Fertility Tasmania Fertility Tasmania

Non-medical Egg Freezing

Contact us today if you're considering Egg Freezing

Non-medical egg freezing is the term used to describe a treatment whereby a woman chooses to freeze her eggs for personal reasons. The most common reason why a women chooses to go through this process is that they are single, above the age of 30 and are aware that their fertility potential is declining.  However, family history may be other reason.

It is known that as women get older the number of eggs in their ovaries declines as well as the quality of these eggs. As such, women who attempt to conceive at a later age may find it increasingly difficult to do so.

What does Egg freezing Involve?

Similar to an IVF cycle, the woman undertakes approximately 10 to 12 days of FSH injections to encourage the development of follicles in the ovaries. Under ultrasound guidance the eggs are collected around approximately day 14 under general anaesthetic. Once the eggs have been collected the support cells around the eggs are removed. At this time we can determine whether the eggs are mature. Only mature eggs are suitable for freezing therefore not all the eggs retrieved may be frozen. Mature eggs are frozen by first exposing them to a cryo-protective solution and then freezing very rapidly using a process called vitrification.

 

Each egg is individually frozen and stored. Similar to freezing embryos, once the eggs are frozen they are stable for an indefinite period.

Thawing involves the quick warming of the egg to 37oC and the removal of the cryoprotective solution. After a short period of recovery, the eggs are then suitable for insemination, usually by injecting a single sperm into the egg. After fertilization, embryo culture is performed using standard procedures.

How successful is Egg Freezing?

Recent international research has indicated that, on a per thawed oocyte basis, the use of frozen eggs has the potential to give similar results as using freshly collected eggs. Published results suggest a single pregnancy may be produced on average from about 10 -15 oocytes. The number and quality of eggs collected and the overall success rate for the procedure depends on the woman’s age, the reason for the treatment and other factors. There are instances where no eggs may be collected or suitable for freezing despite everyone’s best efforts.

The benefits of egg freezing are built around the fact that if a woman should ever need the help of IVF to fall pregnant, then the use of eggs obtained at a younger age may provide a better chance of success.

 

Whilst some women may choose to freeze their eggs as a form of “fertility insurance”, it’s important that such women are counselled that egg freezing is by no means fail safe. Pregnancy rates from frozen eggs are not perfect. Currently pregnancy rates of 6-7% per egg are achievable. The preference will always be for natural conception to occur and if IVF is required then the use of fresh eggs is preferable.

Counselling is required prior to undergoing Egg Freezing for personal reasons.

Enquire

Contact

Email

Open Hours

  • For all appointments and general enquiries:
    Monday to Friday
  • Available by appointment only:

Address

  • Hobart

    Level 4
    81 Elizabeth Street
    Hobart TASMANIA 7000

    Postal Address:

