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The Egg Freezing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Patients Considering Fertility Preservation

Authored and medically reviewed by Dr. Eli Reshef

Dr. Eli Reshef is a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist who sees patients in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area.

What Is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation technique that allows individuals to store unfertilized eggs for future use. It’s an elective option for those who may want to delay parenthood due to career goals, medical treatments, personal circumstances, or simply to keep their reproductive options open.

Why Consider Egg Freezing?

• Career or education planning: Many patients freeze eggs to focus on professional or academic goals.

• Medical reasons: Conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases may require treatments that affect fertility.

• Personal timing: Not ready to start a family but want to preserve the option.

• Genetic or family history: Concerns about early menopause or fertility decline.

Our approach at Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (AFCC) is rooted in compassionate care, personalized treatment plans, and transparent communication, ensuring that patients feel supported every step of the way.

Step-by-Step: The Egg Freezing Journey at AFCC

1. New Patient Appointment

Your journey begins with a consultation with one of our physicians—either in-person at one of our Chicagoland locations or via telemedicine. You’ll discuss:

• Your reproductive goals and timeline.

• Your medical history and any fertility concerns.

• If your appointment is in person, you will complete some initial testing, including a transvaginal ultrasound to assess Antral Follicle Count (potential egg supply) and bloodwork to measure hormone levels like AMH, FSH, LH, and estradiol.

This visit is also an opportunity to ask questions and understand the process in depth.

2. Pre-Cycle Preparation

Once your initial evaluation is complete, your care team will:

• Review your customized stimulation protocol based on your ovarian reserve and hormone profile.

• Discuss cycle costs, insurance coverage, and payment options.

• Send prescriptions electronically to your preferred pharmacy.

• Ensure all consent forms are signed and that you’re financially cleared.

You’ll also receive detailed instructions on medication administration and cycle logistics.

3. Baseline Appointment

Scheduled within the first few days of your menstrual cycle, this visit includes:

• Ultrasound to confirm ovarian suppression and readiness for stimulation.

• Bloodwork to check hormone levels.

• If cleared, you’ll begin daily hormone injections at home using medications like Follistim, Gonal-F, Menopur, or Luveris.

4. Stimulation and Monitoring

Over the next 7-10 days:

• You’ll self-administer injectable medications to stimulate multiple follicles.

• You’ll visit the clinic 5-6 times for ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor follicular growth and hormone levels.

• Your physician may adjust medication dosages based on your response.

Common side effects include bloating, mood changes, and mild discomfort—your care team will guide you through managing these.

5. Trigger Shot

When your follicles reach optimal size (typically 18–22 mm), you’ll receive a trigger shot—usually hCG or Lupron—to induce final egg maturation. This must be administered exactly 35 hours before your scheduled retrieval.

Timing is critical, as it directly affects egg quality and retrieval success.

6. Egg Retrieval

This outpatient procedure is performed under light anesthesia and takes about 15-30 minutes:

• Eggs are collected via transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration.

• You’ll rest in recovery for about an hour before heading home.

• Please plan to take the remainder of the day off and have a designated driver to take you home.

The embryology team will assess the retrieved eggs, and mature eggs will be frozen on the day of retrieval using vitrification, a rapid freezing method that prevents ice crystal formation and preserves egg integrity.

7. Egg Storage

Your frozen eggs are stored in one of AFCC’s CAP-accredited IVF laboratories, where they remain viable for many years. When you're ready to use them:

• Eggs are thawed and fertilized with sperm to create embryos.

• Embryos can be transferred into the uterus or tested for genetic conditions before transfer.

Our labs use stringent quality control and state-of-the-art technology to ensure optimal preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Freezing

Is Egg Freezing Safe?

Yes! The procedure is minimally invasive and well-tolerated. Egg retrieval procedures have been in practice for over 40 years. Risks are low and include mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is monitored closely. There is no compromise to future reproductive potential or egg supply. Immediate risks such as bleeding, infection, injury, and anesthesia complications are low. 

What Are the Success Rates?

Success depends on:

• Age at freezing: Younger eggs have higher fertilization and implantation potential.

• Number of eggs retrieved: More eggs increase the chance of future pregnancy.

• Lab expertise: AFCC’s vitrification techniques and experienced embryology team contribute to strong outcomes.

While egg freezing doesn’t guarantee pregnancy, it significantly improves the chances of conception later in life.

When Should I Freeze My Eggs?

Ideally during your 20s to early 30s, when egg quality and quantity are highest. However, many patients freeze eggs in their mid-to-late 30s with success.

AFCC’s Supportive Approach

At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, we understand that fertility preservation is a deeply personal decision. Our team is here to:

• Provide clear, evidence-based guidance.

• Offer flexible scheduling and telemedicine options.

• Ensure emotional support throughout your journey.

Whether you’re ready to begin or just exploring your options, we’re here to help you make informed, empowered decisions about your reproductive future. Schedule a consultation to begin your egg freezing journey today!

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