Ready To Use Your Frozen Eggs? What To Do Next
Freezing your eggs was an empowering decision, and now you’re ready to take the next step. As exciting as this chapter is, it’s natural to have questions. What exactly happens during the thawing process? How does IVF work with previously frozen eggs? What can you expect at each stage?
At EVOLVE, we understand that navigating this journey can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. While freezing your eggs gave you the freedom to choose your timeline, using those eggs involves several coordinated steps. In this article, we walk you through exactly what to expect, from thawing and fertilization to embryo development and transfer.
Using Frozen Eggs for IVF
When you’re ready to use your frozen eggs, they’ll be used as part of the IVF process. Yet, unlike traditional IVF, your journey starts with eggs that are already preserved.
First, you’ll want to contact your fertility clinic to schedule a consultation. Your doctor will review your medical history during this visit. They’ll perform necessary tests and create your treatment plan. This plan includes timing for egg thawing, fertilization, and embryo transfer.
Not all frozen eggs will thaw successfully. Some may not fertilize or develop properly. This is completely normal. And this is why specialists recommend freezing multiple eggs. Your EVOLVE team will also set realistic expectations based on your situation. They’ll consider how many eggs you stored and their quality at freezing.
You’ll also discuss sperm options before starting. This could involve a partner’s sperm or donor sperm. Your EVOLVE team — with support from our sister clinic, TRIO, which manages the sperm-related services — coordinates all these steps, ensuring you’re prepared for each phase of the process.
Egg Thawing
Using frozen eggs for IVF begins with the thawing process. So, how are eggs frozen and thawed? Let’s take a closer look.
The Egg Thawing Process
Egg thawing happens in a specialized lab under strict protocols. Embryologists remove your eggs from liquid nitrogen storage. They then place them in warming solutions that gradually raise their temperature.
This process reverses the vitrification that preserved your eggs. The warming process also removes cryoprotectants while minimizing damage to the egg’s delicate structures. The entire thawing cycle takes less than an hour.
Afterward, our embryologists examine each egg. They assess which ones survived with their structures intact. Surviving eggs rest briefly in the lab incubator. This allows them to stabilize before fertilization attempts.
Egg Thawing Success Rates
About 70-90% of frozen eggs typically survive the thawing process. However, this percentage can vary based on several factors.
For instance, age at freezing strongly influences thawing success rates. Eggs frozen at a younger age generally survive at higher rates.
Additionally, not every thawed egg will fertilize or develop into an embryo. From the eggs that survive thawing, about 60-75% may fertilize successfully. This results in viable embryos for about 30-50% of thawed eggs.
The IVF Process
Once your eggs have been thawed, the IVF process begins. This multi-step procedure involves fertilizing your eggs and supporting embryo development.
Your EVOLVE team, in collaboration with our sister clinic TRIO, will guide you through each stage. Located in the same building, your TRIO medical team — which includes your EVOLVE doctor — closely monitors your progress throughout the process and keeps you informed every step of the way. This typically takes about two weeks from thawing to transfer.
Sperm Sampling
Obtaining sperm is a straightforward part of the process. The sperm may come from your partner or a donor. Your choice depends on your circumstances and preferences.
Sperm Collection Process
For partner sperm, the sample is typically provided on-site in a private collection room at the clinic. The sample then goes directly to the lab for fertilization.
If using donor sperm, it arrives already screened and prepared.
The lab prepares sperm through a process called “washing.” This removes seminal fluid and selects the healthiest sperm. The prepared sample is then ready for the fertilization step.
Fertilization and Embryo Development Stage
Within a lab, technicians work on fertilizing the frozen eggs. This marks the creation of embryos that may become your future child.
IVF Egg Fertilization Process
Two main methods exist for fertilizing eggs. The standard method places sperm and egg together in a culture dish. The sperm must penetrate the egg naturally.
In some cases, embryologists use ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). With ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. This method helps when the sperm count is low or previous fertilization has failed.
