What is egg freezing?

Oocyte cryopreservation or egg freezing is one of the methods used to preserve the quality of a woman’s egg cells for future use in pregnancy. The procedure involves a physician retrieving healthy eggs from a woman of reproductive age through the process of egg retrieval and subsequently freezing them at a temperature of -196 degrees Celsius. The frozen eggs can later be thawed and used for fertilization with the sperm when the egg donor decides to pursue pregnancy.

Why do we need to consider egg freezing?

Naturally, as women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decrease, particularly for women aged 35 and above. This can lead to difficulties in conceiving, and if a woman reaches the age of 40 without menstruation, it signifies the onset of menopause, during which the ovaries cease to function. Therefore, those who plan to have children should consider egg freezing as soon as possible and ideally before the age of 40. However, if a woman is between the ages of 45-55, it is still possible to freeze eggs, but it is essential to consult directly with a physician. Egg freezing allows individuals to plan and choose the timing of future pregnancies. This is particularly beneficial for women between the ages of 20-35, as it reduces the risk of chromosomal abnormalities associated with advanced maternal age.

The sooner we freeze eggs, the more effective they will be in increasing the chances of successful pregnancy. Even as we age, it is still possible to use eggs frozen at a younger age. For example, if eggs are frozen at the age of 30 but there are no immediate plans for pregnancy, they can be stored until the age of 40 when a woman is ready to conceive. In such cases, eggs frozen at the age of 30 can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), to achieve pregnancy in the future.
Additionally, societal norms and trends have shifted, resulting in delayed marriages and delayed childbirth for many women. Various social factors contribute to a decrease in readiness for parenthood. Some individuals may have advanced in age, while their physical readiness may have declined. Therefore, those who plan to have children should consider egg freezing as early as possible.

Who should consider egg freezing?

• Individuals who are not ready to have children at present or those who plan to have children in the future.
• Individuals who intend to have children through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the future.
• Individuals with certain chronic diseases or cancer that require chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which may be harmful to the ovaries.
• Individuals who require ovarian surgery, such as those with cysts or ovarian tumors, which can lead to a reduction in the number of eggs after surgery.
• Individuals with genetic disorders that cause premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause. In such cases, family members, such as mothers or sisters who experience early menopause, may also have a tendency for early ovarian decline.
• Individuals who are experiencing infertility issues.

Why do women choose to plan for future children and consider egg freezing?

Naturally, as women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decrease gradually. This particularly affects women aged 35 and above, leading to increased difficulty in conceiving. If a woman reaches the age of 40 and has not experienced menstruation for an extended period, she is entering menopause. At this stage, the ovaries cease their reproductive function. Therefore, those who plan to have children should consider egg freezing as early as possible and ideally not beyond the age of 40. However, if a woman is over 40, she can still undergo egg freezing, but it is important to consult directly with a physician.

The earlier we freeze our eggs, the more effective they will be in increasing the chances of successful pregnancy. Even as we age, we can still use eggs frozen at a younger age. For example, if a woman freezes her eggs at the age of 30 but does not plan to conceive yet, she can preserve the frozen eggs until she reaches the age of 40 and is ready to have children. In this way, the eggs preserved at the age of 30 can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to facilitate future pregnancies.

Preparation before egg freezing

Preparation before starting the process of egg freezing includes the following:

1. Consume a nutritious diet with low carbohydrates, low sugar, and high protein. Reduce consumption of processed foods. Choosing a healthy diet helps maintain balance in the body.
2. Avoid eating food after 6 PM.
3. Take vitamins and supplements such as Astaxanthin, CO-Q10, Methyl Folate, and Vitamin D, or Pregnable F Begin. In this step, it is advisable to consult a physician regarding vitamin and supplement intake.
4. Sufficient rest and stress reduction are essential. Practice stress management techniques and engage in activities that promote relaxation.
5. Get adequate sunlight exposure in the morning for at least 30 minutes every day. This helps stimulate the sleep-wake cycle, allowing for better quality sleep.
6. However, it is important to consult with a physician beforehand. The physician can assess your condition and provide guidance on pre-care for the entire egg freezing process.