One woman shares her egg freezing journey

Are you wondering if freezing your eggs is a good way to expand your fertility window? We've chatted with a woman who has gone through the entire process and learned quite a lot about how empowering the whole experience can be. 

She will also join the free live webinar 'Egg Freezing: How It Works & What To Expect' with Dr Dave Listijono, obstetrician & gynaecologist. So if you're looking at fertility options and considering freezing your eggs, make sure you subscribe to the webinar here!

How old are you?

34 years of age

Why did you decide to freeze your eggs?

The subject of egg freezing had been a topic in my life for many years, but I wasn't ready to approach it. The big push came when the global pandemic hit, and we were in what looked like a never-ending lockdown. I didn't know when I would be able to go out and start meeting people again. I also had some issues with my polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thought it was now or never! 

What were your expectations of how the process would go?

I didn't research before my appointment and was under the impression the process would be long and hard. I did think it would take some time before I could start a cycle. 

My understanding was I would have to be off my PCOS medication for some time and undergo quite a few tests before I started. However, after discussing it with my doctor, I quickly learned that wasn't the case. 

The entire process was explained to me, and it was a lot easier and more straightforward than I had expected. You can quickly be done with egg retrieval, which I was pretty pleased with and surprised about.

What was the process you went through?

I was having some issues with my PCOS and was referred to a gynaecologist to see if we could resolve the issue. 

I approached the subject with my doctor and asked for a referral to see an IVF doctor to understand my fertility status better. I made an appointment, got in quite quickly, and discovered we could start the process immediately. 

After completing blood work and discovering I could have issues conceiving with a low AMH level, we decided to start my first cycle right away, and the timing worked well as you have to start your cycle on your period. 

I didn't need to come off my PCOS medication until I started my period. My doctor had a protocol set for me, and my medication was explained to me by my doctor and nurse who I would be in contact with. 

I was given a tutorial on how to administer my injections by my nurse and how to store all medication. I went in for blood work on day 2 of my period, and from there, it was determined whether I could start my injection.

After getting the ok to start, I was told when to do my injection, my dosage and when to come in for follow-up blood work. The process continues like this for the next ten-plus days with adding an ultrasound to see how your follicles are growing. 

Coming to the end of your protocol cycle, it is determined whether you're going in for egg retrieval or not. For me, it was decided to cancel the first round as I needed a lot more stimulation. 

We did a back-to-back cycle to see if it would keep some of the follicles growing, but unfortunately, it did not work for me. So, we cancelled again. 

On the third cycle, we changed my protocol slightly, to which I responded well, and we decided to go in for egg retrieval. 

Egg retrieval day is relatively easy. A half-hour procedure under anaesthetic, and your eggs are out. Unfortunately for me, we didn't get the number of eggs we had hoped for, and after testing the eggs, I had one that hadn't matured yet, which can happen. 

I had a break for three months and went back following the same protocol as round three and again had a similar outcome. So, I went back to my doctor and asked to do another protocol different from my previous one. This protocol starts on day 21 of your cycle with a nasal spray for ten days, followed up with injections. This is a more extended protocol, and I felt it was never-ending. But in the end, it agreed with my body, and we had a great outcome with cycle five.

How was the actual process for you in comparison to your expectations?

The process was a lot harder than I had expected. I thought I would be done within two months, which wasn't the case for me. 

It took me nine months and five cycles to get to my goal. The medication was a lot harder on my body than I had expected. I pretty much had all the side effects from the medication that you can get. 

It is taking some time to get my body back to normal. But I have to remember, my body just did this fantastic thing with the help of modern medicine and a team of people who didn't give up on me.

What helped you throughout the experience? E.g., Acupuncture

The process was hard on me. Acupuncture helped a lot as it is excellent for helping with fertility and balancing my hormones. It was also great after egg retrieval, as it helped with many side effects after retrieval. Yoga also helped relax my body and mind, along with long walks.

How/where did you find support when you were going through the process?

A lot of my support came from family and friends. Initially, I didn't want to tell people, but after going through multiple rounds, I decided to open up. I was surprised by how many people supported me and thought what I was doing was amazing.

How long will your eggs be frozen?

I'm planning on having my eggs frozen for five years. It may be longer or shorter depending on what happens in the next 12 months. 

 I may meet someone, and things could change, or I may decide to do it alone.

Has this process made you reconsider your motherhood journey or change your views?

It hasn't changed my views on motherhood, as I have always wanted to become a mum. But it has changed my views on fertility.

I wished my GP had spoken more to me about my fertility, especially knowing I have PCOS. If I had known that I may have trouble conceiving naturally, I would have done the fertility testing earlier. 

It may have persuaded me to go and have my egg retrieved earlier, and it may not have been as hard as it was for me. I could also have had a better outcome more quickly.

What's next for you?

As we are slowly coming out of a life-altering worldwide pandemic and going through IVF, it has made me realise that I need to prioritise my life a little more. 

I've decided to let one of my jobs and go back to studying again next year. I want to start enjoying life by going out and meeting people, travelling overseas again and trying to return to what life was like pre-pandemic.

Was this process empowering for you?

Going through IVF has empowered me. It has shown me how strong I am, both physically and mentally. Significant weight has been lifted, as I feel I have secured my future in becoming a mother. 

It has also given me the confidence to speak up and know it is ok to want what you want and to go and chase it and not to let anyone stop you.

What advice would you give someone else going through the process or considering it?

The process may be challenging for you, or it may be easy for you. But you won't know until you start it. 

You will have people tell you, "why bother? deal with it when you have to," and that's ok; they don't understand why you want to do it. But jump head first! I did, and I don't regret it. 

If the process is challenging, that's ok; it makes you a stronger, more resilient person. So try everything: change your diet, go and do acupuncture, do yoga, whatever it takes. But don't give up! 

If you genuinely want this, keep fighting. Speak with your doctor and ask your team to fight for you. Ask for a different protocol, try other medications do whatever it takes. 

Your doctor is your biggest supporter and wants you to succeed, but you must stand up and speak for yourself as no one will do it. You will get there, I did, and it was the best thing I have ever done. So, if you need a sign to tell you to keep fighting or whether you should do IVF to freeze your eggs, this is it!