Knowledge is power
We want you to feel confident making choices about your own fertility. Whether you’re considering egg freezing for the first time or have donated eggs before, we believe there’s always something new to learn.
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Does Egg Freezing or Donation Cause Early Menopause? An OB/GYN's Perspective
If you're considering egg freezing or donation and are just curious about its long-term effects, you may have heard a rumor: "Does egg donation cause early menopause?" It's a valid question, and in this article I will break it down for you with the latest scientific information and my professional insights as a board-certified OB/GYN. In this article, I’ll explain the science behind egg freezing and donation, explore common misconceptions, and look at what the research really says about its impact on your future fertility. I'll also share some insights on what actually influences the timing of menopause and offer tips on how to take care of your reproductive health.
If you're considering egg freezing or donation and are just curious about its long-term effects, you may have heard a rumor: "Does egg donation cause early menopause?" It's a valid question, and in this article I will break it down for you with the latest scientific information and my professional insights as a board-certified OB/GYN.
I have guided countless patients considering egg freezing and donation processes, and I understand the importance of addressing these concerns head-on. After all, your reproductive health is a big deal, and you deserve clear, accurate information to help you make informed decisions.
In this article, I’ll explain the science behind egg freezing and donation, explore common misconceptions, and look at what the research really says about its impact on your future fertility. I'll also share some insights on what actually influences the timing of menopause and offer tips on how to take care of your reproductive health. Alright, let’s go!
The short answer
Let's start with the good news: No, neither egg freezing nor egg donation causes early menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). But I know you're looking for more than just a simple "no." You want to understand why, how we know this, and what these processes actually do to your body. So let’s go even deeper.
Understanding your ovaries and egg supply (aka ovarian reserve)
Before we get into the specifics of egg freezing and donation, let's refresh our understanding of how ovaries work. You were born with all the eggs you'll ever have – about 1-2 million of them! By the time you hit puberty, that number has already decreased to about 300,000-500,000. Throughout your reproductive years, you'll typically release one egg per month during ovulation.
Your body is constantly losing eggs, whether you're trying to get pregnant, on birth control, or not thinking about fertility at all. It's a natural process called atresia. Each month, several eggs begin to mature, but usually only one reaches full maturity and is released during ovulation. The rest are reabsorbed by the body.
What happens during egg freezing and donation?
When you freeze your eggs or donate them, you're given hormones to stimulate your ovaries to mature multiple eggs in a single cycle – typically anywhere from 10 to 20 eggs. These are eggs that would have otherwise been lost to the natural process of atresia. We're not dipping into some secret egg reserve or using up eggs that your body was "saving" for later.
The main difference between egg freezing and donation is what happens to the eggs after they're retrieved. With egg freezing, they're stored for your future use. With donation, they're provided to someone else who needs them to build their family. And with an egg sharing program like we offer at Cofertility, you keep and store half of your eggs retrieved for up to 10 years for free when you donate the other half to a family who can’t conceive otherwise.
Why the misconception exists
So, if the science is clear, why does this myth persist? There are a few reasons:
- Misunderstanding of ovarian stimulation: The process of stimulating multiple eggs to mature at once can sound unnatural, leading some to worry it's "using up" eggs too quickly.
- Confusion with natural fertility decline: As we age, our fertility naturally declines. Both the quantity and quality of our eggs decreases. Some people might attribute this normal process to their past egg freezing or donation.
- Individual variations: Someone who froze or donated eggs might experience fertility issues later, but this isn't necessarily caused by the procedure. Remember, 1 in 6 people are affected by infertility, whether they froze their eggs or not.
- Lack of long-term studies: While we have good medium-term data, very long-term studies (30+ years) are still ongoing. This can lead to uncertainty for some people.
What egg freezing and donation actually do to your body
Okay, so if these procedures don't cause early menopause, what do they actually do to your body? Let's break it down. During the stimulation cycle, you'll experience short-term hormonal changes, with higher levels of some hormones circulating in your system. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness – similar to what you might experience during your menstrual cycle, just more pronounced. These effects are temporary and typically subside after the egg retrieval process.
I break down all of the side effects and risks of egg freezing here.
The medications used in egg freezing and donation will temporarily override your natural menstrual cycle. This is a necessary part of the process to stimulate multiple eggs to develop. After the egg retrieval, it usually takes about 1-2 months for your cycle to return to its normal rhythm. During this time, you might experience some irregularity in your periods, but this is generally nothing to be concerned about.
There is a minor risk of complications, primarily ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where the ovaries become swollen and painful. However, serious cases of OHSS are rare, especially with modern protocols and careful monitoring throughout the process. Your medical team will be vigilant in watching for any signs of OHSS and can adjust your treatment if necessary.
Perhaps most importantly, current evidence shows no significant long-term impact on your fertility or the timing of menopause from egg freezing or donation procedures. Your body continues its natural reproductive processes after these procedures, and your remaining eggs are unaffected. This means that your future fertility and the onset of menopause should follow their natural course, just as they would have without the egg freezing or donation process.
Factors that actually influence menopause timing
Now that we've cleared up the egg freezing and donation myth, let's talk about what really can influence when you'll hit menopause:
- Genetics: The age your mother went through menopause is a good indicator of when you might do so.
- Your period: The age when you had your first period can influence the timing of menopause, especially if you got your first period before age 11. So can an irregular menstrual cycle.
- Number of pregnancies: Compared to those who had never been pregnant or who had been pregnant for less than six months, women who had one full-term pregnancy had an 8% lower risk of early menopause. Those who had two pregnancies had a 16% lower risk, and those who had three pregnancies had a 22% lower risk.
- Lifestyle factors: The use of tobacco and alcohol, as well as your level of physical activity, can influence when menopause occurs.
- Medical history: Procedures that remove your ovaries or uterus can affect menopause timing. So too can autoimmune diseases.
- Diet: Your diet, particularly the consumption of polyunsaturated fats, may have an effect.
Notice that egg freezing and donation aren't on this list!
Taking care of your fertility
Whether you're considering egg freezing, donation, or neither, there are several important steps you can take to support your reproductive health. First and foremost, regular check-ups are key. Keeping up with your gynecological exams allows you to stay on top of your reproductive health and provides opportunities to discuss any concerns with your doctor. These regular visits can help catch potential issues early and ensure you're taking the best possible care of your reproductive system.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is another key aspect of maintaining your fertility. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support reproductive health, exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight and promote overall well-being, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. These lifestyle choices not only benefit your reproductive health but also contribute to your overall health and longevity.
If you're concerned about your future fertility, considering options like egg freezing can be a proactive step. At Cofertility, we understand the importance of having options when it comes to your reproductive future.
- Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
- Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.
By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.
Final thoughts
So, there you have it – the long and short of egg freezing, egg donation, and menopause. The bottom line is that current scientific evidence does not support the idea that these procedures cause early menopause. Your body is incredibly resilient, and these processes work within your natural reproductive system, not against it.
That being said, egg freezing and donation are still significant medical procedures. It's important to work with reputable clinics (like our partner clinics!) that prioritize your health and provide comprehensive information.
Understanding your body and your options is key to making informed decisions about your reproductive health. Whether you're considering egg freezing, thinking about donation, or just curious about how it all works, I hope this information has been helpful.
If you have more questions about egg freezing, donation, or reproductive health in general, don't hesitate to reach out. At Cofertility, we're here to support you every step of the way on your fertility journey.
Read more:
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Can Antral Follicle Count (AFC) Change?
As you embark on your egg freezing journey, you're likely to encounter a whirlwind of medical terms, tests, and metrics that can feel overwhelming at first. Among these is an especially important one: the Antral Follicle Count (AFC). This key indicator plays a significant role in understanding your chances of success with egg freezing by measuring the number of follicles in your ovaries. We'll dive into the world of AFC, demystifying this important metric and exploring its variability. We'll break down the science in a way that's accessible and relevant to your egg freezing journey, helping you understand what your AFC means for your fertility and how it might influence your treatment plan. By the end of this article, you'll have a clearer understanding of what AFC is, how it's measured, why it matters, and yes - whether it can change. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to navigate your egg freezing journey with confidence and clarity.
As you embark on your egg freezing journey, you're likely to encounter a whirlwind of medical terms, tests, and metrics that can feel overwhelming at first. Among these is an especially important one: the Antral Follicle Count (AFC). This key indicator plays a significant role in understanding your chances of success with egg freezing by measuring the number of follicles in your ovaries.
But what exactly is AFC, and why does it matter so much? More importantly, is it a fixed number, or can it change over time? These are questions that many folks grapple with as they navigate egg freezing.
In this article, we'll dive into the world of AFC, demystifying this important metric and exploring its variability. We'll break down the science in a way that's accessible and relevant to your egg freezing journey, helping you understand what your AFC means for your fertility and how it might influence your treatment plan.
Whether you're just starting to consider egg freezing or you're already in the midst of the process, understanding AFC can empower you to make informed decisions about your reproductive future. It's not just about numbers on a chart; it's about gaining insight into your body's unique fertility landscape and working with your healthcare team to optimize your chances of success.
By the end of this article, you'll have a clearer understanding of what AFC is, how it's measured, why it matters, and yes - whether it can change. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to navigate your egg freezing journey with confidence and clarity.
What is AFC and how is it measured?
Antral Follicle Count is a key indicator of your ovarian reserve - essentially, it's a snapshot of your egg supply. Whereas AMH measures your ovarian reserve through a hormone blood test, AFC is an actual look at your antral follicles, which are small fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs. But what is an ovary follicle exactly? An ovary follicle is a structure within the ovary that contains a developing egg. To assess AFC, a fertility doctor performs a transvaginal ultrasound, typically early in your menstrual cycle, to count these follicles in your ovaries.
