What Is Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)?
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, involves collecting mature eggs from the ovaries, freezing them through a rapid-freezing method called vitrification, and storing them for future use. When pregnancy is desired, the eggs can be thawed, fertilized through IVF, and transferred as embryos to the uterus. The technique has been used successfully for decades, with thousands of healthy births worldwide.
Why Is It Important?
A woman’s fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35 — even if her menstrual cycle remains regular. Freezing eggs at a younger age helps preserve the chance of a successful pregnancy later. It is also a key option before undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or ovarian surgery, and for those with endometriosis, autoimmune conditions, or a family history of early menopause.
When Is It Recommended?
Egg freezing is typically advised for:
- Women aged 30–38 planning to delay pregnancy
- Individuals with low ovarian reserve or early signs of decline
- Before cancer treatment or ovarian surgery
- Diagnoses such as endometriosis or recurrent ovarian cysts
- A family history of premature menopause
Each case is evaluated individually by a Reproductive Endocrinologist.
Why Freeze Your Eggs at Reproart?
At Reproart, egg freezing is performed under controlled laboratory conditions using safety-focused systems. Our embryology lab is equipped with RI Witness™ — a secure electronic tracking system that ensures correct sample identification. All procedures are performed in cleanroom environments with filtered air to minimize contamination risk.
We use vitrification protocols that result in over 90% egg survival after thawing and high blastocyst formation rates. Clinical data from Reproart show that pregnancy is achieved in 92% of cases after thawing, and in approximately 60% of cases after fertilization and embryo transfer. Because all steps are performed in-house, there is no need to transport samples, reducing external risk.
Step-by-Step Process
Egg freezing at Reproart follows five key steps, typically completed within 10 to 14 days.
1. Initial Consultation & Diagnostics
You’ll meet with a Reproductive Endocrinologist and undergo fertility assessments. These include hormone tests, ultrasound, and additional screenings if needed. This helps us understand your ovarian reserve and plan treatment.
2. Ovarian Stimulation
You’ll take hormone injections at home for 8–12 days to stimulate your ovaries. The dose is tailored to your test results and response. The goal is to grow multiple mature eggs for freezing.
3. Monitoring
You’ll visit the clinic several times for bloodwork and ultrasound. These check how your follicles are growing and ensure the process is safe. We may adjust your medications if needed.
4. Egg Retrieval
Once follicles are ready, eggs are collected through a short outpatient procedure. It’s done under sedation with ultrasound guidance. Most patients return home the same day.
5. Vitrification and Storage
Mature eggs are frozen immediately using vitrification, a rapid freezing method. They’re stored in liquid nitrogen in our secure cryobank. Eggs can remain frozen safely for many years.
International Patients: How It Works
If you live outside Georgia, we offer flexible pathways:
- You can begin your diagnostic tests at home and send results to our team
- Full treatment, including stimulation and retrieval, can be done at Reproart
- If preferred, you may start stimulation abroad and travel to Georgia 3–4 days before retrieval
- Most international patients stay in Georgia for 5–10 days
Our international coordinators will support you with scheduling, travel planning, and communication throughout the process.
Contact Personal Manager
Make an appointment or request more information. Leave your contact details and our team will get in touch with you!
I have a very busy schedule, I’m 38 years old, and I’m not planning to have children just yet — but to protect my future fertility, I decided to freeze my eggs
Ela Dalakishvili
patient of Dr. Tamar Barbakadze
Understanding Your Results
Not all retrieved eggs will be mature, and not all mature eggs will fertilize or implant. This is why age at the time of freezing and the number of eggs stored are important.
At Reproart, outcomes with frozen eggs are strong:
- Pregnancy is achieved in 92% of thawing cycles
- Around 60% of thawed and fertilized eggs result in pregnancy after embryo transfer
Your doctor will guide you through the next steps based on your results and reproductive goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We know that fertility care often brings up many questions — and that every journey is different. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask.
How many eggs should I freeze?
This depends on your age and ovarian reserve. Women under 35 usually aim to freeze 10–15 mature eggs.
How long can eggs remain frozen?
Eggs can remain viable for many years. There is no defined limit when stored under proper conditions.
Does egg retrieval affect future fertility?
No. The process does not deplete your egg supply. It uses eggs that would otherwise not ovulate naturally.
