Frozen Egg Cycle

Frequently Asked Questions about Frozen Donor Eggs at YourEggs:

What is a frozen egg cycle?

A frozen egg cycle involves using eggs that have been cryopreserved to delay pregnancy to a time that suits you better. The process includes thawing the frozen eggs, fertilizing them with sperm, and preparing them for implantation when you are ready.

How does egg freezing work?

Egg freezing uses vitrification, a rapid freezing method that incorporates cryoprotectants to prevent ice crystal formation, preserving the egg’s viability for future use.

What are the benefits of choosing frozen eggs over fresh?

Choosing frozen eggs eliminates the need for synchronization with the donor’s cycle, reduces waiting times, and costs much less than using fresh eggs. It also provides certainty about the number of eggs available before starting the IVF process.

What factors affect the success of a frozen egg cycle?

The success of a frozen egg cycle depends on the quality of the donor eggs, the number of eggs thawed, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. At YourEggs, we pride ourselves on our amazing donors and high success rates.

What are the requirements for egg donors at YourEggs?

Egg donors at YourEggs are rigorously selected based on health, age, and fertility potential. They are typically between the ages of 21 and 29, have a Body Mass Index (BMI) under 30, and must pass extensive psychological and medical screenings. These screenings include a detailed medical history review, physical examination, and ovarian reserve tests to ensure they can safely donate healthy eggs.

What does the egg donation process involve?

The process begins with hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg typically released during natural ovulation. Once the eggs mature, the donor undergoes a minor surgical procedure under sedation. This involves using an ultrasound-guided needle to extract eggs from the ovaries. These eggs can then be fertilized in the lab using sperm from the recipient’s partner or a donor, a process known as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How does the frozen donor egg cycle work?

In a frozen donor egg cycle, the same initial steps as a fresh egg cycle are followed—ovulation induction and egg retrieval. After retrieval, however, the eggs are immediately frozen using a state-of-the-art flash-freezing process called vitrification. This preserves the eggs until they are needed by intended parents, who can then have them thawed and used for IVF.

What happens after the eggs are frozen?

Once the eggs are vitrified and securely stored, they remain frozen until selected by intended parents browsing our donor database. Prospective parents can view detailed profiles of our donors, choose the donor who best matches their preferences, and proceed with the IVF process using the thawed eggs.

Why might someone choose a frozen egg cycle over a fresh egg cycle?

A frozen egg cycle offers several advantages:

• Timing Flexibility: Intended parents can start the IVF process according to their own schedule without the need to synchronize with the donor’s cycle.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Frozen cycles are less expensive than fresh cycles.
• Availability: Immediate access to a wide selection of donors and eggs, allowing for faster progression to embryo transfer.

Can frozen eggs undergo genetic screening?

Yes, preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is often performed on embryos created from frozen eggs. This screening helps ensure the health of the embryo before it is transferred to the recipient’s uterus.

What is the success rate of frozen donor egg cycles?

The success rates for frozen egg cycles have improved significantly and are now comparable to fresh cycles, especially in clinics that specialize in advanced reproductive technologies like YourEggs. Success rates can vary based on factors such as the age of the eggs at the time of freezing, the thawing process, and the overall health of the embryos.

How can I get started?

To explore your options with frozen donor eggs or to learn more about our services, contact us today to book a free consultation.  We are dedicated to assisting you on your journey to parenthood, providing expert care and support every step of the way.