The number of visible follicles, your AFC, is a helpful predictor of how your ovaries might respond to fertility medications during the egg freezing process. A higher count generally suggests a better ovarian reserve and potentially more eggs that can be retrieved.
Fertility doctors use this information to tailor your treatment plan, determining which medications to use and in what doses. It's like creating a personalized roadmap for your egg freezing journey.
Does AFC change within a cycle?
While it's often recommended to perform the AFC early in your menstrual cycle, experts suggest that it can be assessed at various points. However, it's important to remember that there can be some fluctuation depending on when the ultrasound is done. In fact, studies have shown that AFC can vary by as much as 30-34% within a single cycle. This variability is worth keeping in mind as you interpret your results.
Can AFC change month to month?
Does antral follicle count change? Yes, your AFC isn't set in stone. Indeed, it can vary from one menstrual cycle to the next. This variability is one reason why fertility specialists often consider AFC alongside other markers, like Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, to get a more comprehensive picture of your ovarian reserve.
Remember, AFC correlates with the number of eggs retrieved during an IVF cycle, which is why it's such a valuable predictor for egg freezing outcomes.
A very low AFC (typically less than 5-7) is associated with a smaller number of eggs retrieved and potentially reduced pregnancy rates down the line. On the flip side, a high AFC (20 or more) could indicate a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during fertility treatments.
Can I increase my AFC?
While AFC generally declines with age, there are factors that can influence it. For instance, if you're using hormonal contraceptives or certain other medications, your AFC might appear lower than it actually is. Once you stop these medications, you might see an increase in your AFC.
To increase your chances of a successful egg freezing cycle, optimize your fertility health as soon as possible. This step will look a little different from person to person since everyone has their own unique medical history and concerns. Generally speaking though, optimizing your health will include following a balanced diet and making other healthy lifestyle choices. In some cases, you may want to consider adding certain vitamins and supplements to your regimen too. Make sure to talk to your fertility specialist if you’re not sure!
You may also want to consider doing multiple egg retrieval cycles. If you have the resources and time to do multiple cycles, this can vastly improve the pool of eggs to choose from in the future. This is an especially helpful option for people who are older or have a low AFC. If your fertility provider thinks more cycles will improve your chances, they’ll discuss those recommendations with you.
What is a normal AFC by age?
The normal range of antral follicle count can vary depending on your age. In general, those who are younger tend to have a higher number of antral follicles, indicating a larger ovarian reserve. As a person ages, the number of antral follicles naturally declines, reflecting the diminishing ovarian reserve.
While the specific numbers can vary, a typical AFC for someone in their 20s and early 30s may range between 10-20 follicles, in their late 30s around 8-15 follicles, and by their 40s, it could further decline to under 10 follicles. It's important to remember that these numbers are approximate and can vary based on individual factors such as genetics and overall reproductive health.
One study of infertile women looked at exactly how antral follicle count declines with age, finding the median AFC to be:
- 14 at age 25
- 12 at age 30
- 10 at age 35
- 8 at age 40
- 6 at age 45
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What does this mean for you?
Understanding the variability of AFC can help you approach your egg freezing journey with realistic expectations. If your first AFC measurement isn't what you hoped for, remember that it can change. Your fertility doctor might recommend retesting in a subsequent cycle or adjusting your treatment plan based on your individual AFC trends.
Remember, AFC is just one piece of the puzzle. Your age, overall health, and other fertility markers all play crucial roles in determining your egg freezing outcomes. The goal is to create a personalized plan that gives you the best chance of success.
As you navigate this process, don't hesitate to ask your fertility doctor questions. Understanding your body and your options is empowering, and it can help you make informed decisions about your fertility preservation journey.
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What Medications Do I Need To Stop Before Freezing My Eggs?
If you're taking any prescription medications, you may be wondering how they might affect your egg freezing journey. It's a common concern, and an important one to address. Whether you're on birth control, managing a chronic condition, or taking medication for mental health, it's crucial to understand how these drugs might interact with the egg freezing process.
If you're taking any prescription medications, you may be wondering how they might affect your egg freezing journey. It's a common concern, and an important one to address. Whether you're on birth control, managing a chronic condition, or taking medication for mental health, it's crucial to understand how these drugs might interact with the egg freezing process.
First and foremost, we want to emphasize a critical point: Do not stop taking any of your medications without explicit instructions from your fertility doctor. This is absolutely vital for your health and safety. Abruptly discontinuing certain medications can have serious consequences, and your overall well-being is the top priority throughout this process.
Your fertility doctor will work closely with you to create a personalized plan that takes into account all aspects of your health, including any medications you're currently taking. They have the expertise to determine which medications may need to be adjusted, which can be continued as usual, and which might need to be temporarily paused during your egg freezing cycle.
Remember, egg freezing is a medical procedure that involves carefully controlled hormonal stimulation. Your doctor's goal is to optimize your chances of success while ensuring your safety. This means carefully considering how your current medications might interact with the fertility drugs used in the egg freezing process.
In this article, we'll discuss some common medications that people often ask about when considering egg freezing. However, it's important to understand that this information is general and may not apply to your specific situation. Your individual health profile, the specific medications you're taking, and their dosages all play a role in determining the best approach for you.
Let's explore some of the medications that might need to be adjusted during the egg freezing process, always keeping in mind that any changes should only be made under the guidance of your healthcare team.
Birth control and egg freezing
Most fertility clinics will ask you to stop taking hormonal birth control pills, patches, or rings at least one month before starting your egg freezing cycle (IUDs can remain in place). This allows your natural menstrual cycle to resume and helps your doctor accurately assess your ovarian function. It’s counter-intuitive, but some clinics might prescribe you birth control pills to time your cycle as part of their treatment protocol. This will all be discussed with your fertility doctor before your cycle begins.
Read more in: Egg Freezing and Birth Control: An Overview
GLP-1 medications (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy)
If you're taking GLP-1 medications for weight management or diabetes, discuss this with your fertility doctor as well as your PCP (or whomever wrote the prescription).
Many doctors recommend pausing GLP-1 medications for a few weeks before procedures involving sedation or anesthesia, including an egg retrieval, to reduce potential risk
The reason is, that there have been some reports that the delay in stomach emptying due to the GLP-1 medication could be associated with an increased risk of regurgitation and aspiration of food into the airways and lungs. And, because you are unconscious during the egg retrieval, you can’t clear your lungs or eliminate the obstruction on your own. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of scientific data on how GLP-1 medications affect patients having procedures like egg freezing, so most doctors like to play it safe.
Bipolar, depression, and anxiety medications
Most women can continue their psychiatric medications during egg freezing. However, some medications may need dose adjustments. It's important to involve both your psychiatrist and fertility doctor in this decision to ensure your mental health is properly managed throughout the process.
Read more in: Do I Need to Stop Taking My Antidepressant to Freeze My Eggs?
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is often used for acne or hormonal issues. Recent research has shown that there was no significant difference in the number of mature eggs retrieved between patients who continued spironolactone, those who discontinued it prior to cycle initiation, and patients with no prior use of spironolactone.
This research suggests that patients may be able to continue taking spironolactone while undergoing egg freezing. As with all medications, transparency with your healthcare team is key. Be sure to inform your fertility doctor about your use of spironolactone, including dosage and duration of use, so they can provide the most appropriate guidance for your situation.
Acne and skin care medications
Your doctor may suggest stopping some acne medications, like Isotretinoin (Accutane®), well in advance of egg freezing due to unknown risks to the eggs. Topical acne treatments like Retinol or Tretinoin may be safe to continue, but always check with your doctor.
Allergy medications
Generally, allergy shots don't interfere with egg freezing. However, inform your fertility doctor about any allergy treatments you're receiving to ensure they don't conflict with your fertility medications.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen may need to be avoided during your egg freezing cycle as they can interfere with ovulation. Your doctor may recommend alternative pain relief options, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), if needed.
Blood thinners
If you're taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, or newer anticoagulants like apixaban (Eliquis) or rivaroxaban, it's important to discuss this with your fertility doctor. Blood thinners can potentially affect the egg retrieval procedure, which involves passing a needle through the vaginal wall into the ovaries.
Your doctor will need to carefully balance the risks of stopping or adjusting your blood thinner regimen against the risks associated with the egg retrieval procedure. In some cases, they might recommend adjusting the timing of your medication around the retrieval procedure.
Do not stop or adjust your blood thinner medication without explicit instructions from your healthcare team. Your fertility doctor may consult with your prescribing physician to create a safe plan for managing your anticoagulation therapy during the egg freezing process.
Steroids
Steroids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, are used to treat a variety of conditions, from autoimmune disorders to asthma. If you're taking steroids, it's important to inform your fertility doctor. In many cases, patients can continue their steroid medication during the egg freezing process.
However, the impact of steroids on fertility treatments can depend on the specific medication, dosage, and reason for use. Your fertility doctor will consider these factors when determining whether any adjustments are necessary for your egg freezing cycle.
As with all medications, never adjust or stop your steroid regimen without guidance from your healthcare providers. Abrupt discontinuation of steroids can have serious health consequences. Your fertility doctor will work with your prescribing physician to ensure your condition is properly managed throughout the egg freezing process.
Hormone replacement therapy
If you're a transgender man undergoing hormone replacement therapy as part of your gender-affirming care, it's crucial to have an in-depth discussion with your fertility doctor about your options for egg freezing. If you have already started hormone therapy, such as testosterone (T) therapy, your doctor will likely recommend discontinuing testosterone before you proceed with the egg freezing process.
