Using Frozen Eggs
Egg freezing is a great option if you're not ready to start a family or are currently unable to do so, but want to keep the option open for the future. But what happens when you’re ready to use your frozen eggs? At NYU Langone Fertility Center (NYULFC), our fertility specialists use cutting-edge technology to help you grow your family using frozen eggs and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Thawing and Transferring Frozen Eggs: How It Works
Once you’re ready to start your family, your frozen eggs will be thawed in a highly controlled lab environment. Then, they are combined with sperm (either from a partner or a donor) in individual culture dishes and allowed to develop for multiple days. A percentage of the eggs will fertilize and begin to divide, creating embryos. Those embryos are then inserted into your uterus through the IVF process, hopefully resulting in a successful pregnancy.
At NYULFC, our physicians have completed over 3,000 egg freezing cycles and perform over 450 cycles annually. You can trust that your fertility is in the best of hands.
Using Your Frozen Eggs: FAQs
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Technically speaking, your eggs can be frozen for as long as you want and still be viable. The egg freezing process involves using special substances that prevent ice crystals from forming that could damage your eggs during freezing and thawing.
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If you don’t use your frozen eggs or have some left over after starting your family, you may be able to donate them to a family in need. You may also be able to donate them to research. Some individuals prefer to dispose of their unused eggs.
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Some women become pregnant naturally after deciding to freeze their eggs as a precaution. If you become pregnant before using your stored eggs, you can choose to keep your frozen eggs in storage and use them for another pregnancy in the future or donate them.
Learn More About Using Frozen Eggs at NYULFC
Using your frozen eggs is an exciting part of the fertility preservation process. At NYU Langone Fertility Center, our team of world-class experts can answer your questions and help you navigate the entire egg freezing, thawing, and transfer process. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.