How are frozen eggs used, and how should success rates be interpreted?
Stored eggs are thawed, suitable eggs are usually fertilised by ICSI, and embryos are monitored before transfer. Egg survival after thawing is not the same as live birth; attrition can occur at each stage. Age at freezing is an important influence.
Details
Ask for meaningful figures
Discuss mature eggs available, expected survival, fertilisation, embryo development and live birth. A high thaw-survival rate is not an equivalent pregnancy rate, and figures from one clinic or age group do not apply universally.
Current health still matters
The team reviews present health, uterine preparation, fertilisation method, transfer timing and embryo number. Freezing younger eggs does not remove pregnancy risks associated with maternal age at the time of pregnancy.
If suitable embryos do not develop
Review outcomes at each stage and realistic options based on remaining eggs and circumstances. Obtain a written plan for costs, follow-up and storage. A stored egg is not a guaranteed future child.
Related reading: Does egg freezing guarantee future pregnancy, and what affects success?.