Freezing Eggs or Sperm: What You Need to Know

Fertility preservation through egg or sperm freezing offers individuals the opportunity to extend their reproductive timeline. Whether due to personal, medical or professional reasons, understanding the process and benefits can help you make informed decisions about your future family planning.

Why Consider Freezing Eggs or Sperm?

1. Delaying Parenthood

Many individuals choose to focus on their careers, education or personal growth before starting a family. Freezing eggs or sperm allows them to preserve their fertility potential for when they're ready to become parents.​

2. Medical Treatments

Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can adversely affect fertility. By freezing eggs or sperm beforehand, patients can safeguard their ability to have biological children in the future.​

3. Health Conditions

Conditions like endometriosis or autoimmune diseases can impact reproductive health. Fertility preservation offers a proactive approach to potential fertility challenges.​

4. Gender-Affirming Procedures

Individuals undergoing gender transition may opt to freeze their eggs or sperm prior to hormone therapy or surgery, ensuring the possibility of biological parenthood later on.​

The Egg Freezing Process

Egg freezing or oocyte cryopreservation involves several steps:​

1. Consultation and Evaluation

Begin with a consultation with a fertility specialist to assess your reproductive health and discuss the procedure. This includes a review of your medical history, hormonal blood tests and an ultrasound examination to evaluate your ovarian reserve.​

2. Ovarian Stimulation

Hormonal medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This phase typically lasts 10–14 days, during which you'll have regular monitoring appointments to track follicle development.​

3. Egg Retrieval

Once the eggs are mature, they're retrieved through a minor surgical procedure under sedation. This involves using a transvaginal ultrasound with a guided needle to aspirate each mature follicle.

4. Freezing

The retrieved eggs are frozen using a process called vitrification, which rapidly cools the eggs to prevent ice crystal formation, preserving their viability.​

In India, the entire egg freezing process can cost between ₹1,35,000 and ₹1,65,000, depending on the clinic and individual requirements.​

The Sperm Freezing Process

Sperm freezing or sperm cryopreservation is a simpler and less invasive process:​

1. Consultation and Testing

A fertility specialist will evaluate your reproductive health and conduct necessary tests, including semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility and morphology.​

2. Sample Collection

Sperm is collected through ejaculation, typically at the clinic. In certain cases, surgical retrieval may be necessary. Most clinics recommend banking multiple samples, with at least 48 hours between each collection, to ensure an adequate quantity for future use.​

3. Analysis and Freezing

The sperm sample is analyzed for quality and then mixed with a cryoprotectant before being frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Samples are typically divided into multiple vials, allowing for multiple attempts at conception.​

Success Rates and Considerations

The success of using frozen eggs or sperm depends on various factors:​

• Age at Freezing: Younger individuals generally have higher quality eggs and sperm, leading to better outcomes.​

• Storage Duration: While eggs and sperm can be stored for years, prolonged storage may slightly reduce viability.​

• Fertility Clinic Expertise: Choosing a reputable clinic with experienced professionals can impact success rates.​

In an average egg freezing cycle, approximately 90% of eggs survive thawing, 70% fertilize successfully and 45% develop into a pregnancy.​

Fertility Banks in Mumbai

Mumbai hosts several reputable fertility banks that offer comprehensive services for individuals and couples seeking fertility preservation. These fertility banks provide facilities for egg and sperm freezing, donor programs and advanced reproductive technologies.​

Sperm Banks and Sperm Donor Services in Mumbai

For those considering sperm donation or utilizing donor sperm, Mumbai offers a range of options. A sperm bank in Mumbai provides services for sperm collection, analysis and storage. Additionally, a sperm donor bank in Mumbai facilitates the matching of donors with recipients, ensuring rigorous screening and confidentiality throughout the process.​

Final Thoughts

Freezing eggs or sperm is a valuable option for those seeking to preserve their fertility for the future. By understanding the process and consulting with fertility specialists, individuals can make empowered decisions aligned with their life goals.​

If you're considering fertility preservation, reach out to a trusted fertility bank to explore your options and take the first step toward securing your reproductive future.