Should I freeze eggs or embryos?
Written by
Arva Health Team
18-Jun-2024
Egg vs Embryo freezing: Which should I go for?
When it comes to fertility preservation and treatment, it’s not just egg freezing on the table.
For couples undergoing IVF or ICSI, embryo freezing is also an option that let’s them hold off on their future family plans.
Wait, what’s the difference again? 🤔
Egg freezing involves cryopreservation (freezing) of unfertilised eggs, retrieved from your ovaries. This allows you to use them later for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) when you're ready to conceive. Embryo freezing, on the other hand, freezes fertilised eggs (embryos) created by combining your eggs with sperm.
Whether you're facing medical treatments that might affect your fertility, planning to delay motherhood for personal or professional reasons, or dealing with conditions like PCOS, understanding the differences between egg and embryo freezing is crucial.
And that’s why we did the research, and came up with this blog post that breaks it down for you!
Read on!
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, involves retrieving a woman’s eggs, freezing them unfertilised, and storing them in liquid nitrogen for future use. Here's an overview of the process:
Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are collected through a minor surgical procedure under sedation.
Freezing: The retrieved eggs are frozen using a method called vitrification, which prevents the formation of ice crystals and preserves the eggs' quality.
Who should consider egg freezing?
Egg freezing can be a suitable option for:
Women Facing Medical Treatments: Women undergoing cancer treatments or other medical procedures that may affect fertility.
Career-Oriented Women: Those who wish to delay motherhood to focus on their careers or personal goals.
PCOS Patients: Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who may have irregular ovulation.
LGBTQ+ individuals and couples planning for future family building.
What are the benefits of egg freezing?
Flexibility: Allows women to preserve their fertility and decide when they are ready to conceive.
Control: Provides a sense of control over reproductive choices and timing.
Success Rates: Freezing eggs when younger can lead to a higher success rate when used later.
What is embryo freezing?
Embryo freezing involves fertilising a woman’s eggs with sperm to create embryos, which are then frozen for future use. Here’s how the process works:
Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval: Similar to the egg freezing process.
Fertilisation: The retrieved eggs are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos.
Freezing: The resulting embryos are frozen using vitrification.
Who should consider embryo freezing?
Embryo freezing might be suitable for:
Couples Undergoing IVF: Those who are undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and wish to save embryos for future use.
Women with a Partner: Women who have a partner and want to preserve embryos rather than eggs.
Age-Related Fertility Concerns: Women who wish to preserve embryos at a younger age for future pregnancies.
What are the benefits of embryo freezing?
Higher Success Rates: Embryos generally have higher survival rates post-thaw compared to eggs, as the latter remain more fragile than embryos during the thawing or warming process.
Future Family Planning: Allows couples to plan for future pregnancies with embryos created from younger eggs.
What are the differences between egg and embryo freezing?
Choosing between egg and embryo freezing depends on your individual circumstances. Let's explore some key factors to consider:
1. Timing and flexibility
Egg Freezing: Offers greater flexibility for women who are not ready to decide on a partner or are unsure about their future reproductive plans.
Embryo Freezing: Requires immediate decisions about sperm donor or partner, which might not be suitable for all women.
2. Success rates
Egg Freezing: Success rates can be slightly lower than embryo freezing, as the eggs are more sensitive and need to survive thawing, fertilization, and implantation.
Embryo Freezing: Higher success rates as embryos are more robust through the freezing and thawing process.
3. Ethical and legal considerations
Egg Freezing: Generally has fewer ethical and legal concerns as the eggs are not yet fertilized.
Embryo Freezing: May involve complex ethical and legal issues, especially concerning the transfer of frozen embryos from one clinic to another or disposition of unused embryos in case of separation or other changes in circumstances.
4. Personal and relationship factors
Egg Freezing: Ideal for single women or those who prefer not to decide on a sperm donor immediately.
Embryo Freezing: Suitable for couples or women who are sure about their choice of sperm donor.
Navigating your fertility journey with Arva
Egg and embryo freezing are great options for women and couples alike, but while choosing between them, its best to put forth your individual needs.
That’s why at Arva, we empower you with a holistic approach to navigate this crucial decision.
Here's how Arva goes beyond basic testing to optimise your egg or embryo freezing journey:
Hormonal Assessment: Our affordable fertility tests provide a comprehensive picture of your hormone profile, including ovarian reserve testing. This information helps predict your potential egg quality and response to fertility medications, crucial factors for both egg and embryo freezing.
Personalised Consultation: Our team works closely with you to understand your specific situation and goals. We'll discuss your options for egg or embryo freezing in light of your hormone levels and overall health, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Partner Support: Arva recognizes the importance of a partnered approach. We offer resources and guidance for both individuals or couples considering egg or embryo freezing.
This way, Arva empowers you to move forward with confidence on your path to parenthood.
If you’re considering egg or embryo freezing, take our fertility assessment today to understand your hormonal profile or contact us to learn how our team can assist you better.
Remember, we’re by your side!❤️
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FAQs
1. What is the best age to consider egg freezing?
The best age to consider egg freezing is typically in your late 20s to early 30s when egg quality is highest.
2. How long can eggs and embryos be stored?
Eggs and embryos can be stored for many years. In India, the guidelines typically allow storage for up to 10 years, but this can vary by clinic.
3. Can single women opt for embryo freezing?
Single women can opt for embryo freezing if they choose to use donor sperm, but this requires careful consideration of legal and ethical implications.
4. What happens if I don't use my frozen eggs or embryos?
Unused eggs or embryos can be donated for research, donated to other couples, or discarded, depending on your preference and legal guidelines.
5. How do I choose between egg and embryo freezing?
Consider factors such as your current relationship status, future plans, and advice from your fertility specialist.
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