of women faced with the dilemma of career and family. It provides them an option to delay http://www.ebfertility.com/index.htmlwhile pursuing professional and personal goals. The 'biological clock' generally slows down by the late 30’s and early 40’s. The female egg quality declines with age. The option of freezing eggs extends fertility and offers women an alternative to store their eggs during their reproductive prime for use when they wish to start or expand their families after the age of 35. At this point the eggs are thawed, fertilized and transferred to the uterus as embryos. Unlike the ovary and eggs, the uterus does not age and can carry a pregnancy well in to the 40s and 50s.
The Process
The process of egg freezing (also referred to as Oocyte cryopreservation) is made up of the same steps that are involved in a typical IVF cycle: ovulation stimulation, ultrasound monitoring, and egg retrieval. The woman self administers hormone injections along with birth control pills to turn off natural hormones. Following this, hormone injections are given to stimulate the ovaries and ripen multiple eggs. The eggs are then retrieved and frozen. When the woman is ready for embryo transfer, the eggs are thawed, injected with a single sperm to achieve fertilization, and transferred to the uterus as embryos.
Other Issues
Until recently, freezing and thawing eggs without damage was a scientific challenge. The key requirement for a successful egg freezing program is a top of the line storage facility since the eggs have to be stored and maintained for a long period of time - anywhere from months to years after they are frozen. They have to be stored under proper conditions backed with controlled access, continuous monitoring and full-proof backup systems.
The ideal time to freeze eggs is when a woman is in her 20s or early 30s. After the age of 37 this procedure is usually not recommended since both the quality and number of eggs decline rapidly around then. Just how long female eggs can safely be stored before they can no longer be used for treatment is still a matter of debate.
Originally designed for women undergoing cancer treatment, egg freezing as a form of fertility preservation is a rather involved process but thanks to technological advances, is becoming more successful and popular world-wide. Egg freezing is still classified as an experimental technique by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the process should be opted for after careful consideration.
The modern trend of waiting longer to have children has led to challenges in having a healthy pregnancy later on in life. Egg freezing helps women enjoy reproductive freedom while they pursue other priorities.
Expertise in the procedure
Since egg freezing is still a fledging technology with changes and innovations taking place rapidly, it should only be offered by experts in the field, who have the requisite experience and capability of conducting this delicate procedure. East Bay Fertility Center, offers the latest infertility treatment options strictly adhering to the guidelines of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in all their procedures.
Under the guidance of Reproductive Endocrinologist and Medical Director Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.
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