Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a medical procedure that allows women to preserve their eggs for future use. It involves the extraction and freezing of a woman’s mature eggs, which can later be thawed, fertilized with sperm, and used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) to achieve pregnancy.

The process begins with ovarian stimulation, where the woman receives hormonal medications to stimulate the production of multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided egg retrieval. The extracted eggs are then rapidly frozen and stored at very low temperatures using a technique called vitrification.

Egg freezing provides women with the opportunity to preserve their fertility and have more control over their reproductive choices. It is often chosen by women who wish to delay childbearing due to various reasons, such as career goals, medical treatments that may affect fertility, or personal circumstances. By freezing their eggs at a younger age, women can increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy later in life when they are ready.

Overall, egg freezing offers a viable option for women to extend their fertility window and have the possibility of starting a family at a time that is most suitable for them.