Egg Freezing in IndiaThe Complete Patient Guide
Fertility Preservation, Oocyte Cryopreservation & Everything You Need to Know — Honestly
⚡ Quick Reference — Key Facts at a Glance
Imagine having the ability to press 'pause' on your biological clock. That is, in essence, what egg freezing — medically known as oocyte cryopreservation — allows you to do. It is one of the most significant advances in reproductive medicine in the last two decades, giving women genuine control over the timing of their family planning without compromising the quality of their eggs.
Whether you are focusing on your career, have not yet found the right partner, are facing a medical situation like cancer that may affect your fertility preservation in India, or simply want peace of mind knowing that your fertility is preserved — egg freezing is a scientifically validated, safe, and increasingly accessible option.
In India, egg freezing has grown rapidly in popularity. What was once considered a niche procedure available only to celebrities or high-earning professionals abroad is now available in top-tier fertility clinics for egg freezing in India in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. At Shree IVF Clinic, led by Dr. Jay Mehta in Mumbai, we have helped hundreds of women across India and internationally preserve their eggs with a success rate that is among the finest in the country.
This guide is written for you — not for medical professionals. It answers, in plain language, every question you are likely to have. It covers the science, the process, the costs, the risks, the success rates, and the practicalities of travelling to Mumbai for your procedure. Read it at your own pace. Share it with your family. And when you are ready, reach out to us.
Who Should Read This Guide?
This guide is ideal for women between the ages of 24 and 42 who are thinking about freezing their eggs, comparing clinics and costs, preparing for cancer treatment, living outside Mumbai, or recently diagnosed with endometriosis, PCOS, or diminished ovarian reserve. Whatever your reason, the decision to freeze your eggs is personal — our goal is to give you all the information you need.
Section 1 — What Is the Best Age to Freeze Eggs?
This is, without doubt, the single most important question in egg freezing. And the honest answer is: the sooner, the better — but it is not too late for most women in their 30s either.
To understand why age matters so much, you need to understand a fundamental biological fact: you are born with all the eggs you will ever have. Unlike men, who produce new sperm every 70–90 days, women are born with a fixed pool of eggs — approximately 1–2 million at birth. By puberty, that number falls to around 300,000–500,000. By your late 20s, it is around 100,000. And by your mid-30s, the decline accelerates sharply — both in number and in quality.
Why Age Affects Egg Quality So Deeply
As eggs age, two things happen simultaneously. First, the number of eggs available (your ovarian reserve) drops. Second, and more critically, the chromosomal quality of the eggs declines. This is because as eggs sit in the ovaries over decades, the spindle fibres that guide chromosome separation during fertilisation begin to fail. This leads to chromosomally abnormal eggs — eggs that, even if fertilised, are unlikely to result in a healthy pregnancy.
| Age Group | Approx. Chromosomally Normal Eggs (%) | Approximate Ovarian Reserve | Monthly Conception Chance (Natural) | IVF Success Rate per Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | ~70–80% | High | 20–25% | 55–65% |
| 30–34 | ~65–70% | Good | 15–20% | 45–55% |
| 35–37 | ~50–60% | Moderate | 10–15% | 35–45% |
| 38–40 | ~35–45% | Declining | 8–10% | 25–35% |
| 41–42 | ~20–30% | Low | 4–6% | 15–20% |
| 43+ | ~10–15% | Very Low | 1–3% | Under 10% |
The Sweet Spot — Ages 25 to 35
Most fertility specialists, including Dr. Jay Mehta, consider the ages of 25 to 35 to be the optimal window for egg freezing. Within this window: ovarian reserve is still healthy — you can produce 10–20 eggs in a single stimulation cycle; egg quality is at or near its peak — most eggs will be chromosomally normal; the procedure is medically simpler — the ovaries respond well to stimulation medications; and the cost per baby is lowest — because fewer cycles are typically needed.
What About Freezing Eggs in Your Early 20s?
