How it works
The ovaries are stimulated with medication, oocytes are collected and mature oocytes are frozen by vitrification.
Fertility Preservation · Oocyte Vitrification
Egg Freezing
Egg freezing involves collecting oocytes, assessing their maturity and cryopreserving suitable mature oocytes by vitrification for possible future use.
- The plan is based on age, AMH, ultrasound findings and individual family-building goals
- Only mature oocytes are frozen using an appropriate laboratory protocol
- Warming, fertilisation, embryo development and live birth are separate stages
Understand the treatment in 1 minute
Egg Freezing Quick Summary
Who may be suitable?
It may be considered by people wishing to preserve fertility before potential age-, treatment- or surgery-related decline.
Laboratory stage
The maturity of collected oocytes is confirmed and identity checks are completed before cryostorage.
Future use
The oocytes are warmed, fertilised with suitable sperm—commonly using ICSI—and a suitable developing embryo may later be transferred.
Key information
What Is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing aims to preserve a person’s oocytes at their current biological age for possible use in future assisted reproduction treatment.
In brief:
After controlled ovarian stimulation, oocytes are collected. Mature oocytes are cryopreserved by vitrification and stored with written consent in accordance with current storage requirements.
Oocyte number and quality change with age. Freezing does not stop reproductive ageing; it aims to preserve the biological age of the oocytes that are frozen on the day of the procedure. Planning should therefore consider age, antral follicle count and future family-building goals rather than relying on AMH alone.
In an egg-freezing programme in Cyprus, the aim is not simply to retrieve the highest possible number of oocytes, but to obtain mature, usable oocytes within a safe stimulation plan. With reduced ovarian reserve, one cycle may not be sufficient and oocyte accumulation over more than one retrieval may be discussed.
When frozen oocytes are to be used, they are first warmed. Mature oocytes that remain viable are fertilised with sperm; not every oocyte will survive warming, fertilise or develop into an embryo suitable for transfer.
- There is no single ideal age cut-off for egg freezing; individual assessment is required
- AMH provides information about ovarian reserve but does not measure oocyte quality on its own
- The number of oocytes frozen is not the same as the number of future children
- Storage duration, renewal requirements and future-use instructions are managed through written consent
Treatment options
The Difference Between Egg Freezing and Embryo Freezing
Both methods can preserve reproductive potential for the future, but they differ in the stage at which reproductive material is stored and in future decision-making considerations.
Unfertilised oocytes are stored
The option to choose the sperm source in the future is preserved.
- Oocyte retrieval is required
- ICSI is commonly used after oocyte warming
- The number of embryos will only become known in the future
Fertilised, developing embryos are stored
The egg and sperm sources have already been determined at the time of treatment.
- An IVF or ICSI process is required
- Embryo development is observed before freezing
- Consent and future-use decisions may be different
Which option may be more suitable?
Relationship circumstances, decisions about the sperm source, age, ovarian reserve, timing of cancer treatment and desired flexibility for future decisions are considered together. No single method is best for everyone.
Suitability assessment
Who May Consider Egg Freezing?
Suitability is based not only on age, but also on medical circumstances that may affect fertility and individual timing goals.
People planning pregnancy at a later time
People who are considering parenthood later because of education, career, relationship or personal circumstances.
Before cancer treatment
People who need prompt oncofertility assessment before chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery that may affect ovarian function.
Before ovarian surgery
People planning surgery for endometrioma or other conditions that may affect ovarian reserve.
Reduced ovarian reserve and oocyte accumulation
People expected to retrieve a low number of oocytes in one cycle who may wish to discuss more than one retrieval according to their goals.
Family history of early menopause
People who may be at increased risk of earlier decline in ovarian function and require individual assessment.
Before gender-affirming treatment
People who wish to preserve the possibility of future genetic parenthood before treatments that may affect gonadal function or involve hormonal therapy.
Does every low AMH result mean egg freezing is recommended?
No. Low AMH may indicate a lower expected oocyte yield, but age, ultrasound findings, menstrual pattern, previous response and personal goals should be interpreted together. For some people, the expected benefit may be limited.
Before treatment
What Is Assessed Before Starting Egg Freezing?
Initial assessment helps establish both a safe medication plan and realistic expectations for the likely oocyte yield.
Ovarian reserve
AMH, antral follicle count and any previous response to ovarian stimulation are reviewed.
Ultrasound and clinical assessment
The ovaries, uterus and anatomical factors that may affect oocyte retrieval are assessed.
Hormone and general health tests
Hormone tests, blood count, coagulation assessment and relevant infection screening may be planned according to individual medical history.
Medication safety
Migraine history, thrombotic risk, current medication and hormone-sensitive conditions are reviewed.
Expectation counselling
Expected oocyte yield according to age, maturity, warming survival and uncertainty around future live birth are discussed.
Storage and consent
Storage duration, contact details, fee renewal and future-use decisions are documented in writing.