Read more in Egg Freezing for Transgender Men: What You Need to Know
Summing it up
Preparing for egg freezing involves a careful review of your current medications and potential adjustments. Always be transparent with your fertility doctor about all substances you're taking, and follow their guidance closely. Remember, the goal is to create the optimal conditions for retrieving and freezing high-quality eggs, giving you the best chances for future fertility success.
Every person's medical history is unique, so what applies to one individual may not apply to another. Your fertility doctor will work with you to create a personalized plan that takes into account your specific health needs and medications.
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The Egg Freezing Trigger Shot: Your Complete Guide
If you're considering egg freezing or have already started the process, you've likely heard rumors about the "trigger shot." This important step in the egg freezing journey can, like much of the process, seem mysterious and perhaps a bit daunting. But don't worry – we're here to demystify the trigger shot and provide you with all the information you need to feel confident and prepared.
If you're considering egg freezing or have already started the process, you've likely heard rumors about the "trigger shot." This important step in the egg freezing journey can, like much of the process, seem mysterious and perhaps a bit daunting. But don't worry – we're here to demystify the trigger shot and provide you with all the information you need to feel confident and prepared.
In this guide, we'll explore what the trigger shot is, why it's necessary, how it works, and what you can expect when it's time for you to take this important step in your egg freezing cycle. We'll also address common concerns, potential side effects, and tips for ensuring the best possible outcome.
What is the egg freezing trigger shot?
The trigger shot, also known as the "ovulation trigger" or simply "the trigger," is a hormonal medication given near the end of your egg freezing cycle. Its primary purpose is to mimic the natural surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs in your body just before ovulation. This surge signals your ovaries to complete the final maturation of the eggs and prepare them for retrieval.
In a normal menstrual cycle, this LH surge would lead to ovulation – the release of a mature egg from the ovary. However, in an egg freezing cycle, the trigger shot allows your doctor to precisely time the egg retrieval procedure, ensuring that your eggs are at the optimal stage of maturity for freezing.
What does the trigger shot do?
The trigger shot serves two important functions in the egg freezing process:
- Final egg maturation: It prompts the final stage of egg maturation, ensuring that the eggs are ready for retrieval and freezing.
- Timing control: It allows your fertility doctor to precisely schedule the egg retrieval procedure, typically 34-36 hours after the trigger shot is administered.
These two functions of the trigger shot work together to optimize the egg freezing process, helping to ensure the best possible outcome for preserving your fertility.
Is the trigger shot necessary?
In short, yes. The trigger shot is an important part of the egg freezing process. Without it, it would be extremely difficult to time the egg retrieval accurately, and the eggs might not be at the optimal stage of maturity for freezing. The trigger shot ensures that you get the best possible outcome from your egg freezing cycle.
Types of trigger shots
There are two main types of medications used for the trigger shot:
- hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Brands include Ovidrel, Pregnyl, and Novarel. This medication directly mimics the LH surge, and requires some mixing before administration.
- GnRH Agonist: Brands include Lupron (also known as leuprolide acetate). This alternative trigger medication works by causing your body to release its own surge of LH.
Your doctor will decide which type of trigger shot is best for you based on your individual circumstances and how you've responded to the stimulation medications.
How is the trigger shot administered?
The trigger shot is typically given as a subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin) or intramuscular injection (into the muscle). Your fertility clinic and/oor pharmacy will provide detailed instructions on how to administer the shot, which is usually done at home.
The timing of the trigger shot is very important. Your doctor will give you very specific instructions about when to take the shot, often down to the exact hour. It's essential to follow these instructions precisely to ensure the best outcome.
Is the trigger shot painful?
Most women report that the trigger shot is not particularly painful. The needle used for subcutaneous injections is very small, and while you might feel a slight pinch, any discomfort is usually brief. There are tactics you can use to make the injection less painful, like icing the area beforehand.
Read more in I'm Afraid of Needles; Can I Still Freeze My Eggs?
Common mistakes to avoid
While the trigger shot is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to be aware of:
- Timing errors: Administering the shot at the wrong time can significantly impact the success of your egg retrieval. Set alarms and double-check your instructions.
- Incorrect dosage: Make sure you understand exactly how much medication to inject.
- Wrong injection site: Follow your clinic's instructions carefully regarding where to administer the shot.
- Forgetting to mix medications: Some trigger shots require mixing before injection. Make sure you understand the preparation process.
- Not asking for help: If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to contact your clinic for clarification.
Potential side effects
Like all medications, the trigger shot can have side effects, although many women experience few or no side effects since it’s just one shot. Possible side effects may include:
- Injection site reactions: Redness, swelling, or mild pain at the injection site.
- Breast tenderness: Your breasts might feel swollen or sensitive.
- Feeling restless or irritable: Hormonal fluctuations can sometimes affect mood. .
- Headache: Some women report feeling headaches.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): In rare cases, the trigger shot can contribute to OHSS, a condition where the ovaries become swollen and painful. Your doctor will monitor you closely for signs of OHSS.
Most side effects, if they occur, are mild and resolve on their own. However, always inform your doctor of any side effects you experience. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What to expect after the trigger shot
After administering the trigger shot, you'll likely be asked to abstain from sexual activity to prevent unintended pregnancy. You may notice some increased discomfort or bloating as your eggs complete their final maturation.
Your doctor will schedule your egg retrieval procedure for approximately 34-36 hours after the trigger shot. It's important to arrive on time for this appointment, as the timing is precise!
Tips for Success
To ensure the best possible outcome with your trigger shot:
- Follow instructions carefully: Pay close attention to your clinic's instructions regarding timing, dosage, and administration.
- Create a comfortable environment: Set up a clean, well-lit area for administering the shot.
- Stay calm: If you're nervous, try deep breathing exercises or ask a friend or partner for support.
- Be prepared: Gather all necessary supplies before starting.
- Track everything: Keep a log of when you administered the shot and any side effects you experience.
- Stay in touch with your clinic: Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
At this point in your egg freezing cycle, you are nearly finished! Celebrate how far you’ve come and start making plans to treat yourself after the cycle is over.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I exercise after the trigger shot? It's generally recommended to avoid strenuous exercise after the trigger shot. Light activities like walking are usually fine, but consult with your doctor for personalized advice.
- What if I miss the timing of the trigger shot? If you realize you've missed the scheduled time for your trigger shot, contact your clinic immediately. They will advise you on the best course of action.
- Can I travel after the trigger shot? It's best to avoid travel between the trigger shot and egg retrieval. The timing of the retrieval is crucial, and travel could potentially interfere.
- Will the trigger shot affect a pregnancy test? Yes, the hCG trigger shot can cause a false positive on a pregnancy test for up to 14 days after administration. If you need to take a pregnancy test during this time, inform your doctor about the trigger shot.
- What happens if the trigger shot doesn't work? While rare, if the trigger shot doesn't work effectively, your doctor might cancel the egg retrieval and adjust your protocol for a future cycle.
Final thoughts
The trigger shot is a huge step in your egg freezing journey. While it might seem intimidating at first, understanding its purpose and what to expect can help alleviate any anxiety. Remember, this shot is bringing you one step closer to increasing your fertility options for the future.
As with all aspects of egg freezing, the key to success with the trigger shot is clear communication with your clinic’s team. Don't hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns. Your clinic is there to support you every step of the way.
By following your fertility doctor's instructions carefully and staying informed, you're setting yourself up for the best possible outcome. The trigger shot is more than just another injection – it's the final step before your egg retrieval, bringing you to the culmination of your egg freezing cycle!
As you prepare for your trigger shot, take a moment to appreciate the journey you're on. Egg freezing is a proactive step towards taking control of your reproductive future, and each step of the process, including the trigger shot, is a part of that empowering decision.
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How Do I Know if Donating My Eggs is Right for Me?
In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when deciding if egg donation is the right choice for you. From understanding the medical process to examining your motivations and considering the long-term impacts, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this complex decision. Whether you're seriously considering donation or just starting to explore the idea, this information will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your values and life goals. Let's dive in and discover if egg donation might be your path to making a difference in someone else's life.
Have you ever considered donating your eggs? It's a decision that can profoundly impact not only your life but also the lives of another family that could not otherwise conceive. However, it's not a choice to be made lightly. As you consider this possibility, you may find yourself grappling with myriad questions and emotions. Is egg donation right for you? How will it affect your life, both now and in the future? What are the physical and emotional implications?
In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when deciding if egg donation is the right choice for you. From understanding the medical process to examining your motivations and considering the long-term impacts, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this complex decision. Whether you're seriously considering donation or just starting to explore the idea, this information will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your values and life goals. Let's dive in and discover if egg donation might be your path to making a difference in someone else's life.
Understanding the egg donation process
To decide if egg donation is right for you, you should first understand what it entails. Egg donation is a process in which a woman donates her eggs to another person or couple (known as the recipients, or intended parents) with the aim of helping them conceive a child. During the initial egg donor process, the potential donor undergoes rigorous medical, psychological, and genetic screening to ensure they qualify according to industry guidelines.
Once deemed fit, the egg donor is matched with intended parents. After legal documents are completed, they begin the egg retrieval process, which includes hormonal treatments to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs in one cycle. Typically, after about a week of hormone treatments, the eggs are retrieved through a 30-minute outpatient surgery.
The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm (either from the intended father or sperm donor) to create embryos. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the recipient’s uterus (intended mother or gestational carrier), or they may be frozen for future use.
The growing acceptance of egg donation
Data from fertility clinics and SART registries indicate a steady increase in the number of egg donation cycles performed over the last decade. As women are becoming more educated about their biology paired with growing support for diverse families, and advances in technology, egg donation is gaining greater acceptance as a viable option to have a child. Changes in legal and ethical guidelines have also helped regulate egg donation, making it safer and more transparent for all parties involved.
