Social Freezing - Freezing Eggs to Secure Options for the Future
More and more women are choosing to have their eggs frozen as a precautionary measure so they can postpone their family planning to a later date with greater flexibility. Career prospects, the absence of a partner, or other personal circumstances often mean that the desire to have children cannot be realized at the present time. Social freezing offers the opportunity to preserve eggs at a younger age, thereby maintaining the chance of a future pregnancy.
Egg Quality and Age – When Is Social Freezing a Good Option?
Egg quality and quantity depend on age. The egg reserve begins to decline slowly as early as age 30, and the process accelerates in one’s mid-30s. With increasing age, the risk of genetic changes in the eggs (egg quality) also rises. This can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage. The younger the woman is at the time of retrieval and cryopreservation, the higher the chances of success are generally later on.
In principle, frozen eggs can also be used at an advanced reproductive age. However, as a woman ages, even with eggs that have remained youthful, the risks during pregnancy increase, which is why they should be used before the age of 50.
How does a social freezing treatment work?
1. Consultation, preliminary examination, and evaluation
The process begins with a detailed consultation, as well as an ultrasound and hormone test to assess ovarian reserve. In a follow-up consultation, we will discuss the realistic chances of success, the expected number of eggs, and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Hormonal stimulation and monitoring
After the cycle begins, hormonal stimulation takes place over approximately 8–12 days to allow multiple eggs to mature simultaneously. During this phase, regular ultrasound and hormone checks are performed.
3. Egg retrieval (follicular aspiration)
After ovulation is triggered, the eggs are retrieved approximately 36 hours later during a brief outpatient procedure.
4. Cryopreservation
The retrieved eggs are frozen using vitrification in the IVF laboratory and stored in a cryopreserved state. They can be used at a later date for ICSI treatment. Fertilization via IVF or insemination is not possible, as the eggs must be specially prepared for freezing.
Costs and Financing
Social freezing treatment is a self-pay service and is generally not covered by public or private health insurance.
The total cost consists of several components: cycle monitoring, laboratory services, treatment costs, stimulation medications, storage costs, and ongoing cryopreservation costs.
In certain medical situations—for example, prior to fertility-damaging therapy such as chemotherapy—an application for cost coverage can be submitted to the health insurance provider upon medical recommendation (Fertiprotect).
Schedule an initial consultation to receive comprehensive advice on your individual options and all associated costs.
Schedule a consultation now.
Social Freezing - Freezing Eggs to Secure Options for the Future
More and more women are choosing to have their eggs frozen as a precautionary measure so they can postpone their family planning to a later date with greater flexibility. Career prospects, the absence of a partner, or other personal circumstances often mean that the desire to have children cannot be realized at the present time. Social freezing offers the opportunity to preserve eggs at a younger age, thereby maintaining the chance of a future pregnancy.
Egg Quality and Age – When Is Social Freezing a Good Option?
Egg quality and quantity depend on age. The egg reserve begins to decline slowly as early as age 30, and the process accelerates in one’s mid-30s. With increasing age, the risk of genetic changes in the eggs (egg quality) also rises. This can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage. The younger the woman is at the time of retrieval and cryopreservation, the higher the chances of success are generally later on.
In principle, frozen eggs can also be used at an advanced reproductive age. However, as a woman ages, even with eggs that have remained youthful, the risks during pregnancy increase, which is why they should be used before the age of 50.
How does a social freezing treatment work?
1. Consultation, preliminary examination, and evaluation
The process begins with a detailed consultation, as well as an ultrasound and hormone test to assess ovarian reserve. In a follow-up consultation, we will discuss the realistic chances of success, the expected number of eggs, and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Hormonal stimulation and monitoring
After the cycle begins, hormonal stimulation takes place over approximately 8–12 days to allow multiple eggs to mature simultaneously. During this phase, regular ultrasound and hormone checks are performed.
3. Egg retrieval (follicular aspiration)
After ovulation is triggered, the eggs are retrieved approximately 36 hours later during a brief outpatient procedure.
4. Cryopreservation
The retrieved eggs are frozen using vitrification in the IVF laboratory and stored in a cryopreserved state. They can be used at a later date for ICSI treatment. Fertilization via IVF or insemination is not possible, as the eggs must be specially prepared for freezing.
Costs and Financing
Social freezing treatment is a self-pay service and is generally not covered by public or private health insurance.
The total cost consists of several components: cycle monitoring, laboratory services, treatment costs, stimulation medications, storage costs, and ongoing cryopreservation costs.
In certain medical situations—for example, prior to fertility-damaging therapy such as chemotherapy—an application for cost coverage can be submitted to the health insurance provider upon medical recommendation (Fertiprotect).
Schedule an initial consultation to receive comprehensive advice on your individual options and all associated costs.
Schedule a consultation now.