Understanding Fertility Preservation Options: Egg Freezing and Sperm Freezing
Fertility preservation methods allow people to cryopreserve their reproductive cells (Egg Freezing or Sperm Freezing) for future use. The most well-established and effective options for fertility preservation are Egg Freezing and Sperm Freezing. These use advanced cryopreservation for fertility, which allows reproductive cells to remain alive for years without degrading.
As social patterns now change toward a later period of parenthood, fertility preservation becomes a very pragmatic solution. This is especially true for women following demanding careers, undergoing chemotherapy treatments, or just waiting for the right moment.
Egg Freezing: How It Is Done
Egg freezing is when eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored during a woman’s prime reproductive stage. Typically, it concerns women considering delaying parenthood. The egg-freezing process step by step is as follows:
- Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal injections are administered for the stimulation of the ovaries and help in releasing several eggs in one cycle, which takes about 10-14 days on average.
- Monitoring: The development of follicles—fluid-filled sacs holding eggs—is monitored by regular ultrasounds and blood tests.
- Egg Retrieval: A doctor retrieves the eggs while under sedation. It is done with the help of a fine needle guided by ultrasound.
- Cryopreservation: Retrieved eggs are systematically frozen and vitrified to prevent the formation of ice crystals; this strategy maintains the good quality of the eggs.
The success rate is higher with the earlier freezing of the eggs, as younger eggs are more productive when used in future fertility treatment. In addition, the likelihood of success between frozen eggs and sperm depends on the age at which they were preserved.
Sperm Freezing Explained
Semen cryopreservation, or sperm freezing, can be considered less invasive and simpler than egg freezing. This process is only suitable if the males need their sperm frozen for future use, particularly in cases where medical procedures, hazardous work settings, or lifestyle choices could jeopardise their fertility. Here’s how it works:
- Sample Collection: The sample for semen can either come from natural ejaculation or as a by-product of medical practices.
- Analysis: The quality is assessed on the sample, and measurement is based on the count of sperm, motility, and even morphology.
- Cryopreservation: A combination of a cryoprotectant and sperm which freezes in nitrogen-filled tanks.
One advantage of the sperm freezing storage duration is that it has minimal impact on the quality of the sperm.
Advantages of Egg Freezing and Sperm Freezing Fertility Preservation Options
The long-term advantages of fertility preservation go beyond mere delay in childbearing. This is why people are opting for these methods in increasing numbers:
- Medical Guarantee: Patients who will undergo chemotherapy may be able to preserve their fertility before the effects of the medication set in.
- Flexibility: Fertility preservation gives you a chance to chase all your personal and professional ambitions without any threat from a biological clock.
- Success Chances: The benefits of egg freezing at a young age increase the possibility of successful conception in the later years.
- Emotional Peace: Having an assurance that your fertility is well secured provides comfort that no one else can offer.
Cost of Egg Freezing and Sperm Freezing
One of the critical considerations for many individuals is the cost of Egg Freezing and Sperm Freezing. Although the cost differs based on location and clinic, freezing eggs generally is more expensive as it includes the medical procedure, such as ovarian stimulation and retrieval. The average cost of egg freezing in India may range from ₹2,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 for one cycle, plus annual storage charges. Sperm freezing is cheaper and will cost as much ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 at first for freezing the sperm, apart from nominal yearly charges for storage.
Get a quote and understand the package offered by the fertility clinic you trust.
Cryopreservation for Fertility: How It Works
Fertility cryopreservation is a scientific procedure whereby reproduction cells are cooled down and placed in a liquid nitrogen tank at extremely low temperatures (-196°C). In such a condition, all biological activities are arrested, and the eggs or sperm are not affected but kept intact until their intended use when thawed out of the frozen state.
Interestingly, advancements in cryopreservation technologies have increased the chances of fertility preserved by frozen eggs and sperm. Survival rate post-thaw averages around 90-95% for most cases.
Success Rates of Egg Freezing and Sperm Freezing
Success rates of Egg Freezing and Sperm Freezing are mainly associated with factors such as age at freezing, quality of the cells, and expertise of the fertility clinic. Here are some key insights:
- Egg Freezing: In general, patients less than 35 years old have a better possibility, with the potential of 5-12% live births after thawing from a single egg. However, freezing many eggs increases such a possibility immensely.
- Sperm Freezing: Frozen sperms are at a nearly identical level of fertility to fresh sperms. There is a potential success rate that goes beyond 50% when they are utilised through techniques like IVF or ICSI.
Conclusion
Egg Freezing and Sperm Freezing are examples of fertility preservation options that allow people to take charge of their reproductive futures. These innovative fertility preservation options provide hope and flexibility. Contact ART Fertility Clinics today to learn more about the long-term benefits of fertility preservation and make an informed decision for your life’s goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is the right candidate for fertility preservation?
People who opt to delay conception because of job opportunities, medical treatment like chemotherapy, or any lifestyle choice that makes them individually have low fertility are very good candidates.
- When is the right age to freeze eggs?
Ideally, a woman should freeze her eggs when she is below 35 years old for maximum success rate. Young eggs are of high quality and ensure that the future chances of getting pregnant are greatly enhanced.
- How long do frozen eggs or sperm last?
Advanced cryopreservation means the eggs and sperm can be preserved for ages without a notable loss of quality.
- Is egg freezing costlier than sperm freezing?
It is true, as egg freezing is more complex in comparison to medical science, which will cost around ₹2,00,000-₹2,50,000 per cycle in India, while sperm freezing comes at a mere cost of between ₹10,000–₹30,000.
- Do frozen eggs or sperm ensure pregnancy later?
Although it increases the chances of conception, success rates are determined by several factors, such as age at freezing and the fertility clinic’s skill level. It is not a guarantee but a proactive option.
