For many women in Orange County, the decision to freeze their eggs is a proactive step towards preserving future fertility, offering peace of mind and flexibility in family planning. Whether driven by career aspirations, the absence of a partner, or medical considerations, egg freezing provides an invaluable opportunity. However, a common question that arises is: what are the actual success rates, and what factors influence them? Understanding these statistics is crucial for making informed decisions about fertility preservation.
Dr. Nidhee Sachdev, a top-tier board-certified fertility specialist in Orange County, is dedicated to providing transparent, evidence-based information to her patients. She emphasizes that while egg freezing is a highly effective technology, individual success rates can vary. Her approach focuses on empowering women with realistic expectations with a high-touch and extremely personalized experience throughout their fertility preservation journey.
Understanding Egg Freezing Success Rates
It’s important to clarify what “success” means in the context of egg freezing. The immediate success of an egg freezing cycle is measured by the number of viable eggs retrieved and cryopreserved. The ultimate success, however, is measured by the live birth rate per thawed egg or per cycle of egg freezing. This involves thawing the eggs, fertilizing them with sperm (typically through IVF and ICSI), developing embryos, and then transferring them to the uterus.
The most significant factor influencing egg freezing success rates is undoubtedly the age of the woman at the time of freezing. This is because egg quality and quantity naturally decline with age. Younger eggs are generally healthier, more likely to survive the freezing and thawing process, fertilize successfully, and result in a healthy pregnancy.
Age and Its Impact on Egg Quality and Quantity
Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and this ovarian reserve diminishes over time. Not only does the quantity decrease, but the quality of the remaining eggs also declines, leading to a higher incidence of chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) in older eggs. This increased rate of abnormalities is why the chance of conception and live birth decreases, and the risk of miscarriage increases, as women age.
Generally, the ideal time to freeze eggs is in a woman’s late 20s or early 30s.
- Under 35: For women under 35, freezing a sufficient number of mature eggs (often around 15-20) can offer a substantial cumulative chance of a live birth in the future, with studies suggesting percentages in the range of 80% or higher for at least one live birth from a full cohort of eggs.
- 35-37: Success rates remain good, but a slightly higher number of eggs may need to be frozen to achieve similar cumulative live birth rates.
- 38-40: While still a viable option, the success rates begin to decline more noticeably. Freezing 25-30 or more eggs might be necessary to achieve a reasonable chance of live birth, with cumulative rates typically in the 60-70% range.
- Over 40: Egg freezing is still possible, but success rates drop significantly due to diminished egg quality. While some women will still have success, the likelihood of a live birth per retrieved egg decreases considerably, and the number of eggs needed for a reasonable chance of success increases further.
It’s crucial to understand that these are general estimates based on large populations. Individual results can vary based on a woman’s unique ovarian reserve, response to stimulation medications, and the overall health of her eggs.
The Importance of the Number of Eggs Frozen
Beyond age, the number of eggs successfully retrieved and frozen directly correlates with the chances of a future live birth. More eggs mean more opportunities for successful thawing, fertilization, embryo development, and ultimately, implantation. Dr. Sachdev works closely with each patient to determine an optimal number of eggs to freeze, taking into account their age and ovarian reserve. This often involves one or more egg retrieval cycles to maximize the number of viable eggs.
The Egg Freezing Process: A Brief Overview
The egg freezing process typically involves several key steps:
- Initial Consultation and Evaluation: Dr. Sachdev will conduct a thorough medical history review, discuss your fertility goals, and perform an ovarian reserve assessment (blood tests and ultrasound) to determine your suitability for egg freezing.
- Ovarian Stimulation: For approximately 10-14 days, you will administer daily hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg produced in a natural cycle.
- Monitoring: Throughout the stimulation phase, you will have regular ultrasound appointments and blood tests to monitor the growth of your follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs) and hormone levels. This allows Dr. Sachdev to precisely time your egg retrieval.
- Trigger Shot: Once the follicles reach an optimal size, a “trigger shot” injection is administered to induce final egg maturation.
- Egg Retrieval: About 36 hours after the trigger shot, the eggs are retrieved in a short, minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under light sedation. A thin needle, guided by ultrasound, is used to gently aspirate the eggs from the follicles.
- Cryopreservation (Freezing): The mature eggs are then immediately frozen using a rapid freezing technique called vitrification. This method minimizes ice crystal formation, which can damage delicate egg cells, thereby improving their survival rates upon thawing. The eggs are then stored in liquid nitrogen tanks.
When you are ready to use your frozen eggs, they will be thawed, fertilized with sperm (either from a partner or donor), and the resulting embryos will be transferred to your uterus in an IVF cycle.
Why Choose Dr. Nidhee Sachdev for Egg Freezing in Orange County?
Choosing a fertility specialist for egg freezing is a deeply personal decision. Dr. Nidhee Sachdev offers not only state-of-the-art technology and expertise in fertility preservation but is known for her remarkable bedside manner. She ensures that each patient has a thorough understanding of their treatment plan but also has the opportunity to discuss the process and ask questions directly to her during the process. She is very well regarded in the community for her compassionate and individualized approach to fertility care. She understands the emotional nuances of this decision and is committed to providing thorough education and support.
With Dr. Sachdev, you benefit from:
- Expertise in Fertility Preservation: Her extensive training at the leading fertility center in the country (NYU Fertility Center) and years of experience ensure the highest standards of care.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: She tailors each plan to your unique biological profile and life goals, including advising on the optimal number of eggs to freeze.
- State-of-the-Art Laboratory: IVF laboratory with the most state of the art and up to date technology ensures optimal conditions for egg vitrification and storage, crucial for maximizing success rates.
- Patient-Centered Care: From your initial consultation through the entire process, Dr. Sachdev and her team prioritize your comfort, understanding, and emotional well-being.
Schedule a Consultation
Are you an Orange County woman considering egg freezing to preserve your fertility options? Understanding your personal success potential and the process involved is a crucial first step. Dr. Nidhee Sachdev and her dedicated team are ready to provide you with expert guidance and support. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your individual circumstances, assess your ovarian reserve, and receive a personalized plan for your fertility preservation journey. Secure your future family planning with confidence.
