Egg and Sperm Freezing

Egg and Sperm Freezing (Fertility Preservation): Safeguarding Fertility for the Future

Egg and sperm freezing (cryopreservation) is a fertility preservation method based on processing reproductive cells with advanced technology and storing them in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees. It offers an important option for individuals who wish to preserve their future fertility for reasons such as cancer treatment, the risk of early menopause, or social reasons.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Prof. Dr. Melahat Atasever in Ankara manages the egg and sperm freezing process with an experienced approach, supporting patients in both their physical and psychological preparation.

What Is Fertility Preservation (Cryopreservation)?

Cryopreservation is the science of preserving living biological material at extremely low temperatures without damage. In reproductive medicine, egg (oocyte), sperm, and embryo freezing fall within this scope.

Frozen reproductive cells can later be thawed and used in IVF/ICSI treatment, allowing a person to use the eggs or sperm stored during a period of good health years later for the purpose of achieving pregnancy.

In Turkey, egg and sperm freezing can be performed within certain legal conditions. Embryo freezing, on the other hand, is regulated as a right granted only to married couples.

What Is Vitrification? Why Is It Preferred?

Vitrification is an ultra-rapid freezing method in which cells are cooled to -196 degrees within seconds in the presence of cryoprotectant substances.

Unlike the older slow-freezing methods, vitrification largely prevents the formation of ice crystals inside the cell. In this way, the structural integrity of the cell can be preserved and post-thaw survival rates increase.

Thanks to this technology, the post-thaw survival rates of frozen eggs have risen considerably, and the pregnancy outcomes obtained have approached those of fresh IVF cycles.

What Is Egg Freezing? Who Can It Be Performed For?

Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is the procedure of collecting a woman’s mature eggs and storing them by the vitrification method.

It may be recommended in the following situations:

• Fertility preservation before chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Risk of early menopause
• Low ovarian reserve or a low AMH value
• Women scheduled for ovarian surgery
• Genetic risk of premature ovarian insufficiency
• Women who wish to postpone fertility to a later age for social reasons

Social egg freezing is being chosen increasingly often, especially by women who wish to counter the age-related decline in egg reserve.

How Is Egg Freezing Performed? The Step-by-Step Process

1. Ovarian Stimulation and Follicle Development

Hormone medications are started on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle. With medications containing gonadotropins, the goal is the development of multiple follicles in the ovaries.

This process takes approximately 10-12 days; regular ultrasound checks and hormone measurements are performed.

2. Triggering and Egg Retrieval (OPU)

When the follicles reach a size of approximately 18-22 mm, ovulation is triggered with HCG or a GnRH agonist.

Approximately 34-36 hours later, the egg retrieval procedure is performed under light sedation with vaginal ultrasound guidance. The procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes, and the patient is discharged the same day.

3. Vitrification and Storage

The collected eggs are evaluated in the embryology laboratory; the mature eggs are selected and stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees by the vitrification method.

The Advantages of Egg Freezing

The most important advantage of egg freezing is that it allows a woman to preserve her fertility during the period when she is biologically more advantaged.

Its advantages include:

• Providing flexibility in timing for a future pregnancy
• The ability to preserve fertility before cancer treatment
• The potential to reduce the impact of the decline in egg quality at an advanced age
• Being applicable to single women as well
• The potential to reduce time pressure in reproductive planning

Eggs frozen at a young age can retain the biological advantages of the age at which they were collected when used years later.

What Is Sperm Freezing? Who Can It Be Performed For?

Sperm freezing (sperm cryopreservation) is the procedure of processing sperm cells obtained from a man and storing them in liquid nitrogen.

It is recommended particularly in the following situations:

• Before chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• In patients scheduled for testicular surgery
• In individuals who will undergo TESE/microTESE due to azoospermia
• In those planning long-term travel abroad or for work
• In those at risk of progressive deterioration in sperm parameters

Sperm freezing before cancer treatment is regarded as one of the established ways of preserving the chance of biological fatherhood.

How Is Sperm Freezing Performed?

The sperm freezing process is generally quick and practical.

A sperm sample is usually obtained from the man after 3-5 days of sexual abstinence. The sample is evaluated in the laboratory with a spermiogram; it is then processed with special protective substances and frozen.

In individuals with azoospermia, sperm obtained through surgical methods can also be stored.

The Legal Framework for Egg and Sperm Freezing in Turkey

In Turkey, egg and sperm freezing is performed within certain medical and legal regulations.

• Egg freezing: can be performed with specific indications.
• Sperm freezing: is possible for male patients.
• Embryo freezing: is performed only for married couples.

The legal storage period is generally 5 years and can be extended with the necessary applications.

Pregnancy with Frozen Eggs and Sperm: Factors Affecting the Outcome

Thanks to the vitrification method, post-thaw survival rates of eggs have risen considerably.

The outcomes vary according to the following factors:

• The age at which the egg was frozen
• The number of eggs stored
• Embryo quality
• The clinic’s experience

Especially in women under 35, when a sufficient number of mature eggs are stored, the chance of pregnancy can be noticeably supported.

The Risks of Egg and Sperm Freezing

One of the most important risks during the egg freezing process is the development of OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome).

In addition, rarely:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Temporary abdominal bloating
• Tenderness
• Mood changes

may be seen. Sperm freezing, on the other hand, is generally a procedure with minimal risk.

In fertility preservation processes, Prof. Dr. Melahat Atasever determines the most appropriate and reliable cryopreservation strategy, taking into account the patient’s current state of health and future reproductive goals.