Fertility preservation include egg freezing and embryo banking. The clinical treatments for egg freezing and embryo banking are similar – you will undergo ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval process. Eggs will be frozen immediately after egg retrieval if you choose egg freezing. If you undergo embryo banking treatment, eggs will be fertilized with sperm from either your partner or sperm donor, and be cultured for 5-7 days until be ready for frozen.

Egg freezing and embryo banking process are safe and would not cause decrease of your ovarian reserve or make you go to menopause earlier.

Here is how you get your eggs or embryos frozen:

 

During your natural monthly cycle, eggs grow in fluid-filled sacs (called follicles) on the ovaries. Only one egg will mature and be released through ovulation. The rest will be naturally reabsorbed. The egg freezing process – as with an embryo freezing cycle – helps more eggs to mature.

To do this, you will take medication for 9-12 days to help stimulate your ovaries. We will assess your situation, discuss with you about your goal and choose the best stimulation protocol for you. You will have several clinic visits to monitor the egg growth via ultrasound and blood tests.  When the eggs are large enough, you will take one shot of trigger medication to    .

We will take you through the process step-by-step.

The doctor will collect the eggs from your ovaries through a simple procedure called the egg retrieval. A very small and thin needle will be used, resulting in a much safer and less painful experience. Local anesthesia is typically adequate, and most patients can walk out and drive home after procedure. IV sedation is also available if needed.  

Eggs will be frozen in the liquid nitrogen shortly after egg retrieval, if you undergo egg freezing.

Your partner will collect the semen on the day of egg retrieval if you choose embryo banking. Eggs will be fertilized with sperm and be cultured for 5-7 days until be ready for frozen.