Even though the need for egg donation is increasing and social and regulatory factors are changing the landscape, potential donors need to be fully educated about the medical procedures and potential side effects including psychological implications. Donating eggs can have emotional consequences, such as feelings of attachment or concerns about the future children born from the donation. Access to psychological counseling can help donors process their emotions and make informed choices. Informed decision-making empowers potential egg donors to make choices that are right for them, ensuring they are fully aware of and comfortable with the implications of their decision.
Making an informed choice
A fertility psychologist can play a crucial role in helping the donor with the decision-making process by helping ensure that potential donor makes well-informed, emotionally sound decisions.
The psychological evaluation is the first step in ensuring that the egg donor is psychologically stable and capable of handling the emotional aspects of egg donation. At the same time, the evaluation can help identify any pre-existing mental health conditions that could be exacerbated by the donation process. The psychologist can also provide follow-up counseling to help the donor process their experience and any feelings that may surface afterward.
Considering your motivations
Women consider egg donation for various reasons. You may be influenced by altruistic motives, such as wanting to help someone struggling with infertility. The compensation – either financial or the opportunity to freeze your eggs for free - might be appealing. For some, the personal fulfillment of knowing they've made a meaningful contribution to someone else's life offers a sense of purpose.
Also, certain personality traits may play a role in donating. One study found agreeable, extraverted, and open/intellectual participants reported more civic engagement, especially volunteerism and charitable giving.
Reflecting on your motivations is essential to ensure you're making a well-informed, emotionally sound decision that aligns with your personal values and beliefs. This reflection can help you set realistic expectations about the outcomes and the process, reducing the risk of disappointment.
Evaluating emotional readiness
It's normal to have mixed feelings about egg donation. Some women are certain from the outset that they want to donate, while others may be intrigued by the idea but have concerns. If you're on the fence, it's important to spend time researching and gathering information to understand how donation could impact your life.
It’s important to recognize that having mixed feelings or being uncertain about egg donation is a common experience. Many women go through a period of contemplation before making their final decision. There is no right or wrong way to feel - each woman’s journey is unique, and it is okay to take the time needed to make an informed decision. And that is the key… ensuring informed decision making.
Consider the potential for feelings of grief, loss, or attachment to offspring, even if you intellectually understand your role as a donor, not a parent. Remember, there's a significant difference between being a donor and being a parent. As a donor, you provide genetic material but don't play a role in the child's upbringing.
How will I feel after donating my eggs?
There is always the potential for feelings of grief, loss, or regret after donating one’s eggs. Some egg donors have concerns about the genetic connection to offspring and worry about developing emotional attachments to the children born, even if they are not involved in their upbringing. Some have concerns about whether the offspring might seek them out – especially if they aim to be anonymous. There can be grief for the loss of relationship with the child conceived from their eggs, even if the donor intellectually understands the nature of the donation. Donors might regret their decision if they feel they were not fully informed about the process or its implications, or if they felt pressured into donating.
However, research shows that egg donors are generally happy with their decision and usually do not regret it – especially if they have had comprehensive counseling, informed decision-making, and strong support systems in place.
A very important point to remember is that there is a big difference between being a donor and being a parent. As a donor, a woman provides the genetic material (egg) that contributes to the creation of a child. However, she does not play a role in the child's upbringing. Parents are the ones who are responsible for the social, emotional, and physical upbringing of the child. This includes providing care, nurturing, education, and support throughout the child's life.
Assessing the impact on future relationships
Egg donation can have a significant impact on future relationships and family dynamics. Understanding and addressing these potential impacts is crucial. It’s important to discuss egg donation with future partners, as it’s a significant part of one’s personal history and can impact the relationship. Partners may have varying reactions, from supportive to concerned. Discussing potential implications and addressing any worries can help manage these reactions.
Seeking professional guidance
Speaking with a fertility psychologist can be extremely beneficial. They can help you:
- Process your emotions and expectations regarding the donation process
- Practice conversations with family members
- Address potential questions and reactions
- Teach communication techniques to ensure discussions are clear yet sensitive to family dynamics
Counseling offers a safe environment and allows donors to express their fears, anxieties, and expectations regarding the donation process. A psychologist can also help donors feel confident and clear about the decision.
If you work with Cofertility, we cover the cost of speaking with a fertility psychologist, like myself.
Egg sharing
For many women considering egg donation, egg sharing programs like the one offered by Cofertility present an attractive alternative to traditional donation. In this model, you freeze half of your retrieved eggs for your own future use while donating the other half to intended parents.
This approach can feel like a win-win situation for many potential donors. It allows you to contribute to someone else's family-building journey while also preserving your own fertility options. Many women find this option aligns better with their personal goals and values, as it combines altruism with potential personal benefit. If you're unsure about traditional egg donation, exploring an egg sharing program might help you find a path that feels right for you.
Making an informed decision
Deciding to donate your eggs is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of personal motivations, medical and psychological impacts, and potential effects on future relationships. Thoroughly researching and reflecting on these key points, along with seeking support and counseling, can help ensure that your decision is well-informed and aligns with your values and long-term well-being.
Remember, there's no right or wrong way to feel about egg donation. Each woman's journey is unique, and it's okay to take the time you need to make an informed decision. By carefully considering these factors, you'll be better equipped to determine if egg donation is right for you.
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Egg Freezing Monitoring Appointments: What You Should Know
As you embark on your egg freezing journey, you'll quickly become familiar with a big aspect of the process: monitoring appointments. While the prospect of frequent medical visits might seem daunting, understanding what to expect can help you approach these appointments with confidence. Let's dive into the details of monitoring appointments during your egg freezing cycle.
As you embark on your egg freezing journey, you'll quickly become familiar with a big aspect of the process: monitoring appointments. These regular check-ins during the 10-14 day egg freezing cycle are essential for ensuring the success and safety of your cycle. While the prospect of frequent medical visits might seem daunting, understanding what to expect can help you approach these appointments with confidence. Let's dive into the details of monitoring appointments during your egg freezing cycle.
The purpose of monitoring appointments during egg freezing
After you begin your fertility medications, your body will start producing multiple eggs. This is where monitoring appointments come into play. These visits serve several critical purposes:
- Tracking your response to medication
- Ensuring multiple eggs are developing properly
- Determining the optimal time for egg retrieval
- Preventing overstimulation and the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Egg freezing medications are not one-size-fits-all. Every woman's body responds differently to fertility drugs, which is why individualized monitoring is so important. Your doctor will use these appointments to fine-tune your treatment plan, adjusting medication dosages if necessary and pinpointing the ideal moment for egg retrieval. These visits also provide an opportunity to address any concerns or questions you may have.
During these appointments, your care team will work to ensure that you are neither overstimulated nor understimulated. Overstimulation can potentially lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) while understimulation may result in a lower yield of mature eggs. Through monitoring, your healthcare team will optimize your chances for a successful outcome while also prioritizing your health and well-being above anything else.
Location and frequency of egg freezing monitoring appointments
Typically, these appointments take place at your fertility clinic. However, if you're not located near your primary clinic, arrangements can often be made for monitoring at a local fertility clinic or monitoring center like an OBGYN office.
As for frequency, be prepared for regular visits. Monitoring appointments usually occur every 2-3 days during your stimulation cycle. However, depending on your individual response and your doctor's assessment, you might find yourself at the clinic more or less. On average, you can expect around 5-6 appointments during your cycle.
What to expect during monitoring appointments
Your monitoring appointments will primarily consist of two key components: transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests. Let's break down what you can expect from each:
- Transvaginal ultrasounds
The star of the show during monitoring appointments is the transvaginal ultrasound (some folks in the fertility world jokingly call this “dates with Wanda”). This imaging technique uses an ultrasound wand to allow your doctor to visualize your ovaries and uterus, providing crucial information about your progress.
When you arrive for your appointment, a nurse will escort you to a private room. You'll be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups. The ultrasound technician or doctor will then insert a thin, wand-like device called a transducer into your vagina.
The word “transvaginal” means the ultrasound transducer goes in the vagina. Now, let's address the elephant in the room: does it hurt? While the sensation can be uncomfortable, most women describe it as pressure rather than pain. The procedure is generally quick, lasting only a few minutes.
During the ultrasound, your doctor will be looking at several key factors:
- Follicle count: Each follicle is a fluid-filled sac that contains an egg. The number of follicles present indicates how well you're responding to the fertility medications.
- Follicle size: Your doctor will measure the size of each follicle. This measurement helps determine the maturity of the eggs within. As you continue your medications, these follicles will grow – typically about three millimeters every two days.
- Uterine lining: Although not directly related to egg freezing, your doctor will also assess the thickness and quality of your uterine lining.
The goal is for most follicles to reach a size between 18 and 20 millimeters before egg retrieval, though this can vary based on individual circumstances.
- Blood Tests
In addition to the ultrasound, you'll likely have blood drawn at some or all of the monitoring appointments. These blood tests primarily measure your estrogen levels, which rise as your follicles grow and produce more estrogen. Your doctor will use these results, in combination with your ultrasound images, to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your medication protocol.
The blood draw is typically quick and straightforward. If you're someone who gets nervous around needles, don't hesitate to let the staff know. They're experienced in working with patients who have a range of comfort levels with medical procedures.
Interpreting your results
After your ultrasound and blood tests, you might be eager to know what it all means. While your doctor will provide personalized feedback, here are some general guidelines:
- Follicle count: A higher number of follicles generally indicates a good response to the medication. However, quality is just as important as quantity.
- Follicle size: Your doctor is looking for consistent growth. Ideally, most follicles will be growing at a similar rate.
- Estrogen levels: Rising estrogen levels typically indicate that your follicles are developing well. However, if levels rise too quickly, your doctor might adjust your medication to prevent overstimulation.
