Obstetrics Gynecology – MD, MSC, MMSC, Phd – Fertility Specialist

Egg cryopreservation

Egg cryopreservation is not a necessity it is a choice
For every woman, motherhood is a conscious choice and an inalienable right. However, fertility has time limits. Cryopreservation comes to give the solution.

What exactly is egg cryopreservation?

This is an innovative service of the Institute of Life that provides women with the opportunity to “freeze” time, preventing further age burden on their eggs and to choose when to become mothers. The number and quality of eggs decreases after the age of 35, which reduces the chance of pregnancy. Egg cryopreservation now offers a way out of this problem.

Is it a difficult or painful process?

Not at all. The steps of the process are quite simple. The process is completed in 10-14 days. During this time the appropriate medication is taken to mature many eggs. Alternatively, it may be planned to take a drug-free egg, as part of the natural cycle, or to take eggs with mild drug stimulation. Maturation is monitored by ultrasound and blood tests, while the ovulation process takes a few minutes. After a short follow-up, the woman can return to her daily activity.

What happens when a woman wants to have a child?

The eggs are cryopreserved in the laboratory by the method of vitrification, where they can remain for many years without affecting their quality. When a woman wants to have children, the eggs are thawed and prepared to be fertilized in the laboratory along with the man’s sperm.

How effective is the method?

All the studies that have been done after the introduction of egg vitrification, but also the experience of the Institute of Life from the application of the method show that the quality of cryopreserved eggs, their probability of fertilization and pregnancy rates are comparable to those of fresh eggs.

Is the method safe?

The American Society of Assisted Reproduction ASRM considers the method of vitrification of eggs suitable for daily application, while studies of children born with this method, show that the method is completely safe.

By what age can women freeze their eggs?

Although no international limits have been set, as both the number and quality of eggs decrease after the age of 35, experts advise that egg cryopreservation is most effective as early as possible.

How long can I keep my eggs cryopreserved?

Under Greek law, cryopreservation of eggs is allowed for 5 years. The duration of cryopreservation can be extended for five (5) years each time (provided that the woman has not reached the age of fifty) upon written request of the beneficiaries and a maximum extension of twenty (20) years.

Is it considered an acceptable technique by society?

Absolutely. As cryopreservation funding from companies such as Apple and Facebook shows for their employees, postponing childbearing into the future is a social reality. Science meets the challenges, meeting the needs of young women, and today gives them the freedom to choose the right time according to their own personal and social situation. At the same time, it is a step forward for women and society. Egg cryopreservation is not a necessity, it is a choice. A choice that is supported by our scientific team and has the high know-how to make it. This option is now in your hands.