    PO Box 4582
    Bathurst Street
    Hobart TASMANIA 7000

(Menopause (premature))
Menopause (premature) Menopause in women less than or equal to 35 years of age
Menopause (premature)
Menopause (premature) Menopause in women less than or equal to 35 years of age
(Biochemical Pregnancy)
Biochemical Pregnancy Fertilisation and implantation have occurred resulting in a positive pregnancy test. The pregnancy ends at a very early stage prior to ultrasound confirmation.
Biochemical Pregnancy
Biochemical Pregnancy Fertilisation and implantation have occurred resulting in a positive pregnancy test. The pregnancy ends at a very early stage prior to ultrasound confirmation.
(Anembryonic Pregnancy)
Anembryonic Pregnancy No foetal heartbeat is visible at the 6-8 week scan.
Anembryonic Pregnancy
Anembryonic Pregnancy No foetal heartbeat is visible at the 6-8 week scan.
(Menopause (early))
Menopause (early) Menopause in women less than 46 years of age
Menopause (early)
Menopause (early) Menopause in women less than 46 years of age
(Follicular Phase)
Follicular Phase First half of the menstrual cycle before ovulation
Follicular Phase
Follicular Phase First half of the menstrual cycle before ovulation
(Cryopreservation)
Cryopreservation Preservation (by freezing) of eggs, sperm or embryos
Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation Preservation (by freezing) of eggs, sperm or embryos
(Antagonist Cycle)
Antagonist Cycle A type of treatment process that requires the use of a medication that prevents ovulation during an IVF cycle
Antagonist Cycle
Antagonist Cycle A type of treatment process that requires the use of a medication that prevents ovulation during an IVF cycle
(Extended Culture)
Extended Culture The term used to describe growth of embryos in culture for 4-6 days
Extended Culture
Extended Culture The term used to describe growth of embryos in culture for 4-6 days
(Embryo Transfer)
Embryo Transfer Placement of embryo/s into the uterus
Embryo Transfer
Embryo Transfer Placement of embryo/s into the uterus
(Ultrasound Scan)
Ultrasound Scan An ultrasound wave scan of the uterus/ovaries/follicles for investigation of infertility and/or scan of the uterus for the confirmation of pregnancy
Ultrasound Scan
Ultrasound Scan An ultrasound wave scan of the uterus/ovaries/follicles for investigation of infertility and/or scan of the uterus for the confirmation of pregnancy
(Pituitary Gland)
Pituitary Gland The gland located at the base of the brain, which controls hormone functions in the human body
Pituitary Gland
Pituitary Gland The gland located at the base of the brain, which controls hormone functions in the human body
(Donation Embryo)
Donation Embryo The process where a couple donate frozen embryo/s to another party (recipients) for use in infertility treatment
Donation Embryo
Donation Embryo The process where a couple donate frozen embryo/s to another party (recipients) for use in infertility treatment
(Fallopian Tubes)
Fallopian Tubes Tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovary and serve as a passageway for the egg and sperm to meet. The fallopian tube is the place where fertilisation occurs
Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian Tubes Tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovary and serve as a passageway for the egg and sperm to meet. The fallopian tube is the place where fertilisation occurs
(Egg Timer Test)
Egg Timer Test A blood test and pelvic ultrasound scan to indicate the likely fertility status of a woman
Egg Timer Test
Egg Timer Test A blood test and pelvic ultrasound scan to indicate the likely fertility status of a woman
(Egg Collection)
Egg Collection Surgical collection of egg/s from the follicles in the ovary
Egg Collection
Egg Collection Surgical collection of egg/s from the follicles in the ovary
(Donation Sperm)
Donation Sperm The process where a male donor donates sperm to another party (recipient) for use in infertility treatment
Donation Sperm
Donation Sperm The process where a male donor donates sperm to another party (recipient) for use in infertility treatment
(Endometriosis)
Endometriosis A medical condition where the endometrium is located outside the uterus in the pelvic cavity
Endometriosis
Endometriosis A medical condition where the endometrium is located outside the uterus in the pelvic cavity
(Fertilisation)
Fertilisation The earliest stage of development after the penetration of the egg by a sperm
Fertilisation
Fertilisation The earliest stage of development after the penetration of the egg by a sperm
(Embryo Biopsy)
Embryo Biopsy The removal of one or two cells, from an early IVF embryo for preimplantation genetic screening
Embryo Biopsy
Embryo Biopsy The removal of one or two cells, from an early IVF embryo for preimplantation genetic screening
(Implantation)
Implantation The embedding of the embryo into the lining of the uterus
Implantation
Implantation The embedding of the embryo into the lining of the uterus
(Progesterone)
Progesterone Hormone produced by the ovary in the Luteal phase. Its main function is to change the growth of the endometrium and assist with the implantation of the embryo
Progesterone
Progesterone Hormone produced by the ovary in the Luteal phase. Its main function is to change the growth of the endometrium and assist with the implantation of the embryo
(Luteal Phase)
Luteal Phase The second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation until the menstrual period
Luteal Phase
Luteal Phase The second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation until the menstrual period
(Donation Egg)
Donation Egg The process where a female donor donates eggs to another party (recipient) for use in infertility treatment
Donation Egg
Donation Egg The process where a female donor donates eggs to another party (recipient) for use in infertility treatment
(Spermatozoon)
Spermatozoon Mature male sperm cell (gamete) produced by the testicle
Spermatozoon
Spermatozoon Mature male sperm cell (gamete) produced by the testicle
(Patent Tubes)
