Discover the amazing process of conceiving with frozen eggs
The Indianapolis fertility doctors at our clinic help many people with the process of conceiving with frozen eggs. When someone with frozen eggs is ready to build a family, we walk them through each step of this exciting process. It involves the thawing and fertilizing of the eggs followed by the transfer of one of the resulting embryos.
Thawing and fertilizing the eggs
Conceiving with frozen eggs begins with an embryologist thawing the patient’s eggs and fertilizing them with sperm. This sperm can come from the patient’s partner or a donor. The fertilization of the eggs consists of an embryologist following various steps in the lab that increase the chance of a successful outcome.
Examination of eggs and sperm. First, the laboratory team analyzes the eggs and sperm with a high-powered microscope. This analysis helps them determine the maturity and quality of each egg. It also lets them see the count, shape and movement of the sperm.
Egg preparation. Next, a lab specialist places the mature eggs in petri dishes with a special culture medium that supports cell growth. The specialist then puts the petri dishes in an advanced incubator that mimics the natural conditions of the body.
Combining eggs and sperm. When the eggs are ready, the embryologist combines them with the sperm. This conventional method of fertilization allows the sperm to penetrate and fertilize the eggs without assistance. If the patient requests ICSI, the embryologist injects a single live sperm into the center of a mature egg.
Following fertilization, one of our Indianapolis fertility doctors can transfer one of the resulting embryos into the patient’s uterus or the uterus of a gestational surrogate.
Conceiving with frozen eggs through the embryo transfer
The next step of conceiving with frozen eggs involves an embryo transfer. The embryo transfer is a quick, painless procedure one of the Indianapolis fertility doctors at our clinic performs.
On the day of the transfer, the doctor places a speculum in the patient’s vagina and removes cervical mucous. This mucous could impede the embryo’s ability to reach the top of the uterus.
Using an ultrasound for direction, the doctor then inserts the embryo into the patient’s uterus. This process usually takes less than 10 minutes, and the patient can go home shortly after.
To support the healthy implantation of the embryo, the patient takes estrogen and progesterone supplements until they take a pregnancy test about two weeks later.
The knowledgeable staff at our clinic supports patients through each step of the journey from thawing their frozen eggs to hopefully taking a positive pregnancy test. Contact us for more information about freezing eggs.
