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What Is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing is a fertility preservation method that allows women to conceive in the future at a healthier time. In this method, a woman’s eggs are collected and frozen, then thawed and used when pregnancy is desired. Egg freezing is the process of preserving a woman’s eggs for later use, most commonly within assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF.
Who Is Egg Freezing Suitable For?
Egg freezing can be performed in individuals who have completed puberty. It is recommended for women who wish to preserve their fertility for various medical or personal reasons.
- Before cancer treatment: Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy can negatively affect ovarian function. Therefore, women who will undergo cancer treatment may choose to freeze their eggs beforehand.
- Before ovarian surgery: If a surgical procedure requires removal of the ovaries or may significantly reduce ovarian reserve, eggs can be collected prior to surgery.
- Decreased ovarian reserve: Ovarian reserve naturally declines with age, but in some women this happens much earlier. Reduced ovarian reserve decreases the chance of pregnancy at any age. Women with low ovarian reserve may consider egg freezing. If your AMH level is below 1.1 and you are unmarried and have not given birth, egg freezing may be an option.
- Genetic factors: If there is a family history of early menopause (for example, if your mother, aunt, or sister entered menopause before age 40), egg freezing can help preserve your chance of becoming a mother. Frozen eggs do not have a defined expiration date.
- Delaying pregnancy: Women may decide to postpone pregnancy due to career or personal reasons and may choose to freeze their eggs.
How Is Egg Freezing Performed?
- Hormonal stimulation: Medications that stimulate the ovaries are administered to promote the development of multiple eggs.
- Egg retrieval: Once the eggs reach adequate size, a trigger injection is given for final maturation. Eggs are collected 34–36 hours later under sedation anesthesia using a thin needle guided by ultrasound.
- Egg preparation: After retrieval, the eggs are cleaned, washed in a special solution, and coated with a protective substance before freezing.
- Egg freezing: Eggs are frozen using a rapid-freezing technique called vitrification. They are cooled quickly to -196°C in liquid nitrogen vapor, minimizing ice crystal formation and increasing survival rates.
How Long Can Eggs Be Frozen?
Egg freezing duration refers to the length of time eggs are stored in advanced laboratory conditions. According to current regulations in Türkiye, eggs can be stored for up to 5 years, with possible extensions approved by the Ministry of Health for medical reasons. Eggs are stored at -196°C and can later be thawed and used in IVF treatments with preserved quality.
Important Factors in Egg Freezing
- Age: Age significantly affects egg quality. Eggs frozen between ages 20–30 generally have higher success rates.
- Number of eggs: Collecting an adequate number of healthy eggs is important. Initial follicle count and hormonal response play key roles.
- Freezing method: Vitrification is the most commonly used method today due to higher success rates.
- Storage duration: Eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks. Very long storage periods may slightly reduce success rates over time.
Advantages of Egg Freezing
- Preserves fertility before cancer treatment.
- Allows women with low ovarian reserve to conceive at a later age.
- Enables pregnancy planning despite career or personal delays.
Egg Freezing Success Rates
Success rates depend on age, ovarian reserve, and the clinic’s expertise. In women under 35, pregnancy rates using frozen eggs are similar to natural conception rates. Success decreases with age due to reduced egg quality and quantity.
Egg Freezing Prices 2025
Egg freezing is generally more affordable than full IVF treatment since fertilization and embryo transfer are not performed at this stage. Costs vary depending on the technique used, laboratory quality, and follow-up care.
Hospitals Offering Egg Freezing
Many IVF centers in Türkiye offer egg freezing services. Women must receive medical approval and eligibility documentation. Choosing an experienced fertility specialist is crucial.
Fertility Preservation Options
Ovarian Tissue Freezing
Recommended especially for prepubescent patients or women without partners when egg or embryo freezing is not suitable.
Embryo Freezing
If a woman has a partner and sufficient time before cancer treatment, embryo freezing is often recommended. Embryos created with aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole may also be frozen.
Egg Freezing
Oocyte freezing is a suitable option for adolescents and adult women without partners. However, embryo freezing generally has higher success rates compared to egg freezing.