The Details Behind Freezing Your Eggs in Tucson

Modern science has advanced egg freezing, known as oocyte cryopreservation, greatly over the last few years. For many women, this procedure offers hope and allows them to take control of their childbearing situation to suit the needs of them and their family. Dr. Scot Hutchison is pleased to offer this procedure to his Tucson patients.

Why do people freeze their eggs?

Women choose to freeze their eggs for a number of reasons. Careers, finances, relationships, and health all contribute to a woman’s decision to have children. These reasons are all personalized to the individual woman. If the situation is not right at the time, women may elect to freeze their eggs to use when they are ready.

Some women, particularly those who are undergoing cancer treatment, may elect to freeze their eggs in order to protect the eggs from the harmful effects of treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery have all been found to lead to infertility.

Freezing the eggs also allows women to bear children at an older age. Unlike the eggs and ovaries, which decline over time after age 35, the uterus is capable of bearing a child well into the 40s and 50s. Advanced in technology have allowed us to protect the delicate eggs and help women successfully delay childbearing until they deem they are ready.

How does the procedure work?

To obtain the eggs, the ovaries are stimulated with fertility drugs, just like the procedure prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF).  The fertility drugs help the ovaries  make multiple eggs  for retrieval. The eggs are aspirated from the follicles in the ovaries in a minor surgical procedure. Stimulation typically takes 10 days and two days after that the eggs are retrieved.

Monitored anesthesia administered by a qualified anesthesiologist will keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. Patients are given medication through an  IV and they typically sleep during the procedure. Using an ultrasound for guidance, a needle is inserted through the vagina to retrieve the eggs through gentle suction. Ten to twenty eggs are typically retrieved during each cycle.

In order to preserve the eggs, water is removed from the cell using cryoprotectants. The eggs are then quickly cooled using a process called vitrification. This yields the best results for viable cells after thawing.

What happens when I’m ready to have a child?

When the patient is ready, a few eggs are thawed and prepared for treatment. The cells are then combined with sperm in the lab using assisted fertilization, for a process known as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Once embryos form they are incubated for a few days and then transferred to the woman’s uterus. A thin, flexible tube places up to four embryos through the cervix and in the uterus. In 10 days, a pregnancy test is performed to see if implantation was successful.

Each patient will have an individualized treatment plan for their procedure.

Why should I choose Dr. Scot Hutchison for my oocyte cryopreservation?

Dr. Scot Hutchison is a talented doctor who has been awarded recognition as a top doctor in his field for multiple years. After he completed his post-graduate education, including studies at John Hopkins School of Medicine, he went on to form Reproductive Health Center with his sister, Holly Hutchison, and their incredible staff. He is also a member of many esteemed professional organizations, including The American Society of Reproductive Medicine and The Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology. These organizations provide access to the latest technology and advancements in the reproductive field.

If you are interested in freezing your eggs in Tucson, look no further than Dr. Scot Hutchison and the trusted staff at Reproductive Health Center. We offer the experience and knowledge needed to facilitate successful fertility. Contact our office today by reaching out online or calling (520) 733-0083 at your convenience.