Question 1

Why should I freeze my eggs?

Accepted Answer

Social egg freezing is for women who want choices in their future fertility. If you aren’t ready to be a parent, or are unsure if you ever want to be a parent, social egg freezing provides options.

Question 2

What is the best age to freeze eggs?

Accepted Answer

Eggs that are frozen in the late 20s and early 30s will produce more live births. That is because as we age our egg store decreases, as does the egg quality.3 We recommend social egg freezing for women under the age of 36.

Question 3

Is egg freezing right for me?

Accepted Answer

Social egg freezing might be right for you if you’re under the age of 36 and healthy. If you have a medical condition or are having medical treatment that could impact fertility, you may be eligible for medical egg freezing.

Question 4

How much does egg freezing cost?

Accepted Answer

At our Gold Coast clinic, initial investigations and the AMH test are bulk-billed with no cost to you. Find out more about how much egg freezing costs here.

Question 5

What is the first step in egg freezing?

Accepted Answer

The first step in social egg freezing is a no-obligation appointment with our team. At your first appointment at our Gold Coast clinic one of our fertility experts will ask you about your menstrual history, any pre-existing medical conditions and your family health history. You may then be referred for an ultrasound and some blood tests, including an AMH test.

Question 6

What is an AMH test?

Accepted Answer

An AMH blood test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is one way to estimate your egg count. The test cannot identify causes of infertility or predict if you will become pregnant. The AMH test is the best predictor of egg reserves only.

Question 7

What is the difference between social (elective) egg freezing and medical egg freezing?

Accepted Answer

Social (elective) egg freezing is for healthy people, 36 years and under, who aren’t ready to be parents yet and want more choice over their future fertility. Medical egg freezing is for people who have a medical condition, or are undergoing medical treatment, that might impact their fertility now.

Question 8

What if I want medical egg freezing?

Accepted Answer

If after the initial investigations the results indicate that medical egg freezing is an option for you, our team of experts will talk you through what’s next and connect you with the best possible support.

Question 9

What is the egg freezing process?

Accepted Answer

If you elect to have social egg freezing, the process is simple. After your initial consultation and preliminary tests, your fertility expert will create a personalised treatment plan for you. This plan will outline all the steps involved in egg freezing. This includes the stimulation of egg production, egg collection, freezing and storage. For more information about the step-by-step process, learn more here.

Question 10

What happens to my eggs when they are frozen?

Accepted Answer

Eggs are frozen via a process called vitrification. This is a rapid freezing technique that reduces ice crystal formation by removing fluid, which assists in promoting high survival rates. Eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks that are continually monitored and alarmed.

Question 11

Where are my eggs stored?

Accepted Answer

Your eggs are stored with our partner Monash IVF in their state-of-the-art laboratory on the Gold Coast.

Question 12

How long can eggs be stored for?

Accepted Answer

Biologically, eggs can be stored indefinitely.1 However, some Australian states and territories stipulate how long eggs can be stored for, typically 10-15 years.

Question 13

What are the risks in egg freezing?

Accepted Answer

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with egg freezing. These risks can include short-term complications like bleeding or infection. There is also a risk that no eggs can be collected or frozen after the stimulation process.2 Your fertility expert will explain all the risks involved and answer any questions you have. Learn more about the risks involved with egg freezing here.

Question 14

Do I have to remove my IUD for egg freezing?

Accepted Answer

No. Copper IUDs and Mirena’s do not negatively impact your egg production or egg health, and they don’t interfere with the effectiveness of egg-stimulating treatments before your extraction. IUDs are a safe and effective method to prevent pregnancy before and during the egg freezing procedure. It’s also safe to keep using the same IUD after egg extraction.

Egg Freezing FAQs