Patent Tubes A term used to describe fallopian tubes that are open allowing free passage for the egg, sperm and embryo
Patent Tubes
Patent Tubes A term used to describe fallopian tubes that are open allowing free passage for the egg, sperm and embryo
(Endometrium)
Endometrium The membrane that lines the inner surface of the uterus
Endometrium
Endometrium The membrane that lines the inner surface of the uterus
(Laparoscopy)
Laparoscopy Diagnostic procedure where an instrument (laparoscope) is inserted through a small incision just below the umbilicus, to enable visualisation of the pelvic cavity and its organs
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy Diagnostic procedure where an instrument (laparoscope) is inserted through a small incision just below the umbilicus, to enable visualisation of the pelvic cavity and its organs
(Miscarriage)
Miscarriage Loss of pregnancy
Miscarriage
Miscarriage Loss of pregnancy
(Blastocyst)
Blastocyst An embryo five to six days after fertilisation.
Blastocyst
Blastocyst An embryo five to six days after fertilisation.
(Menopause)
Menopause The permanent cessation of menstruation following the loss of ovarian function
Menopause
Menopause The permanent cessation of menstruation following the loss of ovarian function
(Ovulation)
Ovulation The process of release of a mature egg from an ovary
Ovulation
Ovulation The process of release of a mature egg from an ovary
(Oestrogen)
Oestrogen A major female hormone that is produced primarily by the ovaries
Oestrogen
Oestrogen A major female hormone that is produced primarily by the ovaries
(In Vitro)
In Vitro Outside the body
In Vitro
In Vitro Outside the body
(Follicle)
Follicle A small secretory sac in the ovary in which an egg develops
Follicle
Follicle A small secretory sac in the ovary in which an egg develops
(Adhesion)
Adhesion Scar tissue, in particular between the abdominal and/or pelvic organs often the result of an infection/inflammation.
Adhesion
Adhesion Scar tissue, in particular between the abdominal and/or pelvic organs often the result of an infection/inflammation.
(Hormone)
Hormone A chemical substance, secreted by the endocrine glands, which is carried by the blood stream to the target organ influencing its activity, growth and nutrition
Hormone
Hormone A chemical substance, secreted by the endocrine glands, which is carried by the blood stream to the target organ influencing its activity, growth and nutrition
(Menevit)
Menevit Vitamin supplement for men containing anti oxidants to support sperm health
Menevit
Menevit Vitamin supplement for men containing anti oxidants to support sperm health
(In Vivo)
In Vivo Inside the body
In Vivo
In Vivo Inside the body
(Gamete)
Gamete The male and female reproductive cells (egg or sperm)
Gamete
Gamete The male and female reproductive cells (egg or sperm)
(Uterus)
Uterus Female reproductive organ where a pregnancy develops
Uterus
Uterus Female reproductive organ where a pregnancy develops
(Cervix)
Cervix Lower section of the uterus which protrudes into the top of the vagina.
Cervix
Cervix Lower section of the uterus which protrudes into the top of the vagina.
(Embryo)
Embryo After fertilisation the egg begins to divide and multiply and is now called an embryo
Embryo
Embryo After fertilisation the egg begins to divide and multiply and is now called an embryo
(Vagina)
Vagina Passageway between the external genitals and the uterus
Vagina
Vagina Passageway between the external genitals and the uterus
(Semen)
Semen Fluid containing sperm
Semen
Semen Fluid containing sperm
(OHSS)
OHSS Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. A group of symptoms which is associated with ovarian enlargement during IVF treatment cycle
OHSS
OHSS Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. A group of symptoms which is associated with ovarian enlargement during IVF treatment cycle
(Ovum)
Ovum Female gamete (egg) contained in a follicle
Ovum
Ovum Female gamete (egg) contained in a follicle
(ICSI)
ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a process where a single sperm is injected into an egg
ICSI
ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a process where a single sperm is injected into an egg
(PGS)
PGS Preimplantation Genetic Screening - the process of taking cells from an embryo to check the number of chromosomes or to test for a specific genetic abnormality
PGS
PGS Preimplantation Genetic Screening - the process of taking cells from an embryo to check the number of chromosomes or to test for a specific genetic abnormality
(FET)
FET Frozen Embryo Transfer, a procedure in which frozen embryo/s are thawed and then transferred to the uterus
FET
FET Frozen Embryo Transfer, a procedure in which frozen embryo/s are thawed and then transferred to the uterus
(HCG)
HCG Human chorionic gonadotrophin The hormone measured to diagnose a pregnancy
HCG
HCG Human chorionic gonadotrophin The hormone measured to diagnose a pregnancy
(ART)
ART Assisted Reproductive Technology - a collective term for the different types of infertility treatments.
ART
ART Assisted Reproductive Technology - a collective term for the different types of infertility treatments.
(IVF)
IVF In Vitro Fertilisation. A procedure in which an egg is removed from a follicle and fertilised by a sperm outside the human body. The resultant embryo can then be transferred into the uterus
IVF
IVF In Vitro Fertilisation. A procedure in which an egg is removed from a follicle and fertilised by a sperm outside the human body. The resultant embryo can then be transferred into the uterus
(FSH)
FSH Follicle Stimulating Hormone which is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of follicles in the female. FSH also induces the development of sperm in the testicle
FSH
FSH Follicle Stimulating Hormone which is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of follicles in the female. FSH also induces the development of sperm in the testicle
(LH)
LH Luteinising Hormone. Produced by the pituitary gland and responsible for stimulating ovulation
LH
LH Luteinising Hormone. Produced by the pituitary gland and responsible for stimulating ovulation