Remember, these results are just snapshots in time. What matters most is the trend over multiple appointments. Don’t be afraid to ask questions so you can understand how your egg freezing cycle is progressing!
Tips for egg freezing monitoring appointments
To ensure your monitoring appointments go smoothly and provide the most accurate information, consider the following tips:
- Schedule wisely: Most clinics will try and schedule your appointments first thing in the morning. This allows for the most accurate hormone measurements and can help you avoid disrupting your work day.
- Stay hydrated: While you'll need an empty bladder for the ultrasound, staying well-hydrated in general can make blood draws easier.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Opt for easily removable bottoms to make the ultrasound process more convenient.
- Take notes: Jot down any questions you have between appointments so you don't forget to ask your doctor.
- Be flexible: Your body's response to the medications might necessitate last-minute changes to your appointment schedule. Try to maintain some flexibility in your calendar during this time.
Monitoring appointments can be a lot. The frequent medical interventions, the uncertainty of each appointment's outcomes, and the general stress of the egg freezing process can take a toll.
Remember, it's entirely normal to feel a range of emotions during this time. Some women find it helpful to bring a friend or family member to appointments for support.
Leading up to the egg retrieval
As your monitoring appointments progress, your doctor will be looking for signs that your eggs are nearing maturity. When most of your follicles reach the target size, and your hormone levels are appropriate, your doctor will schedule the exact day and time for your egg retrieval.
You'll be given specific instructions for this final stage, including when to administer your trigger shot – a medication that prompts final egg maturation and sets the stage for retrieval.
If you do decide to cycle multiple times, there are some benefits to repeating the process. Each cycle provides valuable insights, helping your care team identify the most effective type of care and medication regimen tailored specifically for you. This personalized approach can enhance the efficiency and success rate of subsequent cycles.
Summing it up
Monitoring appointments are a big part of the egg freezing process. While they require time and commitment, they're important for ensuring the safety and success of your cycle. By understanding what to expect, you can approach these appointments with confidence and use them as opportunities to stay informed about your progress.
Remember, every woman's egg freezing journey is unique. Your experience may differ from others, and that's perfectly normal. Trust in the process, communicate openly with your medical team, and don't hesitate to ask questions. You're taking a proactive step towards your reproductive future, and that's something to be proud of.
Freeze your eggs with Cofertility
We’d love the opportunity to support you on your egg freezing journey.
Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.
By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.
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Should Your Partner Help Pay For Your Egg Freezing?
Should your partner contribute financially to your egg freezing journey? This question, unimaginable just a generation ago, is now a reality for many couples navigating the intersection of love, career, and family planning. It touches on deeply personal issues of autonomy, commitment, fairness, and shared futures, all against the backdrop of what can be a significant financial investment. In this article, we’ll share some of our learnings about paying for egg freezing from our members.
In an era where women are increasingly taking control of their reproductive futures, egg freezing has grown in popularity, with a 30% increase in egg-freezing cycles from 2021 to 2022 alone! But as with many aspects of modern relationships, this scientific advancement has given rise to new and complex questions. One we hear often: Should your partner contribute financially to your egg freezing journey?
This question, unimaginable just a generation ago, is now a reality for many couples navigating the intersection of love, career, and family planning. It touches on deeply personal issues of autonomy, commitment, fairness, and shared futures, all against the backdrop of what can be a significant financial investment. In this article, we’ll share some of our learnings about paying for egg freezing from our members.
How much does egg freezing cost?
The cost of egg freezing, which can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per cycle (not including storage fees), is substantial. For many egg freezers, it represents a significant portion of their savings or might require taking on debt. In this context, the idea of sharing the cost with a partner can seem appealing, even logical. But it's far from straightforward.
A relationship litmus test
This decision to share the cost of egg freezing is as much about your relationship as it is about fertility. It requires couples to have honest conversations about their future together, their financial situations, and their views on family planning.
Indeed, the question of whether a partner should contribute to egg freezing costs is a litmus test for many aspects of a relationship. It forces couples to confront their level of commitment, their financial compatibility, and their visions for the future.
For Sarah* (names have been changed), a real estate executive in New York, the decision to ask her boyfriend of five years to share the cost of her egg freezing was natural. "We've talked about having kids someday, but we're both focused on our careers right now," she explains. "It felt like an investment in our shared future." Her partner agreed, viewing it as a way to support Sarah's choices while keeping their options open.
But not all couples find the decision so straightforward. Lauren, a startup marketer in San Francisco, grappled with whether to even bring up the topic with her partner. "I worry that asking him to contribute financially might put too much pressure on our relationship," she confides. "Would he expect me to freeze embryos? What if we break up?"
There’s a lot to think through. Should you freeze eggs or embryos? If a relationship ends, what happens to the eggs? Do you need to have a contract? Could contributing to egg freezing create a sense of obligation or expectation that might not otherwise exist?
The decision to share the cost of egg freezing also intersects with broader questions of gender equality and financial independence. In a world where women still earn less on average than men, is it fair to expect women to shoulder the entire cost of fertility preservation? Or does asking a partner to contribute reinforce outdated notions of male financial responsibility?
Sarah Elizabeth Richards, author of Motherhood, Rescheduled, shared with NPR, "I do think there's a place to say, 'There's a cost to me for staying in this relationship, and it's fair if you help me absorb it.'”
What matters most is that you feel empowered to make an informed choice that's right for you, whether that means paying for it entirely yourself or seeing it as a shared investment in a future family.
Key conversations to have with your partner
If you're considering asking your partner to contribute to your egg freezing, here are some key points to discuss:
- Your individual and shared visions for the future
- Your current financial situations and how this expense fits in
- How you typically handle shared expenses and major financial decisions
- Your feelings about fertility, family planning, and personal autonomy
- If you plan to freeze eggs or embryos
- What would happen if you were to break up
- Your understanding of the medical process and its potential outcomes
Remember, there's no universally right or wrong answer. Only the answer that works best for you. We’ve seen it all. The key is to approach the conversation with honesty, empathy, and a willingness to listen to each other's perspectives.
Read more in How to Talk to Your Partner About Freezing Your Eggs
A new approach to funding egg freezing
Cofertility is a human-first, tech-enabled fertility ecosystem that provides people agency over if, how, and when they have babies — today or someday. We have two programs for potential egg freezers:
Our Split program offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you qualify for the program and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure — medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge. We don’t even need a payment or credit card up front, as the family you match with covers all the expenses.
Our self-pay Keep program allows women to freeze their eggs and keep them all for their future use. Through Keep, we offer our members partnerships and discounts to lighten the financial load of egg freezing, as well as access to our member community.
Ready to learn about more affordable (even free!) egg freezing with Cofertility? Fill out this quick quiz to learn about our accessible egg freezing options and see if you qualify for our programs — it only takes one minute.
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What to Know About Women’s Health in Your 20s
Checklist for cultivating healthy habits in your 20s amidst the chaos of career-building, social engagements, and personal growth.
Amidst the chaos of career-building, social engagements, and personal growth, it's all too easy to overlook the most critical aspect of your life: your health. But by cultivating healthy habits in your 20s, you can lay the foundation for a lifetime of better health and wellness.
It’s hard to keep track of these things, so we put together this article for you to easily check off the activities, tests, screenings, and more during this decade. So let's delve into the key areas that demand your attention and explore the steps you can take to take care of yourself.
General Health
First off, now is the time to find a primary care physician (PCP) if you don’t already have one. They will be your go-to for annual check-ups, preventive care, and any health concerns that arise.
Feeling under the weather? Call your PCP. Need your annual vaccines? Call your PCP. Need referral to a specialist? Call your PCP. Your health care provider is there to guide you to optimal health.
At home:
✔ Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
✔ Eat a colorful, nutrient-dense diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats.
✔ Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
✔ Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco and drugs.
At the doctor:
✔ Schedule annual check-ups with a primary care provider. Make sure to track your heart rate and blood pressure for changes over time.
✔ Discuss any family history of chronic diseases or genetic conditions.
✔ Get recommended vaccinations, such as the annual flu shot and the HPV vaccine if you haven't already received it.
Reproductive and Sexual Health
Taking charge of your reproductive and sexual health is important for your overall well-being and future family planning.
At home:
✔ If you're sexually active, practice safe sex by using condoms and openly discussing STI testing with your partner(s).
✔ Track your menstrual cycle to better understand your body and identify any irregularities.
✔ Take an at-home ovarian reserve test to have a better understanding of your fertility health.
✔ Educate yourself on egg freezing, and if it’s right for you.
At the doctor:
✔ Attend annual well-woman visits with an OBGYN, which include a pelvic exam and breast exam.
✔ Get a Pap smear every three years starting at age 21, or as recommended by your OBGYN, to check for cervical cancer.
✔ Discuss contraception options with your healthcare provider to find the best fit for your lifestyle and health needs.
✔ Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you're sexually active, or if you have any symptoms.
Skin Health
Your skin is your body's largest organ, and caring for it now can pay dividends in the future.
At home:
✔ Protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily, even on overcast days. And stay far away from tanning beds!
✔ Develop a skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and radiant.
✔ Always remove makeup before you go to bed.
✔ Perform monthly self-examinations of your skin.
At the doctor:
✔ If you have a skin condition or have a high risk for skin cancer, establish care with a dermatologist.
✔ Promptly report any concerning changes in your skin to your dermatologist.
Breast Health
Regular breast care and awareness can lead to early detection of potential issues and peace of mind.
At home:
✔ Perform monthly breast self-exams to familiarize yourself with your breasts and detect any changes early on.
At the doctor:
✔ Your OBGYN visit should include a breast exam.
