Egg Freezing Process
The egg retrieval and freezing process takes approximately 3-4 weeks in several steps:
1. Consultation and Diagnostics
After completing all initial examinations and blood tests, the doctor proposes a stimulation protocol, when the ovaries will be hormonally stimulated to produce a larger number of eggs than during natural ovulation.
2. Check-up and Retrieval
During the stimulation itself, you will undergo several check-ups, during which using ultrasound and blood hormone level examinations the doctor will check the progress of the stimulation and will end the stimulation at the right time. The egg retrieval is performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure itself lasts a maximum of 10-15 minutes.
3. Freezing and Storage
The retrieved eggs are then frozen in our laboratory through the vitrification process. This is a method of rapid egg freezing and their subsequent storage at a temperature of -196°C for an unlimited period of time.
The price of freezing is 1815 EUR + 170 EUR for each year of storage.
Egg Freezing at GYN-FIV
At GYN-FIV, we understand that egg freezing can be financially demanding.
Therefore, we have created an installment plan option so that we can enable women to independently decide about their reproductive future without worrying about the financial burden.
How does the egg retrieval take place?
The egg retrieval is a short procedure performed under brief anaesthesia, so you will be asleep and should not feel pain during the procedure. Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor collects the eggs with a thin needle passed through the vaginal wall directly into the ovaries — no surgical incisions are needed, so there are no scars.
The procedure itself usually takes only a short time. After a brief recovery period at the clinic, you can go home the same day. Mild cramping, bloating or spotting can occur afterwards, but most women are able to return to their usual routine within a few days.
How long does recovery after retrieval last?
Most women can return to their daily lives immediately after egg retrieval. You will probably want to wait at least a week before returning to intense exercise or sexual intercourse, so that your ovaries heal after stimulation, return to normal, and the swelling subsides.
What can and cannot I do during stimulation?
During stimulation, you can go to work or school. Until the first check-up, there are no significant restrictions, but it is recommended to rest more and listen to your body.
Things you should do after the first check-up:
- Drink more fluids, at least 2-3 liters per day
- Increase protein intake to 1.6-2 g / kg of body weight
- You can do leisure activities - including walks
- You can go to work or school
Things you should not do after the first check-up: - Consume alcohol
- Have sexual intercourse
- Exercise intensely
Can the egg freezing process harm me?
Egg freezing is considered a safe and routinely performed procedure, but like any medical treatment, it can involve some temporary side effects and rare complications.
During ovarian stimulation, you may experience bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes or mild abdominal discomfort. After egg retrieval, mild cramping or spotting can occur for a few days.
More serious complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), bleeding, infection or reactions to anaesthesia, are uncommon. Your treatment is closely monitored with ultrasound and blood tests to minimise these risks and adjust the medication to your individual response.
Will I know how to administer the medications needed for stimulation myself?
Throughout the entire stimulation, a team of nurses and coordinators will be here for you, whom you can contact in case of any complications. Before the start of the entire process, the nurse will explain in detail and show you the administration of subcutaneous injections that are designed for use by non-medical personnel.
Could freezing eggs cause me problems conceiving spontaneously in the future?
The ovaries produce eggs (oocytes) in monthly cycles. During one stimulated cycle, we only retrieve a small number from the total reserve of your oocytes (approximately 10 oocytes), which would have perished without stimulation anyway. To date, no scientific paper has been published that would indicate a decrease in a woman's fertility after egg donation.
How do I use my frozen eggs when I am ready to conceive?
When you want to use your frozen eggs, they will be thawed and fertilized with partner or donor sperm in the laboratory using in vitro fertilization (IVF). Frozen eggs can be transported to another country for their fertilization and implantation/transfer into the uterus. The eggs can be stored with us for any period of time at GYN-FIV, and when you decide, a specialized cryotransport company will transport them at your expense to the country of your choice.
Can freezing somehow damage the eggs?
The egg freezing technique is so advanced nowadays that freezing and subsequent thawing is survived by 90-97% of eggs, and the fertilization rate is 71-79%, which is comparable to fresh eggs.
Can I freeze eggs even if I am taking contraception?
Yes, you can freeze eggs even if you are taking hormonal contraception. With other types of medication, consult with your doctor.