Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process wherein a woman's eggs (oocytes) are extracted, frozen, and stored to preserve reproductive potential for the future. This process involves stimulating the ovaries with hormones to produce multiple eggs, retrieving the eggs under ultrasound guidance, and then freezing them using a technique called vitrification. Vitrification is a rapid freezing method that prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can damage the eggs.
Once frozen, the eggs can be stored indefinitely in liquid nitrogen until the woman is ready to use them for fertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Egg freezing provides women with greater flexibility in planning their families, particularly for those who wish to delay pregnancy for personal, professional, or medical reasons.
Dr. Subodh Chauhan, Founder and CEO of New Hope Fertility Institute of Texas, is Board Certified in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology. A Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, he has trained in India, the UK, and the USA.
Known for his personalized care, Dr. Chauhan performs IVF and Embryo transfers for all his patients and is highly regarded for his compassionate and ethical approach.
The egg-freezing process consists of several key steps designed to ensure the highest quality and viability of the eggs for future use:
The process starts with an initial consultation, during which we will review your medical history, conduct necessary tests, and discuss your goals and expectations. Blood tests and ultrasound examinations are typically conducted to assess your ovarian reserve and overall reproductive health.
To maximize the number of eggs retrieved, you will undergo ovarian stimulation using hormone injections. This phase lasts approximately 10-14 days and involves regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds to track the development of the ovarian follicles.
Once the follicles have matured, a trigger injection is administered to induce final egg maturation. Egg retrieval is then scheduled 36 hours later. This procedure is performed under sedation and involves using a thin needle guided by ultrasound to carefully extract the eggs from the ovaries.
Following retrieval, the eggs are immediately assessed for quality. Mature eggs are selected and then rapidly frozen using a technique known as vitrification. This method prevents ice crystal formation, significantly reducing the risk of damage to the eggs.
The vitrified eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C (-321°F). The eggs can remain frozen indefinitely, retaining their quality until they are needed for future use.
When you decide to use your frozen eggs, they will be carefully thawed and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory as part of the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus to achieve a successful pregnancy.
The egg-freezing process offers women the opportunity to take control of their reproductive future, providing peace of mind and allowing for greater flexibility in family planning decisions.
The success rates for egg freezing depend on several factors, including the age of the woman when the eggs are frozen, the number of eggs retrieved and vitrified, and the quality of the eggs. Generally, younger women have higher success rates because egg quality and quantity tend to decline with age. Studies have shown that women under the age of 35 have a higher probability of a successful pregnancy using frozen eggs compared to older women.
The process of vitrification has significantly improved outcomes, with approximately 90-95% of eggs surviving the thawing process. Once thawed, the fertilization rate is around 70-80%, with the chances of achieving a live birth ranging from 30-60%, depending on the woman's age at the time of egg retrieval.
Using frozen donor eggs offers a highly viable option for those facing infertility challenges or for individuals and couples unable to produce viable eggs. The quality and viability of donor eggs are often higher since these eggs are usually retrieved from young, healthy donors. The thawing process for frozen donor eggs has a very high success rate, with 90-95% of the eggs surviving. Fertilization rates are comparable to fresh donor eggs, with implantation rates for the resulting embryos around 50-60%. Depending on various factors such as the recipient’s age and overall health, the chances of achieving a live birth using frozen donor eggs can be as high as 50-70%.
Overall, both egg freezing and using frozen donor eggs offer promising pathways to parenthood, providing flexibility, and a higher likelihood of successful pregnancy outcomes.
The best time to freeze your eggs is in your late 20s to early 30s. Egg quality and quantity decrease with age, so freezing at a younger age can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy in the future.
To increase the chances of a successful future pregnancy, it is generally recommended to freeze at least 15-20 eggs. However, the number of eggs required may vary based on individual reproductive health and age.
Egg retrieval is performed under sedation to minimize discomfort. Most women experience only mild cramping or bloating afterward, similar to menstrual cramps.
Eggs frozen through the process of vitrification can be stored indefinitely without compromising their quality. There is no known maximum storage duration for frozen eggs.
Egg freezing is considered a safe process, but potential risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), bleeding, infection, or reactions to sedation. However, these risks are relatively rare.
Frozen eggs can be a viable option for women who need to undergo treatments that may affect their fertility, such as chemotherapy. It’s crucial to consult with Dr. Chauhan to discuss your specific circumstances.