✔ Those with a personal or family history of breast cancer or who have an ancestry associated with BRCA1/2 gene mutations get a familial risk assessment. Those with a positive result on the risk assessment tool should receive genetic counseling and potentially genetic testing.
Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and nurturing it in your 20s sets the stage for emotional resilience.
At home:
✔ Practice self-care activities that promote relaxation and help manage stress levels, such as reading, taking a bath, or pursuing a hobby.
✔ Maintain a strong support system of friends and family.
✔ Consider journaling or other forms of self-reflection to process your thoughts and emotions.
At the doctor:
✔ If you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness, reach out to a mental health professional.
✔ Schedule a mental health check-up with your PCP or a therapist, especially if you have a family history of mental health conditions.
Oral Health
Maintaining good oral hygiene in your 20s can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems down the road.
At home:
✔ Brush your teeth twice a day with an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time.
✔ Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.
✔ Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can erode tooth enamel.
✔ Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash to further reduce bacteria and freshen your breath.
At the doctor:
✔ Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.
✔ Don't ignore any persistent pain, sensitivity, or bleeding in your teeth or gums; these could be signs of a more serious issue that requires attention from your dentist.
Eye Health
Taking care of your eyes in your 20s can help prevent vision problems and maintain healthy eyesight for years to come.
At home:
✔ Protect your eyes from UV damage by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection when outdoors.
✔ Practice the 20-20-20 rule when working on digital devices: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
At the doctor:
✔ Schedule a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years, or as recommended by your eye doctor.
✔ If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye doctor's instructions for proper use and replacement.
✔ If you experience persistent eye pain, redness, or changes in vision, consult your eye doctor promptly.
The power of healthy habits in your 20s
Your 20s are a great time for establishing healthy habits that will serve you well throughout your life. By paying attention to these key areas of health - from general wellness to reproductive, skin, breast, mental, oral, and eye health - you're investing in your future self.
Remember, health is not a destination but a journey, and it's never too early to start taking care of yourself. Regular check-ups, preventive care, and healthy lifestyle choices made now can lead to a healthier, happier you in the decades to come. So, embrace this time of growth and self-discovery, and make your health a top priority. Your future self will thank you for the care and attention you give to your health today.
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Your Definitive Guide to Egg Freezing: Risks, Costs, Success Rates, and More
I’m Dr. Meera Shah, a double-board certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI). I have helped countless women freeze their eggs as a fertility doctor and as a Medical Advisor to Cofertility. This article is a guide to everything you need to know to make a confident, informed decision about egg freezing.
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where a woman's eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for later use. This allows women to preserve their eggs at their current age, potentially increasing their chances of having a biological child in the future.
Egg freezing is becoming more and more common, with a 30% increase in egg-freezing cycles from 2021 to 2022 alone!
I’m Dr. Meera Shah, a double-board certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI). I have helped countless women freeze their eggs as a fertility doctor and as a Medical Advisor to Cofertility. This article is a guide to everything you need to know to make a confident, informed decision about egg freezing.
Why people choose to freeze their eggs
There are many reasons why women opt for egg freezing. Here are some of the most common reasons we hear:
- Focusing on other priorities: Women focusing on career or personal goals can freeze their eggs until they're ready to start a family.
- Waiting for the right partner: As the average age of first marriage continues to rise, some women choose to freeze their eggs instead of rushing into a marriage.
- Medical reasons: Women facing medical conditions or treatments that could impact fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can freeze their eggs before undergoing these treatments.
- Genetic predisposition: Women with a family history of early menopause may choose to freeze their eggs to ensure they have viable eggs for future use.
- Peace of mind: Some women simply want the peace of mind knowing they have a backup plan for their fertility.
At what age should you freeze your eggs?
There is no perfect age at which to freeze your eggs. However, the younger you can do it, the better. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), an optimal time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s and early 30s, while you have a higher ovarian reserve and eggs are healthier.
A large 2020 study at a fertility clinic that specializes in this area looked at egg freezing cycles for over 1,200 people. It compared the average number of eggs people of different ages were able to freeze versus the “optimal” or goal number of eggs they should freeze. This goal number was based on how many eggs would give them a 70% live birth rate after doing 1 or 2 egg freezing cycles (this rate is calculated using some other numbers and it typically goes up as we age to make up for the lower number of healthy eggs).
The study found that younger people, unsurprisingly, have an easier time freezing the goal number of eggs in one cycle. As people aged, they needed multiple egg freezing cycles to reach that goal number.
Read more in What’s the Best Age to Freeze My Eggs?
Is it worth freezing eggs after age 35?
The findings from the study above bring up a common question–is it worth freezing eggs after age 35? Well, it depends. The ASRM does not recommend egg freezing for people older than 38, but this isn’t a strict cutoff.
Your biological clock is not a cliff. Everyone’s fertility decreases down at a different rate. Having your fertility hormones checked can sometimes help you and your doctor get a general idea of your ovarian reserve and chance of a future pregnancy. This can better help you decide if egg freezing is right for you.
Egg freezing success rates by age
Success rates with egg freezing depend on a lot of factors: your health, your ovarian reserve, your response to egg freezing medication, and the quality of the clinic. That being said, generally, younger women have higher success rates due to better egg quantity and quality.
A study of 1,241 women found that the average number of eggs retrieved on the first egg freezing round was:
- 21 eggs for women under 35
- 17 eggs for women 35-37
- 14 eggs for women 38-40
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Because women in their 30s tend to produce less eggs, at this age you may end up having to either settle for fewer eggs for freezing or undergo multiple rounds to collect enough eggs to have on hand for later implantation. As you can imagine, those costs can creep higher and higher the more rounds you endure.
Now, you might be thinking: isn’t 14 eggs a lot? It’s true that eggs retrieved from women under the age of 36 will have a 95 percent survival rate after being thawed. But, not all thawed eggs will become viable embryos and lead to a live birth. The probability of a live birth varies with the age of the woman trying to conceive and the number of mature eggs available. In short, the older the woman, the more eggs required to achieve a high probability of a live birth.
A study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics further supports this point. For example, a woman under 35 will need nine eggs to achieve a 70% chance of having at least one live birth. If you’re trying to conceive in your mid to late 30s, you may need double as many eggs to achieve that same 70% success rate.
The right number of eggs to freeze for your age
Different folks have different reasons for freezing their eggs. Some may be thinking about prolonging their fertility into the future. Others may be freezing some eggs but also hoping to donate some eggs to help others grow a family — something that’s done via our Split program, where you freeze for free when donating half of the eggs to a family that can’t otherwise conceive.
Either way, studies have found that the optimal number of eggs to freeze really comes down to your age. That’s because the number of eggs in the body isn’t the only thing to decrease as you get older — egg quality decreases too, and egg quality is the number one factor in determining whether an egg can eventually result in a live birth.
Here are the number of eggs you’ll want to freeze based on your age in order to obtain an optimal live birth rate:
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Should I do multiple egg retrievals?
What happens if you don’t get as many eggs as you had hoped during your egg retrieval cycle?
If you’ve undergone one round of egg freezing and the number of eggs your reproductive endocrinologist retrieved from your ovaries wasn’t as high as you’d hoped, you may want to talk to them about trying again. A fertility specialist can help you talk through all of your options.
There is technically no limit to the number of egg freezing rounds a person can undergo, but it’s not recommended that egg donors undergo more than six cycles. If you’re hoping to split your eggs with intended parents (donating half of the eggs retrieved) as part of our Split Program, you may find that additional retrievals help you provide the optimal amount of eggs for a live birth for you and for the intentend parents too.
The right number of eggs to freeze to have multiple children
If you’re planning to have a big family one day, you may want to look at the number of eggs it’s recommended you freeze to achieve one live birth and talk to your Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) about freezing more eggs.
As we shared above, a woman under age 35 will need to freeze about nine eggs to achieve a 70% chance of a successful pregnancy and live birth. If you’re under age 35 now and thinking you might want to use frozen eggs to conceive twice in your future, you will want to freeze closer to 18 eggs.
The number of eggs necessary will increase with your age at time of the retrieval, and the number of children you hope to have via those eggs.
Can frozen eggs guarantee a successful pregnancy in the future?
When trying to decide if you should freeze your eggs, it’s important to know that egg freezing is not an “insurance policy” for your fertility. While egg freezing can take some of the stress of having a baby right now off your shoulders, it is not a guarantee that you’ll have a baby in the future.
Why not? Well, for one, not all the eggs that get frozen will actually be viable. It’s expected that some eggs will not survive the warming process when it comes time to use the eggs. In addition, the chances of the eggs that do survive being successfully fertilized depends on a variety of factors, including how old you were when you froze them (more on this later).
This is not to sway your decision one way or another. Ultimately, only you and your doctor can decide if egg freezing is the right decision for you. But it's important to go in knowing that it’s not meant to be a done deal. As egg freezing has gotten more popular, many companies will gloss over this fact. We don't think that's right and want to be straight with you from the outset.
Freezing your eggs when you’re unsure if you want kids
Perhaps the biggest benefit of egg freezing is that it puts the decision-making power entirely in your hands. Whether you’re freezing your eggs because you want to focus on your career or you’re about to undergo medical treatment that may affect your fertility later on, or you’re waiting to find the right partner, freezing your eggs allows you to preserve some of your fertility independently.
While you might not be sure about having kids today, if you do decide you want kids down the road, especially if you’re in your mid- to late-thirties, having eggs on ice will increase the chances that you’re able to do so.
Know this: most people do not regret their egg retrieval procedure. We looked at five studies on egg freezing. The rates of regret reported in these studies varied, likely due to the sample size, study design, and the follow-up period. However, taken together, these studies suggest that the vast majority of those who freeze their eggs have zero regrets.