Fertilization checks occur about 16-18 hours after the sperm meets the egg. The embryologist looks for two pronuclei, confirming successful fertilization.
Fertilized Egg to Blastocyst
Successfully fertilized eggs begin cell division. They grow from a single cell to multiple cells. By day three, healthy embryos contain six to 10 cells.
Development continues to the blastocyst stage by days five to seven. A blastocyst has about 100 cells arranged in specific layers, which offers the best chance for implantation.
The lab monitors embryos daily. They assess quality based on appearance and development timing. The highest quality embryos advance to transfer or freezing. So, what do you need to know when preparing for the embryo transfer?
Embryo Transfer
The embryo transfer is a quick procedure that places embryos directly into the uterus. It requires no anesthesia and feels similar to a pap smear.
Your doctor uses ultrasound guidance during the transfer. The entire process typically lasts less than five minutes. Yet, preparation begins weeks before the actual transfer.
Preparing for Embryo Transfer
Before your transfer, you may take hormones to prepare your uterine lining. These medications create an ideal environment for implantation. Your doctor monitors your hormone levels through blood tests. They also check your uterine lining with ultrasounds. When conditions are perfect, they schedule your transfer.
On the day of transfer, arrive with a full bladder. This helps with ultrasound visibility. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a support person, such as your partner, if needed.
Fresh vs Frozen Embryo Transfer
Each option offers distinct benefits. Ultimately, your doctor will recommend the best approach for your situation. Below, we take a closer look at each.
Fresh Embryo Transfer
Fresh transfers occur about five days after fertilization. The embryo moves directly from the lab culture to your uterus. This approach requires precise timing of your uterine lining preparation.
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Using frozen eggs to get pregnant requires the embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage first. Then, they undergo vitrification for later use. This allows your body time to return to normal hormone levels.
Pregnancy Testing After IVF
The wait between transfer and pregnancy testing lasts about nine to 12 days. A blood test is scheduled to detect pregnancy hormones.
However, home pregnancy tests often show results earlier. But medication from your cycle may affect their accuracy. The official blood test provides definitive results. If pregnant, you’ll likely continue with progesterone support.
Pregnancy and Beyond
A positive pregnancy test marks the beginning of an exciting new phase. Early pregnancy care includes blood tests to check hormone levels. You’ll also have ultrasounds to confirm proper development. These visits help ensure everything is progressing as it should.
Around eight to 10 weeks, you’ll transition to an obstetrician for ongoing care. Your EVOLVE team coordinates this transfer of care. We will send all relevant medical records to your new provider.
Curious to learn more about the egg freezing process? Talk to an EVOLVE nurse today.
FAQ About Using Frozen Eggs
What percentage of fertilized eggs make it to blastocyst?
About 30-50% of fertilized eggs develop into blastocysts. This rate varies based on maternal age at freezing and egg quality. Younger eggs typically develop at higher rates. Not every egg becomes a blastocyst, which is completely normal.
How long can you keep frozen embryos?
Frozen embryos can remain viable for decades. There’s no evidence suggesting a decline in quality over time. However, there are storage policies and fees to consider.
How long is the IVF process?
The IVF process with frozen eggs typically takes four to six weeks. This includes preparation, thawing, fertilization, and transfer. The exact timeline depends on your cycle and whether you choose a fresh or frozen transfer.
How do I find a sperm donor?
Finding a sperm donor involves several options. You can use known donors like friends or family. Alternatively, sperm banks offer anonymous and identity-release donors. Via our sister clinic, TRIO, we can recommend reputable banks and guide you through the selection process.
How many embryos should I transfer?
Most specialists recommend transferring one embryo at a time. Single embryo transfers reduce multiple pregnancy risks. Your age, embryo quality, and medical history influence this decision. Your doctor will recommend the approach with the best balance of success and safety.
References
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282%2812%2900065-9/pdf
