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Can you freeze eggs while on hormonal contraception?
If you are thinking about freezing your eggs now or in the future and are currently using hormonal contraception, you may have some questions. While hormonal contraception has many benefits, it can interfere with the egg freezing process. Here’s some more information to help you understand and make the decision that’s right for you.
Understanding egg freezing and birth control
There are various types of contraception including the pill, vaginal ring, contraceptive patch and intrauterine device or copper coil (IUD).
While some of these methods may interfere with the egg freezing process, there are others that you can continue to use without any concern, such as the copper coil.
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How birth control affects your natural cycle
Certain types of contraception can interrupt your natural menstrual cycle to prevent pregnancy. They can also be used to manage painful or heavy periods.
Depending on the specific method of contraception you use, you might experience changes in your bleeding patterns. Some forms of contraception prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs.
Does contraception affect egg quality or quantity?
Hormonal contraception does not impact egg quality or quantity. After stopping hormonal contraception, your natural menstrual cycle and ovulation usually resume quickly. Resumption of the natural menstrual cycle may be slower if you have been taking the progesterone depot injection.
It’s important to understand that factors such as age, genetics and lifestyle choices play a significant role in egg quality and quantity. To help support egg quality and overall fertility health, consider maintaining a nutritious diet, limiting alcohol and incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine. If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor.
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Can you freeze eggs with a copper IUD?
A copper IUD, also known as a copper coil, is a small plastic T-shape that a doctor or nurse inserts into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is completely safe to freeze your eggs while using a copper IUD.
The presence of the device does not affect the processes required for ovarian stimulation and the success of egg retrieval. If you have a progesterone coil device for contraception, this will need to be removed before egg freezing treatments.
Should you stop hormonal contraception before egg freezing?
Yes, you will need to stop using hormonal contraception before undergoing the egg freezing process, as it can interfere with ovarian stimulation, which is required to collect eggs from your ovaries. However, individuals with a copper IUD can continue with the egg freezing process without having it removed.
For the initial fertility assessment, you may not need to stop using hormonal contraception. Your doctor will conduct a blood test to measure your anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and an ultrasound to provide an accurate measure of your fertility and likely response to any medication. It is important to know that hormonal contraception can potentially lower AMH levels, however, your fertility doctor will discuss this in detail with you during your consultation.
Can you freeze eggs immediately after stopping hormonal contraception?
In most cases, you should stop using hormonal contraception about a month before starting your egg freezing cycle. This break allows your natural menstrual cycle to restart, enabling the doctor to accurately assess your ovarian function. Some clinics may recommend a longer period based on individual circumstances. However, the exact timing of stopping hormonal contraception will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
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Reviewed by Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Oxford Fertility.
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