Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation) in Turkey

Egg freezing — formally known as oocyte cryopreservation — is a fertility preservation technique that allows women to freeze and store their unfertilized eggs for future use. Originally developed for medical reasons (to preserve fertility before cancer treatment), egg freezing has become increasingly popular as an elective procedure — often called "social egg freezing" — allowing women to extend their reproductive window on their own terms. Turkey has emerged as a leading international destination for this procedure, combining cutting-edge vitrification technology, highly experienced embryologists, and costs that are 50–70% lower than comparable clinics in the UK or USA.

What is Egg Freezing?

Oocyte cryopreservation is a process in which a woman's eggs are stimulated, retrieved, and rapidly frozen using a technique called vitrification — an ultra-rapid freezing process that converts water within the egg into a glass-like state, preventing damaging ice crystal formation. Vitrification, which has replaced the older slow-freezing method, achieves post-thaw survival rates of 80–90% in high-quality clinics. Frozen eggs can be stored for many years and used when the woman is ready to attempt pregnancy, either with a partner's sperm or donor sperm.

How is it Performed?

The process begins with a fertility assessment: anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) blood test and antral follicle count (AFC) by transvaginal ultrasound to predict ovarian reserve. If the reserve is adequate, ovarian stimulation begins with daily FSH/LH injections for 10–14 days, with monitoring scans every two to three days. When follicles reach maturity (around 18–20 mm), a trigger injection is given and egg retrieval (OPU) is performed 34–36 hours later under light sedation. Mature eggs (MII oocytes) are identified by the embryologist and immediately vitrified using a special cryoprotectant solution. The entire stimulation and retrieval process takes approximately two weeks.

Who Needs It?

Egg freezing is appropriate for: women who wish to preserve fertility electively before age-related decline (ideally under 36 for best results); women facing oncological treatment (chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy) that may damage the ovaries; women with a family history of early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency; women with endometriosis (a progressive condition that reduces ovarian reserve over time); and women who have not yet found a partner but wish to keep their reproductive options open.

Recovery & Aftercare

Egg retrieval is performed as a day procedure under light sedation. Most women experience mild pelvic cramping and bloating for 24–48 hours afterwards, manageable with over-the-counter analgesics. A light diet and rest are recommended for the day of the procedure. Most women return to normal activities, including work, the following day. In a small proportion of patients, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may develop, ranging from mild (bloating, discomfort) to moderate; severe OHSS is rare (less than 1%).

Risks & Success Rates

Post-thaw egg survival rates with vitrification exceed 85% in leading Turkish clinics. Fertilization rates from thawed eggs using ICSI approximate 70–80%. The probability of a live birth per thawed egg varies with age: approximately 5–7% per egg frozen under age 35, and 2–4% per egg frozen after age 38. These numbers underscore why banking 10–20 mature eggs per cycle (or across multiple cycles) is often recommended. Risks are similar to those of an IVF stimulation cycle.

Why Turkey & Turkare?

Turkey's leading fertility centres invest in the latest cryopreservation equipment and strict temperature-controlled storage systems. Many Turkish embryologists have completed advanced training in vitrification at ESHRE-accredited programmes. Storage fees in Turkey are typically $200–$400 per year, significantly lower than the $500–$800 charged by UK or US clinics. A complete egg freezing cycle in Turkey costs $2,000–$3,500, including stimulation medications, monitoring, retrieval, vitrification, and one year of storage. Turkare coordinates your entire cycle — from initial AMH testing to egg storage and future thaw planning — ensuring a smooth and supported experience.