Preserving Your Fertility Warrnambool
Support that honours your personal journey.
Planning Your Fertility, On Your Terms
For those who are thinking ahead about starting a family but aren’t quite there yet, egg freezing may be worth considering. As a form of fertility preservation, it offers the opportunity to store your eggs now so they may be available when the time is right for you.
At Surfcoast Fertility, our team is here to offer supportive, personalised care to help you navigate your fertility options.
What Egg Freezing Means
Egg freezing is a fertility preservation procedure where a woman’s unfertilised eggs are stored for potential future use. As part of the process, the woman undergoes an Ovarian Stimulation Cycle, similar to what is involved in IVF treatment.
The eggs are collected, frozen, and stored for future use. However, it is worth keeping in mind that egg quality naturally declines with age. As a result, the older a woman is at the time of freezing, the more eggs that may be required to achieve the same prospect of a live birth.
Who Might Consider Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing may be considered for a variety of personal reasons. It is perhaps more commonly explored by women who:
- Do not have immediate plans to start a family
- Have experienced ovarian damage in the past, including conditions such as endometriomas or prior removal of an ovary
- Are facing the possibility of chemotherapy treatment in the near future
Ready to start planning for your future family?
Please feel free to get in touch with our team to talk through your options.
Understanding the Egg Freezing Process
1. Hormonal Stimulation
Hormonal stimulation is usually commenced approximately 10-12 days prior to egg collection. The purpose of this process is to help stimulate the ovaries so that multiple eggs may be produced.
2. Egg Collection
Egg collection takes place using an ultrasound-guided probe once the eggs are ready. A fine needle attached to the probe is then used to retrieve the eggs from the ovary.
3. Egg Freezing
The eggs are then vitrified once collected, which involves replacing the water within each egg with a protective fluid. Following this, the eggs are frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196°C and stored safely for future use.
Common Egg Freezing Questions
Is the egg collection procedure uncomfortable?
The egg collection procedure is usually performed under a light anaesthetic or sedation in an effort to reduce any pain or discomfort you may experience.
For how long can frozen eggs be kept in storage?
Your eggs may be stored for many years without harm. In some states, there may be laws governing how long they can be held. However, this can often be extended with approval.
How much should I expect to pay for egg freezing?
The costs associated with egg freezing can vary based on individual circumstances. Medicare may also provide coverage for egg freezing where it is considered medically necessary. To learn more, please reach out to your Surfcoast Fertility consultant or visit our costs page.
Why Our Patients Choose Surfcoast Fertility
Understanding
At Surfcoast Fertility, we pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, respectful care.
Highly Trained
All members of our team are trained in contemporary fertility practices, enabling them to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.
Reliable Hours
Our clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, so that you can organise appointments to suit your schedule.
Begin Your Egg Freezing Journey Today
Regardless of your reasons, fertility preservation may offer a valuable way to plan for the family you hope to have in the future. Drawing on the latest egg freezing technology and evidence-based care, we are here to guide and support you as you consider your fertility options. Contact our team today or book an appointment to get started.
