Typically, we begin the egg freezing cycle at the beginning of the woman’s menstrual period. While details may vary based on the individualized needs of the patient the following may serve as a general guideline.
Baseline test
On day 2 or day 3 following the onset of menses, a baseline ultrasound examination and a blood test is done in our clinic.
Ovarian suppression
(through oral contraceptive, can take 2 to 6 weeks)
Ovarian suppression will be commenced; you will start taking oral contraceptive pills on the 2nd or 3rd day of your menses (at the time of baseline test clinic visit).
Ovarian stimulation
(daily hormone injections, can take 8 to 12 days)
We begin ovarian stimulation with injectable fertility medications on a day chosen by your cycle coordinator. The medications are usually self-administered under the skin (subcutaneous) using a tiny, short needle. Occasionally, we may need to change the dose of medication during the day, therefore we recommend that you take your injections in the evening.
Egg freezing cycle monitoring
(starts on day 4 of your injections)
On day four of ovarian stimulation, you begin regular office visits. These continue every one to two days until egg retrieval takes place. An ultrasound and blood test for estradiol are performed at each visit. You must call at the end of the day for results and to receive further medication instructions.
Ovulation induction
(Between day 8 and 12 of injections)
When the follicles are large enough, final egg maturation is triggered with an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The timing of the hCG dose is very important, as egg retrieval is performed thirty-six hours later.
Egg retrieval
(Thirty-six hours following hCG injection)
The egg retrieval procedure takes less than fifteen minutes; however, the entire appointment at the clinic will take approximately two hours. Your eggs will be frozen 2-4 hours after egg retrieval.
Now that the egg freezing process is complete and your eggs are safely frozen, you can plan the timing of your pregnancy for when you feel it is right for you.
To find out more about the egg freezing process, getting pregnant with frozen eggs, or to book a consultation, please contact us or call (310) 566 14 70.