Success rates can vary based on age and egg quality at the time of freezing. Younger women typically have higher success rates, with studies showing live birth rates of 30-60% for women who froze their eggs under the age of 35.
Yes, you can choose to donate your frozen eggs to individuals or couples in need. This generous act can provide an opportunity for others to achieve parenthood.
Although modern vitrification techniques have high survival rates (90-95%), there is a small chance that some eggs may not survive the thawing process. Being informed and consulting with Dr. Chauhan can help set realistic expectations.
At New Hope Fertility Institute of Texas, we understand the financial stress that infertility treatments can impose. We are committed to making advanced fertility care accessible to as many patients as possible. That's why we are pleased to announce that we accept most insurance plans.
Our knowledgeable staff will work closely with you to help navigate your insurance benefits and ensure you receive the maximum coverage possible for your IVF treatment. We encourage you to contact our office for specific details about your insurance plan and the extent of your coverage.
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If you are considering freezing your eggs and would like to learn more about how New Hope Fertility Institute of Texas can support you on your journey to parenthood, we invite you to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to answer any questions you may have and provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.
Ultrasound, AMH, FSH, LH and Inhibin testing.
Email info@newhopefitx.com to schedule.

Excellent rating
Based on 32 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone going through infertility knows how important it is to find a doctor and team to help you navigate this journey. After going to another fertility group practice in the city and realizing that I was sometimes more of a number than a patient to them, I’m so happy to have found Dr. Chauhan. His office made me feel heard and treated me like an individual. I was always cared for and all my questions answered at a moments notice. He explains everything in detail and I felt very comfortable with him from the start. It is also easy to communicate with this staff which was a challenge for me with the other practice I had started seeing before them. Dr. Chauhan did my egg retrieval and we were very fortunate to immediately get pregnant naturally soon after. Although this is the very best outcome I could hope for, I wish he could be my OB during my whole pregnancy. He really is the best!! Ximena CamachoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are very glad that we found such a great doctor . Premises was so positive , nurses took very good care . Doctor was so helpful in guiding the next steps for our pregnancy journey . Bhandar MonicaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Chauhan and his staff were always so nice and knowledgeable. I can’t recommend them enough. He was one of the only doctors that didn’t shame me for my weight but instead provided words of encouragement. I’m happy to report that thanks to the doctor and his wonderful nurses my husband and I were able to conceive after one IUI cycle. This is the doctor you need to see! I can’t thank these people enough for changing our lives. Maritza ZunigaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Chauhan is a very caring doctor I’ve encountered. You can really tell whan you first encounter him that he got you! And he has the experience to prove that. If I could give 10 stars or more, I will. Highly recommended💯 Marjun AplacaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Chauhan is a very kind Doctor that has been practicing for years. I followed him from his previous franchised corporate clinic to his new private practice where his services became much more affordable. I have been through ivf a few times before but previous clinics just followed protocol and did not listen to me. Dr. Chauhan is apart of every aspect of his practice guides his nurses and staff and helps them. Mach DuckTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Subodh Chauhan helped us with our 2 daughters and we cannot thank him enough. He is very knowledgeable, but what sets him apart is his compassion. He takes the time to answer every question and will make sure you are comfortable with every decision. He is truly an angel. We cannot recommend him enough. He and his staff will make you feel welcome and prioritized. If you need an IFV/fertility doctor and are reading this review, you have to call Dr. Chauhan. Billy AshbyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Chauhan is amazing and I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a fertility doctor. He helped us grow our family and welcome 2 wonderful sons. We could not have done it without him. He takes the time to listen and really gets to know you. He makes himself available to his patients and is always available to answer your questions. He is at every appt and performing every procedure. We are so incredibly thankful for him. Kimberley HollasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Chauhan was our fertility doctor for both of our children via gestational carrier/surrogacy. He helped us create healthy embryos with our egg donor and had a successful pregnancy both times with a single embryo transfer!!! We love our conversations and look forward to our consults throughout our journey. Definitely recommend him to any LGBTQ+ family looking to create embryos, IVF, and gestational carrier/surrogacy! We will forever be thankful to Dr. Chauhan for all that he has done for our growing family. Paul LoveroTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best in Houston!!! He is very honest and knowledgeable Naina Prasla
