Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu, HI, believes that a woman’s decision to freeze her eggs is personal. Some women are nearing the end of their prime reproductive years and have not found a life partner they wish to raise children with. Others might want to put off pregnancy while they pursue their career or passion, and there are also women who want to preserve their fertility prior to the start of treatment for cancer.

Regardless of the reason, egg freezing is a viable option for women who want to have a child someday—just not now. Here, this trusted fertility clinic answers common questions about this process.

How Does Egg Freezing Work?

Before the eggs can be harvested, patients experience the same hormone injection treatment as women undergoing in vitro fertilization. A fertility clinic will collect and freeze a woman’s eggs until she is ready to have children. When she is ready to have children, her eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm, and ultimately transferred to her uterus as embryos.

What Is Treatment Like?

The egg freezing cycle takes about two to four weeks. Fertility medication is used to stimulate the ovaries to produce follicles.  When the follicles are ready, a thin needle is used to vaginally remove the follicular fluid.  The IVF laboratory will then separate the egg from the fluid.  The egg(s) are then vitrified (frozen) until you are ready to start your family.

How Long Can Eggs Stay Frozen For?

Advancements in science and medicine allow eggs to be frozen for a very long period of time with no degredation in their quality. 

Why Do Some Women Freeze Their Eggs?

Women from a variety of backgrounds have various reasons for wanting to freeze their eggs. Aside from those exploring personal interests and aspirations, egg freezing may be used by women who need to have chemotherapy, radiation therapy or certain surgeries for medical treatment.

Have more questions about egg freezing? Since 1985, Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute has been Hawaii’s leading in vitro fertilization program. Their fertility clinic is open seven days a week and staffed by dedicated professionals who are committed to serving your individual reproductive needs. Learn more about their egg freezing process online, or give them a call at (808) 946-2226 to schedule an appointment.