Is the procedure difficult or painful?

Not at all. The steps of the process are fairly simple. The whole process is concluded in 10-14 days. During this time, proper pharmaceutical treatment is administered for many eggs to mature. Alternatively, egg retrieval may be scheduled without drugs, as part of the natural cycle, or with mild pharmaceutical stimulation. Maturation is monitored via ultrasound and blood tests, while the egg retrieval process lasts a few minutes. After a few hours of monitoring, the woman may return to her daily activities.

What happens when the woman decides to have a baby?

The eggs are kept in cryopreservation in the lab using a method known as vitrification. They can remain frozen for many years, without their quality being affected. When a woman decides to have children, the eggs are thawed and prepared for fertilization in the lab, using the man’s sperm.

How effective is this method?

Many studies conducted after the establishment of egg vitrification, as well as the experience of the Institute of Life after implementing the method, demonstrate that the quality of the cryopreserved eggs, the chance of fertilization and the pregnancy rates are similar to those for fresh eggs.

Is the method safe?

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) believes that the egg vitrification method is suitable for daily applications, while research on children born through this method has demonstrated that it is absolutely safe.

Up until what age can women freeze their eggs?

Although limits have not been set internationally, given that both the number and quantity of eggs diminish after the age of 35, experts advise that egg cryopreservation is most effective the earlier it is performed.

How long can I freeze my eggs for?

In accordance with the Greek legislation, oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) is permitted for 5 years. The duration of oocyte cryopreservation may be extended for 5 years each time (provided that the woman has not reached the age of 50) following an application in writing by the interested parties, with a maximum extension limit of 20 years.

As a technique, is it accepted by society?

Absolutely. As demonstrated by the funding into cryopreservation by companies such as Apple and Facebook for their employees, delaying having children until later is a social reality. Science is responding to the challenges, meeting the needs of young women, who are now free to choose the right time, depending on their personal and social situation. At the same time, this is seen as progress for women and society. Egg freezing, or human oocyte cryopreservation, is not a need but a choice. A choice supported by our scientific team, who have the advanced technical know-how to implement it. This choice is now available to you.