Step-by-step process
How Is Egg Freezing Performed?
The process is similar to the oocyte-retrieval stage of IVF, but the oocytes are stored without being fertilised.
Initial consultation and personal goals
Age, fertility plans, medical history and anticipated future timing are discussed.
Tests and ultrasound
Ovarian reserve and treatment safety are assessed.
Ovarian stimulation
An individualised medication protocol is used to stimulate the development of multiple follicles.
Ultrasound and hormone monitoring
Follicle development is monitored and medication dose and retrieval timing are adjusted accordingly.
Final maturation trigger and timing
Medication is given to support final oocyte maturation and the retrieval time is scheduled.
Oocyte collection
Oocytes are collected under short sedation or anaesthesia using transvaginal ultrasound guidance.
Maturity assessment
Oocyte maturity and identity records are verified in the laboratory.
Vitrification and storage
Suitable mature oocytes are cryopreserved by vitrification and placed into the cryostorage system.
Treatment timeline
How Long Does Egg Freezing Take?
The timeline is personalised according to cycle timing, the protocol used and ovarian response.
Initial assessment
Investigations may be completed before travel or during the first days of the menstrual cycle.
Stimulation and monitoring
Medication and monitoring commonly continue for approximately 9–14 days.
Oocyte retrieval day
The procedure itself is brief, and discharge may be planned on the same day after a period of observation.
Recovery
Most people return to usual daily activities within a few days, although symptoms vary individually.
Additional cycle
If the desired oocyte number is not achieved in one cycle, a further retrieval cycle may be considered.
How many days do I need to stay in Cyprus?
If some monitoring can be completed where you live, the required stay in Cyprus may be shorter. If all stimulation and oocyte retrieval are carried out at the centre, a plan of approximately 10–14 days is often required; the exact duration depends on treatment response.
Factors affecting future use
What Factors Affect Future Outcomes When Frozen Eggs Are Used?
Outcome cannot be described by a single percentage; there are several stages between oocyte freezing and a future embryo transfer.
Age at freezing
The biological age of the oocyte is strongly associated with future chromosomal competence and embryo potential.
Number of mature oocytes
A greater number of mature oocytes may increase the chance of obtaining a usable embryo in the future, but does not guarantee it.
Survival after warming
Not every oocyte will maintain viability and structural integrity after warming.
Sperm and fertilisation
Warmed oocytes are commonly fertilised using ICSI; not every oocyte will fertilise.
Embryo development
Not every fertilised oocyte will develop into a blastocyst or an embryo suitable for transfer.
Uterine and overall health
Age at the time of future use, uterine conditions and health factors affecting pregnancy can influence transfer outcomes.
Important distinction:
Oocyte-warming survival, fertilisation, blastocyst development, clinical pregnancy and live birth are different outcome measures. Each stage should be discussed separately during counselling.
Personalised cost planning
Egg Freezing Costs
Rather than focusing on a single figure, it is important to clarify which treatment stages and how much storage time are included.
Pre-treatment investigations
AMH, ultrasound, hormone tests and individual health assessment.
Stimulation medication
Medication dose and duration vary according to ovarian reserve and treatment response.
Monitoring and oocyte retrieval
Ultrasound monitoring, anaesthesia, the retrieval procedure and short post-procedure observation.
Laboratory and vitrification
Maturity assessment, laboratory consumables and the vitrification procedure.
Storage duration
Initial storage period, annual renewal and longer-term cryostorage services.
Additional cycles
Second or subsequent retrieval cycles planned for oocyte accumulation.
Find out what your individual plan may include
Share your age, AMH and ultrasound results, medical history and intended timeframe so the expected cycle plan and storage scope can be discussed.
Laboratory and traceability01 02 03 04 05 06
Vitrification and Cryostorage Safety in Egg Freezing
Identity, temperature control and record traceability should be maintained from oocyte maturity assessment through to any future warming procedure.
Maturity verification
The oocyte’s maturity stage is assessed microscopically before freezing.
Electronic witnessing
Patient records, storage devices and laboratory steps are linked through multiple verification checks.
Vitrification
Vitrification aims to minimise ice-crystal formation through rapid cooling.
Cryostorage records
The location, history and storage information of each oocyte are recorded in a traceable manner.
Tank and alarm monitoring
Liquid-nitrogen systems, levels and alarm procedures are monitored within the laboratory quality plan.
Warming protocol
For future use, warming, viability assessment and preparation for ICSI are carried out according to defined laboratory protocols.
Multidisciplinary approach
Egg Freezing Clinical and Laboratory Team
A safe egg-freezing programme requires coordinated clinical assessment, ovarian stimulation, anaesthesia and embryology laboratory processes.
Obstetrics, Gynaecology and IVF Specialist
Op. Dr. Beril Yüksel
Personalises assessment of ovarian reserve, the stimulation protocol and oocyte-retrieval timing.
