There is a lot to understand when considering to freeze your eggs, including: Are you a suitable candidate for it? What is the process? What is my chance of success? and many other very valid questions.
So what exactly are the determining factors to make you an ideal candidate for egg freezing? Here we explain some of the factors that doctors take into consideration when helping you decide:
Advancing age
The age of female eggs is a top factor influencing a female’s chance of pregnancy success, with a woman’s fertility already declining by age 35 – more specifically the quantity and quality of the eggs is rapidly reducing.
Statistics show that by age 40, it is estimated a female’s natural conception rate is in the range of 8-10 per cent a month and at age 43, the rate is thought to be as low as 1-3 per cent a month. Advancing age also unfortunately increases the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities.
According to an American study your age influences the number of eggs you need to freeze – a 37 year-old woman would need to freeze 20 eggs to have a 75 per cent chance of having one live birth, yet three years younger at 34 they would only need to freeze 10 eggs to have the same 75 per cent chance of success.
So if you are going to freeze your eggs to invest in your fertility future, the younger you are when you do it, will give you the best chance of future success.
Low egg count
A low ovarian reserve result (low number of eggs) is a prime indicator that your fertility window is rapidly declining and you should either freeze some eggs now, or alternatively if your situation is right, start trying a family and/or freeze embryos sooner rather than later.
Your doctor may suggest an Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test to check your ovarian reserve if you are: wanting to delay childbirth and are under 35 years old; or if you are concerned about conditions that may have an impact on your fertility like a family history of premature menopause, multiple operations on the ovaries, chemotherapy, endometriosis or Polysistic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Medical conditions
There are a number of medical reasons that may lead a woman to consider egg freezing such as cancer, a genetic disorder or a family history of illnesses that could limit their fertility.
For cancer patients it depends on the type of cancer and treatment as to whether egg freezing is recommended or not. Your doctor can advise you more specifically of the potential impact of your condition/treatment on your fertility.
Transgender
Elective egg freezing is also an option for birth designated females who are medically transitioning from female to male, but still want a chance to become a biological parent.
Fertility preservation via egg freezing can provide peace of mind for women, knowing that they have done all they can to maximise their chance of having a baby in the future. Your specialist will work with you to find the best solution for you.
If you would like to discuss your situation, contact our Chill fertility advice team on 1300 215 332 or email contact@chilleggfreeze.com.au
Phone: 1300 215 332