HOW EGG CRYOPRESERVATION IS DONE STEP BY STEP

16 April 20263′ read8 sections

CONTENTS

Initial tests and fertility assessment
Hormonal ovarian stimulation
Egg retrieval – collecting the eggs
Assessment and selection of mature eggs
Cryopreservation with modern rapid-freezing techniques
Safe storage for future use
Conclusion – An organised and safe fertility procedure
Specialist fertility care in Thessaloniki by Dr. Alexandros Traianos at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

Egg freezing is a modern, safe and well-organised procedure for preserving female fertility. In Thessaloniki it is carried out with scientific precision and individual planning, giving women the opportunity to protect their fertility for the future. Although it sounds complex, in practice the procedure follows clear, controlled steps that usually take a few weeks.

Initial tests and fertility assessment

The process begins with a full medical work-up that includes:

hormone blood tests
ultrasound scan of the ovaries
assessment of ovarian reserve
a detailed medical history

Based on these findings, the right protocol is designed for each woman, so that the procedure is safe and effective.

Hormonal ovarian stimulation

For about 8 to 12 days, special medications are given that:

stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs
increase the number of eggs that will be collected
are closely monitored with ultrasound scans and blood tests

This phase is painless and fully controlled by the medical team.

Egg retrieval – collecting the eggs

Egg retrieval is performed:

under light sedation
in about 15–20 minutes
without a surgical incision
under ultrasound guidance

The eggs are carefully collected from the ovaries and taken straight to the laboratory.

Assessment and selection of mature eggs

In the embryology laboratory:

the quality of the eggs is checked
the mature, healthy eggs are selected
they are prepared for freezing

This phase is decisive for the future success of the procedure.

Cryopreservation with modern rapid-freezing techniques

The eggs are frozen by vitrification, which:

prevents ice crystals from forming
preserves their structure excellently
offers high survival rates after thawing

They are stored in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures, ensuring maximum safety.

Safe storage for future use

The eggs can remain:

in cryopreservation for many years
without any loss of quality
in complete safety and under monitoring

Whenever the woman wishes, they can be thawed and used for assisted reproduction.

Conclusion – An organised and safe fertility procedure

Egg freezing is a carefully controlled procedure that combines cutting-edge medical technology with personalised care. With proper preparation and scientific guidance, it offers excellent chances of a future pregnancy and peace of mind to women who choose to protect their fertility.

Specialist fertility care in Thessaloniki by Dr. Alexandros Traianos at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

At the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine in Thessaloniki, every stage of egg freezing is carried out using modern techniques and strict safety protocols. Under the guidance of Dr. Alexandros Traianos, every woman receives personalised information, responsible monitoring and the best possible chances of success.

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Initial tests and fertility assessment

Hormonal ovarian stimulation

Egg retrieval – collecting the eggs

Assessment and selection of mature eggs

Cryopreservation with modern rapid-freezing techniques

Safe storage for future use

Conclusion – An organised and safe fertility procedure

Specialist fertility care in Thessaloniki by Dr. Alexandros Traianos at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?