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Scientific Director
Prof. Dr. Münevver Serdaroğulları
Supports the scientific approach to medical indications, treatment protocols and fertility preservation.
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Embryology Laboratory Director
Zafer Atayurt
Coordinates oocyte maturity assessment, vitrification, identity verification and cryostorage management.
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What Are the Risks and Limitations of Egg Freezing?
Although the procedure is planned carefully, there are limitations and risks related to medication, oocyte retrieval and future use.
Medication side effects
Bloating, abdominal tenderness, headache or mood changes may occur.
Risk of excessive ovarian response
Excessive ovarian response can occur and may require medical monitoring.
Oocyte-retrieval risks
Bleeding, infection or injury to surrounding structures is uncommon but possible.
No mature oocytes obtained
The number of follicles aspirated is not necessarily the same as the number of mature oocytes available for freezing.
Loss during warming or embryo development
Not every oocyte will survive warming, fertilise or develop into an embryo suitable for transfer.
No guarantee of pregnancy
Egg freezing can preserve an option for future treatment but does not guarantee a future pregnancy or live birth.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Freezing
These answers provide general information. Ovarian reserve, age, medical history and current storage requirements can change an individual plan.
What is egg freezing?
It involves collecting oocytes after controlled ovarian stimulation, vitrifying mature oocytes and storing them in cryostorage for possible future use.
What is the best age for egg freezing?
There is no single definitive age, but the age at which oocytes are frozen is strongly associated with future embryo and live-birth potential. Earlier assessment generally provides more options.
Can eggs be frozen if AMH is low?
Yes, it may be possible for some people, but the expected number of oocytes from one cycle may be low. Age, ultrasound findings and any previous treatment response should be considered together.
How many eggs should be frozen?
There is no single number that applies to everyone. Individual counselling considers age, family-building goals, uncertainty around oocyte quality and expected losses after warming and fertilisation.
How long does egg freezing take?
Ovarian stimulation and monitoring commonly take approximately 9–14 days. Pre-treatment tests and travel planning may alter the overall timeline.
Is oocyte retrieval painful?
The procedure is commonly performed under sedation or short anaesthesia. Short-term cramping, bloating or tenderness may occur afterwards.
How are eggs frozen?
Mature oocytes are cryopreserved by vitrification and stored at documented locations within liquid-nitrogen cryostorage systems.
How long can frozen eggs be stored?
Long-term storage may be technically possible, but permitted duration, consent renewal and fees are determined by current regulations and clinic policies.
Does every frozen egg survive warming?
No. Although many vitrified oocytes may survive warming, not every oocyte remains viable. Outcomes depend on laboratory methods and oocyte characteristics.
How are frozen eggs used?
The oocytes are warmed, viable mature oocytes are commonly fertilised using ICSI, embryos are monitored and a suitable embryo may be transferred to the uterus.
Is ICSI required when using frozen eggs?
ICSI is commonly used with warmed oocytes because of changes associated with cryopreservation. The final laboratory plan depends on oocyte condition and the clinical protocol.
Does egg freezing prevent early menopause?
No. The procedure does not stop natural ovarian ageing or menopause; it preserves only the collected oocytes at their biological age on the day of freezing.
Does egg freezing reduce the chance of natural pregnancy?
Many follicles naturally undergo atresia each month. Ovarian stimulation aims to recruit more of the follicles available in that cycle; individual ovarian reserve should still be assessed.
Can more than one oocyte retrieval be performed?
Yes. More than one cycle may be considered for reduced ovarian reserve, older reproductive age or when a larger oocyte pool is desired. The potential benefit and burden of each cycle should be considered separately.
Can eggs be frozen before cancer treatment?
If considered appropriate by the oncology team, egg freezing using a random-start stimulation protocol may be considered. Oncology and reproductive-medicine teams should coordinate so that cancer treatment is not unnecessarily delayed.
How long do I need to stay in Cyprus for egg freezing?
This depends on where monitoring is carried out. If the entire stimulation and retrieval process takes place at the centre, a stay of approximately 10–14 days is often planned.
What may be included in egg freezing costs?
Costs may be influenced by investigations, stimulation medication, monitoring, anaesthesia, oocyte retrieval, vitrification and the included storage period.
Does egg freezing guarantee a future pregnancy?
No. Warming survival, fertilisation, embryo development, implantation and live birth are separate stages, and none can be guaranteed.
Next steps
Related Treatments and Information
A personalised plan for the future
Let Us Plan Your Egg Freezing Timeline Together
Share your age, AMH and ultrasound results, current medication and future family-building goals so expected oocyte yield, the treatment timeline and travel to Cyprus can be discussed together.
- Individualised medication protocol according to ovarian reserve
- Vitrification and documented cryostorage management
- International patient monitoring and travel coordination
Medical sources
This content is supported by current professional guidance on planned oocyte cryopreservation, medically indicated fertility preservation, age-related counselling, vitrification and cryostorage safety.