Your Timing for Motherhood

While women in their twenties can often conceive naturally, the ideal age to freeze your eggs is before 30, or at the latest, before 35. This is when your eggs are at their healthiest and most plentiful. Freezing is still possible after 35, but the chances of success might be lower.

If you're considering egg freezing in Switzerland, it's important to know they can only be stored for a maximum of 10 years (an initial 5-year period with a possible 5-year extension).

After the 10-year storage limit in Switzerland, the eggs must be used or destroyed. However, some countries allow for longer storage. Austria, for example, permits the storage of unfertilized eggs indefinitely. If you're concerned about the storage time limit, exploring options in other countries might be worth considering.

The success of pregnancy after social freezing is influenced by several factors, especially your age when you freeze your eggs. Research indicates that the number of eggs frozen also plays a crucial role.

Here's an example based on a study, highlighting the chances of having at least one baby if you freeze 20 eggs:

• Freezing before age 35: 90% chance of success
• Freezing before age 37: 75% chance of success
• Freezing at age 42: 37% chance of success

It's important to understand that these are general estimations and individual experiences may vary.

Typically, egg freezing costs range between CHF 4,000 and CHF 5,000 at fertility clinics. At Cada, the cost of a social freezing cycle is CHF 3,900 plus medication, which ranges from CHF 700 to CHF 1,400. This brings the total cost of a social freezing cycle with medication to between CHF 4,600 and CHF 5,400.

The storage fee for 5 years is already included in the price.

Generally, health insurance companies do not cover the costs associated with social egg freezing, as it is considered an elective procedure. However, the initial consultation and fertility analysis are usually reimbursed.

There's an important exception for medical freezing. If egg freezing is medically necessary (for example, before cancer treatment), it's typically covered by health insurance.

While some hormonal stimulation medications may be cheaper abroad, there are potential drawbacks. The medication might not be readily available in other countries. Also shipping from abroad can take longer and some medications may not be shipped internationally. Be aware that certain medications require refrigeration during transport. To ensure you receive the correct medication promptly, it's often advisable to obtain it directly from your clinic (like Cada).

The number of cycles you need varies based on factors like your age, egg reserve, and personal goals. It's generally wise to complete one cycle first and then evaluate the results before scheduling additional cycles.

The ideal target is to freeze 15-20 eggs, depending on your age. If the first cycle doesn't yield enough eggs, you can always opt for subsequent cycles.

The ideal interval between two social freezing cycles is typically at least two menstrual cycles, allowing your body to fully recover from hormonal stimulation. However, the specific timeframe can vary depending on individual factors, such as your hormonal balance and how your body responded to the previous stimulation. Your doctor will provide personalized guidance on the optimal timing for your next cycle.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is beneficial for overall health and may positively impact your fertility. Specific nutrients, such as antioxidants, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids, have shown potential in supporting egg quality. However, it's important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can advise on appropriate choices and dosages.

Prior to social freezing, adopt a healthy lifestyle by:

• Avoiding alcohol and nicotine
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Engaging in regular exercise

Additionally, your doctor will conduct a fertility assessment and check key health markers, such as vitamin D, ferritin, and TSH levels. Based on these results, they may recommend supplements or medications to optimize egg quality and quantity.

If you have endometriosis, discuss the possibility of egg freezing with your doctor. While endometriosis can affect fertility, studies show promising success rates for pregnancy using cryopreserved eggs in women with this condition.

Moderate exercise is generally acceptable before egg retrieval. However, after the procedure, it's crucial to rest for at least 24-48 hours and avoid strenuous activity to allow your body to recover fully. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines for post-procedure care.

Eggs are frozen to ensure the possibility of pregnancy at a later date. This gives women more flexibility in family planning and preserves their fertility for the future.

The process of social freezing for women is systematic and involves the following steps:

1. Fertility check: The first step in social freezing for women is a fertility analysis. This involves checking hormone levels and egg reserves to assess individual fertility.

2. Treatment start: Hormonal stimulation is used to mature several eggs at the same time. The hormonal stimulation is tailored to each woman based on their fertility results.

3. Egg retrieval: After ovulation has been induced, the eggs are retrieved through the vagina. The procedure is minimally invasive and takes about 30 minutes under brief anesthesia.

4. Freezing and preservation: The final step involves freezing the eggs using vitrification, a modern cryopreservation method. The frozen eggs are then stored in liquid nitrogen to preserve their quality for later use.

Frozen eggs are carefully thawed. Thawed eggs are assessed for quality before being fertilised with sperm from the partner or a donor. Healthy embryos are then cultivated in the lab and prepared for transfer, aiming for successful pregnancy. This precise sequence ensures that frozen eggs are handled in the best possible way for their intended use.

No, not all eggs are suitable for cryopreservation. The selection is based on their quality and maturity. Healthy, well-developed egg cells have a higher chance of success when frozen and used later. The egg quality for cryopreservation is usually assessed before freezing. Their quality can be evaluated using fertility tests and by assessing the egg cells during their maturation process. In this way, suitability for cryopreservation can be determined.

Yes, single women can freeze their eggs, providing them with the flexibility to plan for pregnancy when they are ready.

Yes, the likelihood of having a healthy baby decreases as women age, affecting both natural conception and assisted reproduction due to declining egg quality.

Yes, frozen eggs can be used at any time. However, the viability depends on various factors, including the woman’s age at the time of egg freezing. Ideally, eggs should be frozen before the age of 35 to maximize the chances of a successful egg retrieval and later pregnancy. Nevertheless, eggs that were frozen later can also be used for pregnancy, but the success rate decreases with the woman's age. An individual consultation with specialists is crucial in order to set realistic expectations.

Social freezing is a safe method of cryopreserving eggs. Innovative technologies ensure reliable long-term preservation under optimal conditions. The quality of the frozen eggs remains stable, giving women the opportunity to preserve their fertility. However, the success of social freezing depends on various factors, including the woman's age at freezing and subsequent use.

It is important to note that the likelihood of a successful pregnancy naturally decreases in women over the age of 35. One possible risk factor is that pregnancies at an older age can pose certain health challenges. Women aged 35 and over should therefore seek advice from specialists in order to set realistic expectations and discuss possible risks.