Egg Freezing/Embryo Banking Consultation
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation and embryo banking are growing in popularity and are now mainstay-methods for people to preserve their fertility. I published the largest survey of oocyte cryopreservation births in the literature to date (reporting on over 900 babies) showing that, so far, there does not appear to be any increased risk of birth defects in babies born from this technology. This manuscript was cited in the ASRM's 2012 committee opinion removing the experimental label from oocyte cryopreservation technology. Successful embryo freezing began in 1994 and there have now been more than 2 million births as a result of this technology. Originally performed primarily to handle the extra embryos produced during an IVF attempt, embryo banking is now being pursued like egg freezing as a means to allow the chance for parenthood in the future.
An initial egg freezing/embryo banking consultation begins with a discussion of your past medical and social history (medical indications and personal reasons for pursuing fertility preservation). This evaluation is most often done virtually and may begin with one of my colleagues. If you are considering oocyte cryopreservation or embryo banking for a medical condition, we will discuss any prior medical treatments and I will most often also ask to speak with your treating physician.
After the initial consult, a complete examination will be scheduled that includes assessing the ovaries through the use of ultrasound. If the uterus will be used to carry pregnancy, this organ will also be evaluated sonographically. The sonogram visualization allows me to assess the ovarian antral follicle count (AFC) as well as any obvious ovarian or uterine pathology noted. If embryos are to be created, sperm designated for this purpose will also be evaluated.
Optimally, prior to the consultation an antiMullerian hormone level will be done. This blood tests can help to gauge how the ovaries are doing relative to age (i.e. assess "ovarian reserve") and, in the case of medically-indicated egg freeze cycles, what effects any prior medical or surgical treatments may have had on your reproductive abilities.
Once the consultation, blood testing and examinations are complete, I will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for oocyte cryopreservation or embryo banking. If you are a candidate, specific Kindbody staff will help to get you ready for treatment. Additionally, you will be instructed to watch an informative video and sign consents specific to your planned treatment.
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