What is egg freezing – cryopreservation?
Egg freezing or cryopreservation is a medical procedure in which a woman’s eggs are collected, frozen, and stored for future use. This process allows women to preserve their fertility for future pregnancies when life conditions or health are more favorable. Egg freezing is widely used for both medical and social reasons, offering a valuable option for women who wish to delay motherhood.
Who is egg freezing intended for?
Egg freezing is intended for women who wish to preserve their fertility for various reasons. Some reasons include the desire to delay motherhood to focus on career or studies, women who have not found the right partner but want to ensure the possibility of having a child in the future, or women undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy that may affect fertility. It is also suitable for women with a family history of early menopause who wish to preserve their eggs before fertility declines.
Another reason is the need to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer, which may affect their fertility. Finally, women with a family history of early menopause who wish to preserve their eggs before their fertility declines can also choose this method.
Egg freezing – cryopreservation and age
Age is one of the most important factors affecting the success of egg cryopreservation. A woman’s fertility declines over time, and both the quality and quantity of eggs decrease significantly after the age of 35. In detail:
Under 38 years old
Egg freezing is more effective and has higher success rates as the eggs are usually healthier and more numerous.
38 – 40 years old
Egg quality starts to decline, but egg freezing is still a viable option with a good chance of success.
40 – 42 years old
Fertility is significantly reduced, and the chances of egg freezing success are lower. However, it is still possible to collect and freeze eggs.
Άνω των 42 years old
The probability of obtaining eggs of good quality is very low, and the chances of success are limited.
What is the egg freezing – cryopreservation process?
The egg freezing process involves several steps. First, a medical evaluation is carried out through preliminary tests to assess the health of the woman and her reproductive capacity, with the most basic tests being the ultrasound to measure the follicles (AFC) and the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) value.
This is followed by ovarian stimulation in which hormone therapy is given to produce many eggs in a cycle. Stimulation is monitored with ultrasounds and blood tests.
This is followed by egg retrieval, which involves collecting the eggs through a minimally invasive procedure performed under anesthesia.
In the final stage, the eggs are frozen using the vitrification method, which prevents the formation of ice crystals that could destroy the cells.
Egg freezing in a natural cycle
Egg freezing can also be done in a natural cycle, where the egg naturally produced by the woman each month is collected without hormonal stimulation. This method is used when hormonal stimulation is not feasible or desired. Although this process produces fewer eggs, it can be suitable for women with specific medical conditions or personal preferences.
How long can frozen eggs remain viable?
Frozen eggs can remain viable for many years without losing their viability. Current research and clinical practices do not set a specific time limit for the maximum storage duration of eggs. Successful pregnancies have been reported with eggs that were frozen for over 10 years. Greek law allows their use until the age of 50 and up to 54 years old with special permission from the national authority.
Number of eggs for a successful pregnancy
The number of eggs needed for a successful pregnancy varies based on a woman’s age and egg quality. Generally, it is recommended to freeze as many eggs as possible to increase the chances of success. For women under 35 years old, collecting 10-20 eggs provides excellent success rates. For older women, more eggs may be required due to reduced egg quality.
Are there risks involved in egg freezing – cryopreservation?
Egg freezing is generally safe, but as with any medical intervention, there are some risks and side effects. These include:
- Hormonal side effects: Hormonal treatments can cause side effects like bloating, nausea, and headaches.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation: In rare cases, hormonal stimulation can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a condition that may require medical care and possibly hospitalization.
- Surgical risks: The egg retrieval process carries small risks, such as infection or injury to the ovaries.
2023 Success Rates
Reproduction after 40
Reproduction after the age of 40 is a common topic of discussion for women who wish to have children at a more mature age. Despite the challenges, advancements in reproductive medicine have significantly improved the chances of success. Surgeon-gynecologist Dr. Marinos Tsirigotis, specializing in reproductive medicine, approaches each case individually, employing the most advanced treatment methods.
Success rates for women over 40 are encouraging, particularly thanks to egg donation and other innovative techniques that are now available. Dr. Tsirigotis and his team design tailored therapeutic plans for every woman, focusing on optimizing pregnancy chances. The personalized protocols, combined with the team’s expertise, result in high success rates.
The support and scientific knowledge provided by Dr. Marinos Tsirigotis are also crucial factors contributing to achieving motherhood, even after the age of 40.
If you’re seeking specialized solutions, don’t hesitate to contact the gynecologist to receive the best possible services!
Under 35 years old
35 – 37 years old
38 – 39 years old
40 – 42 years old
Ask the expert
Ask for a second opinion from Dr Marinos Tsirigotis!

Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Freezing
The cost of egg freezing can vary significantly as each case is unique and should be handled accordingly. Overall, the cost includes several categories of expenses. Initially, it covers the medical tests and evaluation required for the preparation of the procedure. Then, the cost of medications for hormonal treatment used for ovarian stimulation must be factored in. This is followed by the cost of egg retrieval, which is the process of collecting the eggs, and the cost of freezing and storing the eggs, which includes cryopreservation and long-term storage.
Vitrification is the most commonly used method of egg freezing, as it reduces the risk of ice crystal formation and improves egg survival during thawing. Process costs include the materials and equipment used.
Annual Storage Fee: Storage of frozen eggs in liquid nitrogen cryotanks incurs an annual fee, which may vary by clinic and length of storage.
Maintenance and Security: Ensuring continuous monitoring of storage conditions, as well as security measures to protect samples, also contribute to costs.
The cost of oocyte cryopreservation is multidimensional and depends on the complexity of the procedure, the medical and technological requirements, the duration of storage and the clinic. Interested parties should receive detailed information and consider all options before making their decision.
Egg freezing offers women a valuable option for preserving their fertility and achieving their personal and professional goals. With the right information and medical support, the procedure can be done safely and provide the best possible prospects for a successful pregnancy in the future.