There also appear to be factors that reduce the chances of regret, including feeling fully informed beforehand, and getting adequate support during the egg freezing process. In other words, if you take the time to think things through and feel supported throughout the journey, you’re less likely to regret making this decision for yourself.
The egg freezing process: step-by-step
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The egg freezing process is about a two-week journey. You will work closely with a Reproductive Endocrinologist (fertility doctor) and the clinic team throughout the process.
Here's a detailed breakdown of what you can expect from start to finish, and beyond:
- Ovarian stimulation: You'll take hormone medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, and have multiple monitoring appointments and blood tests to see how the eggs are maturing.
- Egg retrieval: Your eggs will be retrieved through a minor surgical procedure using ultrasound guidance.
- Vitrification: Your eggs will be rapidly frozen using a technique called vitrification, which helps preserve their quality.
- Storage: Your frozen eggs will be stored in a secure facility until you're ready to use them.
- Thawing and fertilization: When you're ready to conceive, your eggs will be thawed, fertilized with sperm (either your partner's or a donor's), and transferred to your uterus.
Will egg freezing hurt my future fertility?
Egg freezing actually rescues all the other eggs that your body would otherwise allow to die during a normal menstrual cycle. So the process of egg freezing doesn’t take anything away from your egg reserve, it actually helps you save some extra eggs! And since during each cycle, your body goes through the ovulation process again with a new set of competing eggs, your chances of getting pregnant unassisted in the future also aren’t affected by egg freezing.
What egg freezing does do is give you additional options for if and when you’re ready to start growing your family.
Is egg freezing safe?
Like any other procedure, there are risks and side effects when freezing eggs, including risks of anesthesia, bleeding, pain, and infection. Thankfully, the majority of people who go through with it deal with side effects for a few days at most. When it comes to the ovaries themselves, they generally recover quickly. The overall data indicate that the potential risks of surgical complications from egg retrieval are generally very small. However, in people with a history of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic adhesions or previous pelvic surgery, the risks are slightly increased so make sure to speak to your doctor about your medical history if you fall into any of these categories.
Egg freezing vs embryo freezing
There’s one major difference between freezing eggs and freezing embryos. When you freeze your eggs, they stay unfertilized. We all know that to make a baby, you need an egg and a sperm because each of them provides half of the material needed. On its own, an egg can’t function (and neither can a sperm).
An embryo, on the other hand, is an egg that has already been fertilized by a sperm. Once they combine, the egg and sperm become a single cell. Over the next three to four days, the embryo divides several times, going from one to two to four to eight cells, and so on until it reaches the blastocyst stage and is ready to be frozen. Once an embryo has developed, there’s no going back– that is, there’s no way to turn that embryo back into a separate egg and sperm.
If you don’t know who you want to have children with, then freezing your eggs may be the best approach. This option gives you the freedom to hold off on thinking about having a baby until you’ve met someone or are ready to choose a sperm donor.
On the other hand, if you are currently with a partner who you know you’d like to have children with but now isn’t the right time, then frozen embryos might be the way to go with the goal of a future embryo transfer. The caveat here is to be 100% certain—stars like Sofia Vergara and more recently, Anna Kendrick, have run into trouble after freezing embryos with partners they didn’t end up with.
Read more in Should I Freeze Eggs or Embryos?
Cost of egg freezing
The question of how much does it cost to freeze your eggs will come down to a few factors. These include the number of cycles you undergo to retrieve eggs and how long you keep the eggs in storage. Overall, the typical egg freezing can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 for one cycle plus the cost of storage fees.
Another option? Freeze by Co offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when they donate half of the retrieved eggs to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. The cost of the entire process, including 10 years of cryopreservation, is fully covered — we think it’s a win-win.
Or, if you want to freeze and store your eggs for your own future use without donating, Freeze by Co offers lower prices on things like consultations and storage, along with access to our community of freezers. We partner with lenders, like Sunfish, to offer you fertility financial resources.
Learn more about egg sharing
Egg sharing programs exist worldwide to help make fertility care more accessible. Egg sharing is when a woman undergoes an egg retrieval, and some of the resulting eggs are donated to a family that can’t otherwise conceive.
In Cofertility’s Split program, women can freeze their eggs for free when they donate half of the retrieved eggs to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
Ask us anything
If you’d like help figuring out when to freeze your eggs, you can contact us for more information. While every woman’s fertility preservation path differs, we can connect you with reputable clinics who can offer basic guidance about when the time is right for you to freeze your eggs during a consultation or dig into specifics by going through a preliminary exam in a provider’s office.
We understand that the timing may not be right for you to start a family right now, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about what choices will be available to you when that time comes. As you can see, a lot goes into preparing for an egg retrieval process. The earlier you consider your fertility, the more options you’ll have.
Whether you decide to freeze or not, we’re here for you to answer any questions or talk through any concerns.
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How Long Should You Wait Between Egg Freezing Cycles? A Fertility Doctor Chimes In
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has become an increasingly popular fertility preservation option for women who want to delay motherhood or preserve their eggs now due to medical reasons. One question that often arises is, "How long do I need to wait between egg freezing cycles?" In this guide, we'll delve into the factors that influence the waiting period between cycles and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has become an increasingly popular fertility preservation option for women who want to delay motherhood or preserve their eggs now due to medical reasons.
Many egg freezers opt to do more than one cycle to increase the number of eggs they can preserve (read more in How Many Eggs Do I Need to Freeze?). One question that often arises is, "How long do I need to wait between egg freezing cycles?" In this guide, we'll delve into the factors that influence the waiting period between cycles and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Understanding the egg freezing process
Before we discuss the recommended waiting period between egg freezing cycles, it's important to understand the process itself. Egg freezing involves stimulating the ovaries with fertility medications to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and cryopreserved for future use.
It’s considered a safe procedure, but there are some side effects. The most common being:
- Mild bruising and soreness at the injection site
- Bloating, nausea and, occasionally, vomiting
- Temporary allergic reactions, such as skin reddening and/or itching at the injection site
- Breast tenderness and increased vaginal discharge
- Mood swings and fatigue
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Every woman has a different experience. I’ve had some patients who feel great after the retrieval and go right back to work. But I do recommend that my patients take a day or two off to recover and pamper themselves before resuming normal activities.
Recommended waiting period between egg freezing cycles
While back-to-back egg freezing cycles is possible, it may or may not be the best path for you.
After you complete your egg retrieval, you will get your period about two weeks later. At that time, you can work with your fertility doctor to assess how your body responded to the hormone injections from the previous cycle's treatment. Your fertility doctor will assess the ovaries to ensure they are healed and that there’s a new cohort of antral follicles. It’s important that you feel back to baseline before starting another cycle.
In some cases, it is recommended to wait at least one full menstrual cycle before starting another egg freezing cycle. This means that if you complete your first cycle in January, you should wait until at least March to begin the next one, assuming you have a normal 28-day cycle. This waiting period allows your body to recover, your hormones to return to baseline levels, and your ovaries to be ready for another round of stimulation.
In other cases, your fertility doctor may advise a longer waiting period, especially if you experienced complications or had a particularly high response to the stimulation medications. You’ll want to get input from your doctor and also listen to your body's signals to determine the most appropriate time to start another cycle.
Other factors to consider:
- Age: Age is a significant factor when it comes to fertility preservation. Women in their late 30s or early 40s may have a more limited time frame for egg freezing due to the natural decline in egg quantity and quality. In such cases, your fertility doctor may recommend a shorter waiting period between cycles to maximize the number of eggs retrieved while you still have good ovarian reserve.
- Ovarian reserve: Your ovarian reserve, which refers to the number and quality of eggs remaining in your ovaries, can influence the waiting period between cycles. If you have a high ovarian reserve, you may be able to wait longer– even years– between cycles without compromising your chances of success. However, if your ovarian reserve is low, your doctor may suggest a shorter waiting period to retrieve as many eggs as possible while you still can.
- Personal circumstances: Your personal circumstances, such as upcoming life events, work commitments, or financial considerations, may also play a role in determining the timing of your egg freezing cycles.
Preparing for subsequent cycles
During the waiting period between egg freezing cycles, there are several steps you can take to optimize your fertility and prepare for the next round:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact your fertility. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can all contribute to better egg quality and overall reproductive health.
- Track your cycle: Keeping track of your menstrual cycle can help you and your fertility doctor determine the optimal timing for starting your next egg freezing cycle. Make note of the length of your cycles, any unusual symptoms, and the duration of your periods.
- Supplement wisely: Certain supplements, such as CoQ10 and vitamin D, have been shown to support fertility. However, you must consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you.
- Communicate with your clinic: Maintain open lines of communication with your fertility clinic throughout the waiting period. Keep them informed of any changes in your health, menstrual cycle, or personal circumstances that may impact your egg freezing journey. They can provide valuable guidance and support every step of the way.
Summing it up
The decision of when to undergo another egg freezing cycle isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The answer will be a combination of listening to your body and your doctor's expert advice. While it's often recommended to wait one full menstrual cycle between cycles to allow your body to recover and reset, it's not a hard and fast rule.
Some women bounce back quickly after a cycle, while others need a little more time. Your fertility doctor can help you assess your individual response to the first cycle and tailor a plan that's just right for you. Plus, your personal circumstances, like work deadlines or financial considerations, also play a role. It's all about finding a balance that works for you.
The takeaway? Trust your gut, listen to your body, and lean on your doctor's expertise. They'll help you navigate the waiting game and find the perfect timing for your egg freezing journey.
Freeze your eggs with Cofertility
We’d love the opportunity to support you on your egg freezing journey.
Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.
By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.
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FSH Levels and Fertility: What You Need to Know (and Why It Matters)
Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, is a hormone that plays an important role in your reproductive health. As a woman, understanding your FSH levels can provide insights into your fertility potential and help you make informed decisions about family planning, including egg freezing. But what exactly is FSH, and what do your levels mean? Let's dive in and explore this essential hormone.
Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, is a hormone that plays an important role in your reproductive health. As a woman, understanding your FSH levels can provide insights into your fertility potential and help you make informed decisions about family planning, including egg freezing. But what exactly is FSH, and what do your levels mean? Let's dive in and explore this essential hormone.
What is FSH and why should you care?
FSH, short for follicle-stimulating hormone, is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, a small but mighty gland nestled in your brain. Its job is to stimulate your ovaries to grow follicles, the tiny sacs that house your eggs. As these follicles mature, they release estrogen, which triggers ovulation – the release of an egg that's ready for fertilization.
Your FSH levels aren't static; they naturally fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle, peaking right before ovulation. However, consistently high FSH levels, especially at the beginning of your cycle, can be a red flag for diminished ovarian reserve. This means your ovarian reserve may be decreasing, either in quantity or quality. While it doesn't mean you can't get pregnant, it does signal that your fertility might be declining.
Average FSH levels by age
FSH levels naturally creep up as you age. And results also depend on where you are in your menstrual cycle. For females, here are normal FSH test results by life stage:
- Before puberty: 0 to 4.0 mIU/mL (0 to 4.0 IU/L)
- During puberty: 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL (0.3 to 10.0 IU/L)
- Females who are still menstruating: 4.7 to 21.5 mIU/mL (4.5 to 21.5 IU/L)
- After menopause: 25.8 to 134.8 mIU/mL (25.8 to 134.8 IU/L)
What is a good FSH level for egg freezing?
Most clinics consider an FSH under 9 as a good number for egg freezing. Above that threshold, the response to egg freezing medication tends to decline.
Here's a general idea of what's considered normal FSH for females on cycle day 3:
- <9: Normal FSH level, expect a good response to egg freezing medication
- 9-11: Fair FSH level, the response to medication is reduced
- 11-20: Reduced ovarian reserve and lower changes of live birth rate
- 20+: Very poor chances of response to stimulation, egg donation is generally recommended
Remember, these are just guidelines, and results vary by lab. Your doctor will interpret your FSH levels in the context of your age, medical history, antral follicle count, and other hormone levels to assess your overall fertility picture.
What abnormal FSH results may mean
Abnormal FSH results can be a sign of various underlying conditions related to fertility and reproductive health.
High FSH Levels (typically 10 mIU/mL+ in premenopausal people) can suggest:
- Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): This means the number of eggs in your ovaries are declining.
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Also known as Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), this condition occurs when the ovaries stop working normally before age 40.
- Menopause: Naturally occurring decline in ovarian function leading to the end of menstruation.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): FSH levels are often higher in people with PCOS, a metabolic and hormonal disorder caused by high androgen (male sex hormone) levels. It can also cause enlarged ovaries due to an increased number of follicles on the outer edges.
- Turner Syndrome: A genetic condition that can impact ovarian function, leading to a higher FSH.
If you get an abnormal result, your doctor will talk to you about what it could mean and if they suggest any next steps.
Testing your FSH
Getting your FSH levels checked is simple – it's just a routine blood test, typically done on the third day of your cycle. Your doctor may order additional tests, such as an antral follicle count (AFC) ultrasound or an anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test, to get a more comprehensive picture of your ovarian reserve.
Or, if you want to take a test at-home, there are a few convenient options:
- Natalist Women’s Fertility Test ($149) measures 5 hormones: estradiol, LH, FSH, TSH, and total testosterone. Get 20% off with code Cofertility20.
- Modern Fertility Hormone Test ($179) measures 7 hormones: AMH, TSH, FSH, estradiol, prolactin, fT4, and LH
What you need to know about FSH tests: the fine print
While FSH tests are a valuable tool for understanding your fertility, there are a few important caveats to keep in mind:
- FSH levels fluctuate: Don't panic over a single high result. FSH levels naturally change throughout your menstrual cycle and as you get older.
- FSH is not a diagnostic tool: An FSH test alone can't diagnose a specific condition like menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It's just one piece of the puzzle, and your doctor will consider other factors to make a diagnosis.
- FSH is just one indicator of fertility: While an abnormal result (high baseline FSH) tends to be very predictive of low egg quantity, a normal result does not necessarily mean that the egg quantity is good. Some people with normal levels can still experience age-related fertility decline or have low quality eggs.
- Invalid in some cases: If you're taking hormone therapies like birth control pills, FSH tests might not be accurate. Be sure to let your doctor know about any medications you're taking before the test.
The bottom line? FSH tests provide valuable information, but they're not the be-all and end-all of fertility assessment. Talk to your doctor about your results and what they mean for your individual situation.
The bottom line: knowledge is power
While FSH tests are a valuable tool for assessing ovarian reserve and determining if egg freezing could be a fit, it's important to remember that they're just one piece of the puzzle. A single FSH result doesn't define your fertility journey, and your doctor will consider various factors, including your age, medical history, AFC, and other hormone levels, to develop a comprehensive picture of your reproductive health.
If you're considering egg freezing or have concerns about your fertility, don't hesitate to consult with a fertility specialist. They can help you interpret your FSH results, discuss your options, and guide you towards the best path for achieving your family-building goals. Understanding your FSH levels is a crucial step towards taking control of your fertility and shaping your future.
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Is Egg Freezing Safe? An OBGYN Answers Your Top Questions
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has grown in popularity, with a 30% increase in egg-freezing cycles from 2021 to 2022 alone! While egg freezing is generally considered safe and effective, we still get a lot of questions. Let's address some of the most common concerns I hear as an OBGYN.
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has grown in popularity, with a 30% increase in egg-freezing cycles from 2021 to 2022 alone! While egg freezing is generally considered safe and effective, I still get a lot of great questions about it as an OBGYN.
Let's address some of the most common concerns I hear:
Does egg freezing affect future fertility?
Egg freezing does not guarantee future fertility, but it does offer a way to preserve your eggs at their current age and quality. This can be particularly beneficial for those who:
- Want to delay childbearing due to personal or career reasons.
- Are facing medical treatments that may affect fertility.
- Have a family history of early menopause.
But will egg freezing itself negatively impact your future fertility? The short answer is no, egg freezing won’t lower your egg reserve and it won’t affect your chances of getting pregnant naturally when you’re ready to do so.
Read more in Does Donating or Freezing Your Eggs Affect Your Future Fertility?
Does egg freezing increase the risk of cancer?
Current research suggests that egg freezing does not significantly increase the risk of most cancers. Overall, studies have shown that fertility treatments do not increase the risks of invasive ovarian cancer, malignant melanoma, or cancers of the endometrium, cervix, breast, thyroid, or colon.
There is limited evidence suggesting a potential, but small, increase in the risk of borderline ovarian cancer (a type of ovarian cancer with low malignant potential) associated with fertility treatments. However, this risk is minimal in absolute terms.
While the hormones used during the ovarian stimulation phase of egg freezing are similar to those used in IVF, the duration of exposure is typically shorter, further reducing any potential concerns. All that being said, more research is needed. It's important to discuss your individual risk factors and concerns with your doctor.
Are there medical risks associated with egg freezing?
Like any medical procedure, egg freezing carries some risks, primarily related to the ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval processes.
In a single egg freezing cycle, the risk of a serious adverse event is under 2.5%. Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) accounts for the majority of complications, occurring in 0.1-2% of cycles. The risk of other acute complications, including pelvic infection, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, or ovarian torsion, is small (<0.5%). The risks overall are generally low and can be minimized through careful monitoring and appropriate medical management.
Are there long-term side effects from egg freezing?
Some people do experience minor side effects from the medications and egg retrieval, but they are generally for a short period of time. These side effects can include:
- Mild bruising and soreness at the injection site
- Nausea and, occasionally, vomiting
- Temporary allergic reactions, such as skin reddening and/or itching at the injection site
- Breast tenderness and increased vaginal discharge
- Mood swings and fatigue
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Read more in What are the Side Effects and Risks of Egg Freezing?
Are children born from frozen eggs healthy?
Yes, experts believe that babies conceived through IVF, including those born from frozen eggs, are generally just as healthy as babies conceived naturally. However, most studies have focused on IVF outcomes as a whole, rather than specifically isolating the effects of egg freezing.
One recent study, however, specifically examined the health and development of babies born after egg freezing. The findings were reassuring: there was no increased risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, or babies being too small (or too large) for their gestational age.
Additionally, the study found that children born from frozen eggs met developmental milestones at roughly the same rate as other children, with a 90% achievement rate overall. This percentage even increased as the children grew older, with 100% of six-year-olds meeting all developmental milestones.
While more research is always helpful, this study provides encouraging evidence that egg freezing is safe not just for the mother, but for the future children as well.
Summing it up
Egg freezing is a rapidly evolving technology that offers people greater control over their reproductive choices. While it's not a guaranteed path to parenthood, it provides a valuable opportunity to preserve fertility for the future. With its growing popularity and increasing success rates, egg freezing is becoming a more mainstream option for people who want to prioritize their careers, relationships, or simply maintain their options.
While concerns about safety are natural, current research indicates that egg freezing is generally safe and does not significantly increase the risk of cancer or negatively impact the health of future children. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, but these can be minimized through careful monitoring and management by a qualified fertility specialist.
If you're considering egg freezing, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can help answer your specific questions, address any concerns, and help you make an informed decision about whether egg freezing is right for you. Remember, knowledge is power – by understanding the facts and weighing your options, you can take proactive steps to protect your fertility and shape your future on your terms.
Freeze your eggs– for free– with Cofertility
We’d love the opportunity to support you on your egg freezing journey!
- Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
- Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.
By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.