GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., -- Up until two years ago, egg freezing was considered an "experimental" procedure by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Originally used by patients suffering from conditions like cancer and Endometriosis, oocyte cryopreservation or egg freezing, is now being considered by more woman for non-medical reasons.
Whether it's to climb the career ladder, pursue extra education, or the absence of Mr. Right, woman in their 20's or early 30's are using the option to save their eggs now --when they're most fertile-- so they can be used to have children when they're ready, later in life.
Last month, tech giants Facebook and Apple announced they will begin to cover the costs of egg freezing for their female employees.
Is is a 'back-up plan' for motherhood? Dr. Bill Dodds at The Fertility Centerin Grand Rapids says while success rates are good, there is no guarantee.
"We've been doing this for the past two years," he explained. "Across the country, the success rate seems to suggest that they are equal to doing standard in vitro... There are going to be some when you thaw them, they don't thaw well, or maybe they don't fertilize well, or they don't get the pregnancy that they hop for."
The process, which is similar to in vitro fertilization, requires a patient to first undergo hormone therapy to prepare their bodies for egg retrieval.
"With a little needle, we collect the eggs, it only takes us 8 or 10 minutes," Dr. Dodds told FOX 17 News. "The average person under 40 will get between 12 to 20...Age is the most critical thing for success, at least right now."
The eggs are frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen until they are ready to be thawed and used.
"We can keep eggs frozen for quite a long period of time. No one's totally sure how long, " said Dr. Dodds. "Most people would probably say the real limit becomes the woman's age. What is an appropriate age to then have a child?"
The procedure is pricey. One round can be upwards of $10,000 dollars, depending on where the patient goes. There are also added costs for storage-- around $500 dollars-- each year.
To learn more about The Fertility Center, click here.
