How does egg freezing work and what should I expect?

Egg freezing involves giving you medication to enable your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them in a minor procedure, and then freezing the mature eggs for long-term storage. When you’re ready to try for a baby, the eggs can be warmed, fertilised with sperm, and transferred to the uterus as embryos.

Thanks to vitrification – a rapid freezing method – frozen eggs are now preserved with a high survival rate and excellent outcomes (ASRM, 2023).

You may wish to consider egg freezing if you:

• Are in your late 20s or early 30s and want to preserve egg quality
• Are not ready to start a family but want to keep future options open
• Are undergoing chemotherapy or surgery that could impact fertility
• Have a family history of early menopause or low ovarian reserve

A 2015 study in Human Reproduction found that egg freezing is most effective when done before the age of 35 (Human Reproduction, 2015).

1. Initial Consultation

You’ll meet with a fertility specialist to assess your reproductive health through blood tests and pelvic ultrasound. The blood test will include an AMH level

2. Ovarian Stimulation

Over 10–14 days, you’ll self-administer hormones to stimulate multiple egg follicles. Your response is monitored with ultrasounds in our clinic.

3. Egg Retrieval

Once your follicles have reached an adequate size, you will undergo a short outpatient procedure under sedation to retrieve the eggs. Most women can resume daily activities the next day.

4. Freezing (Vitrification)

Mature eggs are rapidly frozen using vitrification and stored at ultra-low temperatures, preserving their quality for future use.

In Victoria, under current Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) regulations, eggs can be stored for up to 10 years. However, you may apply for an extension in specific circumstances, such as medical reasons or ongoing infertility concerns (VARTA).

Egg storage facilities must be licensed and follow strict quality and safety protocols, ensuring your eggs are preserved in optimal conditions.

When you decide you’re ready to attempt pregnancy, your frozen eggs are:

1. Warmed using specialised techniques to maintain cell integrity.
2. Fertilised via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in most cases, where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.
3. Cultured into embryos, typically for 3–5 days.
4. Transferred into the uterus in a process similar to IVF.

Any additional viable embryos can be frozen for future cycles.

Success rates depend on your age at the time of freezing, the number of eggs retrieved, and your overall reproductive health. On average, 6–8 mature eggs are recommended per pregnancy attempt for women under 35 (ACOG).

Recovery from the egg retrieval procedure is usually quick, with mild bloating or cramping. Most women return to work or daily routines within 1–2 days.

Emotionally, many women report feeling relieved and empowered after taking this step toward preserving their fertility.

Egg freezing is a deeply personal decision and an incredible option for many women who want to plan ahead. If you’re considering egg freezing, book a consultation to explore your options in a supportive, evidence-based environment.