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Does egg freezing affect future fertility?
Yes, you can still get pregnant naturally after freezing your eggs. Egg freezing does not affect your natural fertility or your ability to conceive in the future. Instead, it preserves eggs that would otherwise be lost during your menstrual cycle, without reducing your remaining egg supply or stopping you from ovulating as normal.
It is still natural to have questions about how the process may affect your body and your chances of pregnancy later on. Below, we explain what happens to your fertility after egg freezing, why age remains an important factor, and the short and long-term considerations to be aware of before making your decision.
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing is a method of preserving fertility, allowing you to try for a family when you are ready. The process involves undergoing a partial IVF cycle to retrieve your eggs from the ovaries. After this, healthy eggs are quickly frozen and stored safely in liquid nitrogen to be used later on.
During the process, you will need to administer the medication yourself. At home, you will give yourself a daily injection to stimulate follicular growth in the ovaries, which helps increase the number of eggs collected. This course generally lasts for 14 days. Rest assured, the fertility nurses will guide you on how to do this.
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What happens to your fertility after freezing eggs?
Egg freezing preserves the quality and quantity of your eggs at their current state, ultimately stopping the ageing process of the eggs. These eggs can then be thawed and used for fertility treatment when you are ready.
After freezing your eggs, your body will continue to ovulate and release eggs as usual.
If you freeze your eggs, can you still get pregnant naturally?
The process of egg freezing does not impact your natural fertility or ability to conceive later in life. It simply preserves the eggs that would have been lost during your menstrual cycle, meaning it doesn't affect the quality of your remaining eggs, nor does it prevent you from ovulating naturally after the procedure. Many individuals often have children naturally before they decide to use their frozen eggs.
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Does age affect the success of egg freezing?
Typically, the quality and quantity of eggs decline with age, which is why age plays a significant role when it comes to egg freezing. Whether you’re focusing on your career or undergoing surgery that could impact your fertility, freezing your eggs sooner rather than later may be your best option. It’s generally recommended to freeze eggs before the age of 35 to ensure the best outcome. The younger you are when freezing eggs, the greater the likelihood of a successful pregnancy in the future.
Are there any short or long-term effects of egg freezing?
With any type of fertility treatment, including egg freezing, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects.
Short-term effects are often related to the medication and anaesthesia used during the procedure. These can include mood swings, nausea and hot flashes. While the process itself is generally not painful, you may experience bloating, cramping and abdominal discomfort. These symptoms are completely normal and can usually be managed with painkillers.
In rare cases, some patients may develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This is when the ovaries are overstimulated, leading to enlarged ovaries, bloating and pain. In severe instances, OHSS can impact respiratory function. You’ll be informed about the risk before the egg freezing procedure. Symptoms of OHSS include vomiting, difficulty breathing, reduced urine output, or ongoing pain.
It’s also important to understand that not everyone experiences side effects, which is perfectly normal. However, if you have any concerns or your symptoms do not improve with paracetamol or codeine, it’s essential to contact your doctor or fertility clinic immediately.
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