Egg Freezing Procedure: Purpose, Risks, Treatment, and Results
Egg freezing, pioneered in 1986, preserves women’s fixed egg reserve (2M at birth, ~400-500K at puberty, negligible at menopause), offsetting age-related declines (60-70% genetically healthy at 30 vs. 30-40% at 40; natural pregnancy <10% at 40+). Ideal before 35; freeze 8-15 eggs under 35 or 11-20 after for ~60% thaw survival and IVF success. Process: 10-day stimulation (day 2/3 cycle), ultrasound/injections, trigger shot, anesthesia retrieval, vitrification at -196°C. For cancer/chemo, career delays, PCOS, genetic risks (BRCA), or IVF backups; retains young egg quality, cutting birth defects. Risks: ovarian hyperstimulation, spindle damage on thaw.