Candidates for Egg Freezing

Thanks to significant advances in techniques used to freeze eggs (oocyte cryopreservation) many women are confidently turning to egg freezing as an elective way to postpone their childbearing years. Like any medical procedure, whether or not you’re a candidate is a personal decision. Your physician at Texas Fertility Center will assist in the process and help you to see if egg freezing is right for you.

Women with genetic mutations requiring ovary removal

Women who test positive for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations have a greater chance for developing breast and ovarian cancer. Women planning on having their ovaries removed (preventive oophorectomy) to reduce their chances for developing cancer can benefit from freezing their eggs prior to surgery.

Women not in a relationship

Women who are in the prime of their reproductive years (late 20s and 30s) who are not yet in a serious relationship may elect to have their eggs frozen. Frozen eggs can be used at a later time when they’ve found the right partner. Candidates for egg freezing often weigh the cost of the procedure against the strain of worrying about the biological clock.

Women at risk for early menopause

Women at risk for early menopause (before age 40) due to a family history or other medical reason often consider oocyte cryopreservation when faced with a race against time.

Women with “other” life circumstances

Whether you’re earning an advanced degree, establishing your career or experiencing a significant life event that makes extending your childbearing years necessary, egg freezing is a viable option to buy time and gain peace of mind.

For candidates for egg freezing, age matters

Regardless of the reason why women choose to have their eggs frozen, age is a main determinant in whether or not egg freezing is a viable option. Women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have—approximately 7 million. Fertility begins to decline in the early 30s and drops significantly around age 37. Younger eggs enhance the chances for pregnancy success in the future.
To learn if you are a good candidate for egg freezing, contact us at our Austin fertility center to have all your questions answered.