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Can I freeze my eggs if I have PCOS or endometriosis?
Egg freezing is a valuable option for preserving your fertility, particularly if you have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Both conditions are known to impact fertility, meaning that natural conception may be more challenging and potentially may take longer than average. If you're thinking about delaying parenthood, egg freezing can provide you with peace of mind and control over your future choices.
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What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing is a process for preserving an individual’s fertility, allowing them the flexibility to try for a baby at a time that’s right for them.
This procedure involves a partial cycle of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It starts with self-administered hormone medication to stimulate the development of eggs within the ovaries. Following this, monitoring scans are conducted to track the progress of egg growth. Afterwards, the eggs are retrieved directly from the ovaries using a thin needle. An embryologist assesses the eggs, and healthy ones are rapidly frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen for future use.
Who typically considers egg freezing?
There are various reasons individuals may consider egg freezing. For some, the timing of starting a family may not feel right yet.
You may wish to focus on your career or personal goals, or you may not feel emotionally or financially prepared for a child yet. Or perhaps you are still waiting to find the right partner to share this journey.
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Additionally, medical conditions, such as PCOS, endometriosis or undergoing treatments, like chemotherapy or radiotherapy, can make preserving your eggs beneficial.
Non-binary or transgender individuals may also consider egg freezing. If you are starting hormone replacement therapy or planning to undergo gender reassignment surgery, freezing your eggs allows you to maintain your fertility to have children later on.
Ultimately, whatever your reason for preserving your fertility, it allows you to choose to have children when you are ready.
PCOS and endometriosis
PCOS and endometriosis are two conditions that can impact your fertility. It’s important to understand how these conditions can affect your ability to conceive and what to expect during the egg freezing process.Â
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects ovarian function, making conception more challenging. It can begin at any age after puberty, with most diagnoses occurring in their early 20s or 30s, although teenagers can also be affected.
PCOS affects one in ten women and may lead to irregular periods, disrupting ovulation and egg release. It can also result in elevated levels of androgens, often referred to as male hormones, which can cause excessive facial and body hair. Additionally, PCOS can lead to the formation of cysts on the ovaries and may cause mood swings or anxiety. The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, and it’s important to understand that not everyone with the condition will experience the same symptoms.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those found in the lining of the uterus grow outside of it, commonly in the pelvis.
The cause of the condition is unknown, and symptoms can vary. It may lead to pelvic pain, fatigue, painful urination, heavy bleeding and fertility issues. Many individuals may not experience any symptoms, and it can take a long time to receive a diagnosis. On average, it can take around eight years to get diagnosed. Some people only discover they have endometriosis when they have difficulties conceiving.
How these conditions affect fertility
With these two conditions, women may experience infertility to some degree. For example, women with mild symptoms may take longer than usual to conceive naturally, whereas those with more severe symptoms will likely need fertility treatment. Because these conditions affect everyone differently, fertility tests will give a better understanding of your specific circumstances.
PCOS can impact fertility by disrupting the normal functioning of the ovaries, hindering ovulation and the release of eggs. This is often caused by hormonal imbalances, including elevated levels of androgens. These imbalances can also affect egg quality, impacting the likelihood of successful fertilisation and implantation.
Some of the ways endometriosis can affect fertility include damage to reproductive organs, scarring or blockage of the fallopian tubes, and inflammation, which can affect egg reserve, fertilisation, and implantation.
Success ratesÂ
At TFP Fertility, about 90% of eggs survive the freeze-thaw process. Thawed eggs are then fertilised by a technique known as ICSI and on average, around 65% of thawed eggs fertilise.Â
Pregnancy rates using frozen eggs are mainly influenced by the number of eggs frozen and the age of the egg provider. Other factors such as lifestyle choices, PCOS and endometriosis can also impact outcomes.
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What to expect during the process
Egg freezing is a relatively straightforward procedure that involves a partial IVF cycle. The entire process can take up to three weeks, but don’t worry, our fertility specialist will guide you every step of the way.
You will need to administer a daily injection at home to encourage follicular development within the ovaries, to increase the number of eggs ready for collection. This usually involves a 14-day course of hormone treatment. Following this, a second daily injection will be added to stop natural hormone production and manage the timing of your egg release.
Throughout the process, we will monitor your progress with pelvic scans to observe the growth and development of the follicles in your ovaries, helping us determine the optimal time for egg retrieval.
Once the follicles are adequately sized, you will receive an injection to mature the eggs for collection. The eggs will be retrieved using a gentle needle guided through the vaginal wall, collecting them one by one. The healthy eggs will then be rapidly cooled using a technique called vitrification and stored safely in a cryopreservation chamber until you are ready to use them.
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Recovery and next steps
After egg freezing, you may experience mild symptoms such as soreness, cramping, and light spotting, which typically resolve within three to seven days. Pain can be managed effectively with paracetamol. It is advised to rest for the first day and avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for about a week. If you have any concerns, contact your doctor or fertility clinic.
Risks specific to PCOS or endometriosis
A rare complication of egg freezing is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can occur during fertility treatments. Symptoms of OHSS may include enlarged ovaries, bloating, and pain, and in severe cases, it can impact respiratory function. Rest assured, during your consultation, we will discuss the risks and any concerns you may have, as well as tailor a treatment plan that is safe and suitable for you.
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Is egg freezing right for you if you have PCOS or endometriosis?
During your consultation, we will discuss whether egg freezing is the best treatment option for you. We will consider factors such as age, lifestyle factors and any medication you are taking. It will also give you an opportunity to address any questions regarding your fertility journey.
Rest assured, we will be with you every step of the way.
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