Egg Freezing

Empowering your future fertility with evidence-based, personalised care

Egg freezing is a remarkable advance in reproductive science that allows you to preserve your eggs at their current age, giving you more time, more options, and more control over your reproductive future.

Whether you are planning a family later, focusing on your career or personal life, navigating medical treatment, or simply wanting reproductive autonomy, egg freezing can be an empowering choice.

Dr Rebecca Mackenzie-Proctor is a CREI trained Fertility Specialist and  Gynaecologist, who aims to provide clarity, science, and compassionate guidance at every step of the decision-making process.

Why Women Choose Egg Freezing

Egg freezing may be beneficial when:

• Age-related fertility decline

• Egg number (ovarian reserve) and egg quality decline with age, particularly after 35. Freezing eggs earlier preserves younger, healthier eggs.

Delaying pregnancy for personal or professional reasons

• Women may wish to delay family building without compromising future fertility.

Medical reasons, including:

• Endometriosis

• Diminished ovarian reserve

• BRCA mutation carriers

• Before cancer therapy (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)

• Autoimmune disease

• Prior ovarian surgery

Uncertain reproductive plans

Egg freezing provides reassurance and reproductive choice.

How Egg Freezing Works: Step-by-Step

The process parallels an IVF cycle up until the egg retrieval, but the eggs are frozen rather than fertilised.

Pre-treatment Consultation

A comprehensive assessment includes:

• Ovarian reserve testing (AMH, ultrasound)

• Review of menstrual health and gynecological history

• Lifestyle optimisation and nutritional guidance

• Discussion of realistic egg number goals

• Explanation of success rates and expected outcomes

Ovarian Stimulation

The process take approximately 14 days, it involves self-administering hormone injections to stimulate multiple follicles to develop.
Monitoring includes 1-2 ultrasounds over 10–12 days to individualise dosing and prevent overstimulation. Blood tests are sometimes used to assess response. 

Egg Collection (Oocyte Retrieval)

• Performed under light sedation 

• 15–20 minutes

• Ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration of follicles

• Minimal downtime (most patients resume normal activity within 24 hours)

Vitrification (Flash-Freezing) of Eggs

Vitrification rapidly cools eggs to prevent ice crystal formation, significantly improving post-thaw survival.

Storage

Eggs are stored securely in liquid nitrogen at –196°C.
They remain biologically stable for many years. There is a yearly storage fee. 

Success Rates: What You Need to Know

Success depends on:

• Your age at freezing (the most important factor)

• Number of mature eggs frozen

• Egg quality and ovarian reserve

Age and outcome example ranges

(Using data from large observational cohorts):

• Freezing 10–15 eggs at age <35 gives a high chance of at least one live birth

• Freezing >20 eggs at age 38–40 increases cumulative odds but cannot fully offset age-related decline

• Live birth success per thawed egg declines after 35

We discuss your realistic likelihoods using age-specific and egg-number–specific models

Risks and Considerations

Although generally safe, risks include:

Short-term risks

• Discomfort or bloating from ovarian stimulation

• Bruising at injection sites

• Egg collection side effects (rare bleeding or infection)

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Rare with modern protocols and tailored dosing. As a CREI trained subspecialist, I prioritise protocols that minimise OHSS risk.

Long-term

There is no evidence that egg freezing impacts long-term fertility or ovarian function.

What to Expect After Freezing

• A detailed summary of results and egg number

• Planning for future cycles if more eggs may be beneficial

• Options to integrate with IVF or partner conception later

• Annual storage arrangements and reviews

Who May Not Benefit

Egg freezing may be less effective for individuals with:

• significantly diminished ovarian reserve

• severe ovarian damage

• advanced reproductive age (typically >42)

In these cases, alternative family-building pathways (IVF with partner/donor sperm, embryo freezing, donor eggs) may offer higher success.

Diet, Lifestyle & Hormonal Health Support

Optimising health before egg freezing improves ovarian response and egg quality.

Evidence-based strategies include:

• Mediterranean-style diet improves reproductive outcomes

• Adequate protein and healthy fats for hormone production

• Antioxidant-rich foods to support oocyte health

• Limiting alcohol and smoking

• Exercise that supports metabolic and hormonal balance

• Supplements such as CoQ10 or vitamin D when indicated

I provide personalised guidance based on your health, ovarian reserve, metabolic profile, and fertility goals.