Biologically speaking, your eggs at 22 or 24 are of the highest quality you will ever have. However, the decision to freeze eggs at this age is more complex. For most women in their early 20s, the reproductive window is still wide open — there is no urgency. That said, if you are 23 and have been diagnosed with endometriosis or if your mother went through early menopause, freezing eggs at this age makes excellent medical sense.
What About Freezing Eggs at 38, 39, or 40?
Many women who come to us are in their late 30s and are understandably worried that it might be 'too late.' The good news is: it is usually not too late, but time does matter, and it is important to be realistic about expectations. Women who freeze eggs between 38–40 often need more than one stimulation cycle to collect enough mature eggs.
Age 40 and Beyond — Is Egg Freezing Still an Option?
Beyond the age of 40, most fertility specialists recommend a careful conversation rather than an automatic 'yes.' At 40+, both the number and quality of eggs are significantly reduced. The ASRM does not recommend egg freezing as a routine practice after age 38, but recognises that individual circumstances vary. Dr. Jay Mehta evaluates each patient individually — your AMH level, antral follicle count (AFC), and personal medical history all factor into the recommendation.
The honest summary: the best time to freeze your eggs is right now — if you are between 25 and 35. The second best time is as soon as possible after that. The worst outcome is waiting until your early 40s when your options become genuinely limited.
Section 2 — How Much Does Egg Freezing Cost in India?
Cost is one of the most searched and most confusing aspects of egg freezing cost in India Mumbai. Prices vary widely depending on the city, the clinic, the doctor, and crucially — what is included in the package. Many clinics advertise a low headline price but then add significant charges for medicines, anaesthesia, monitoring scans, and storage, which can double or triple the final bill.
At Shree IVF Clinic, we believe in complete transparency. Our egg freezing package is priced at ₹2,00,000 — and this is a fully inclusive package. There are no hidden costs. No surprises at the end.
Shree IVF Clinic — Complete Egg Freezing Package: ₹2,00,000
| City / Clinic Tier | Procedure Cost | Medicines Included? | Storage (Year 1) | Estimated Total (First Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shree IVF Clinic, Mumbai | ₹2,00,000 (All-inclusive) | Yes — Fully Included | Included | ₹2,00,000 ✓ |
| Top-tier Private Clinic, Mumbai | ₹80,000–₹1,00,000 | No — ₹60,000–₹90,000 extra | ₹15,000–₹25,000 extra | ₹1,55,000–₹2,15,000 |
| Mid-tier Clinic, Mumbai / Delhi | ₹60,000–₹80,000 | No — ₹50,000–₹80,000 extra | ₹10,000–₹20,000 extra | ₹1,20,000–₹1,80,000 |
| Premium Clinic, Bengaluru | ₹90,000–₹1,10,000 | Partially included | ₹15,000–₹20,000 | ₹1,40,000–₹2,00,000 |
| Tier-2 City Clinic | ₹40,000–₹70,000 | Rarely included | ₹8,000–₹15,000 | ₹90,000–₹1,50,000 |
Is Egg Freezing a Financially Sound Investment?
Think of it this way: ₹2,00,000 today might save you ₹5,00,000–₹10,00,000 in multiple failed IVF cycles a decade from now — and more importantly, it might give you the family you want.
Section 3 — Success Rates of IVF After Egg Freezing
This is a question that requires an honest, nuanced answer — not a marketing promise. Success rates in egg freezing depend on multiple inter-related factors: the age at which you froze your eggs, the number of mature eggs retrieved and stored, the quality of the laboratory, the skill of the embryologist, and the conditions of the future IVF cycle.
Step 1 — Egg Survival After Thawing
When frozen eggs are thawed, not all of them survive the process. Modern vitrification (flash-freezing technology) has dramatically improved this. At top clinics using vitrification, approximately 80–90% of mature eggs survive the thaw. Older 'slow-freezing' techniques (no longer used at quality clinics) had much lower survival rates of around 60–70%.
Step 2 — Fertilisation Rate
Of the eggs that survive thawing, approximately 70–80% will successfully fertilise using ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) — the preferred fertilisation technique for frozen eggs.
Step 3 — Embryo Quality and Blastocyst Development
Not every fertilised egg becomes a high-quality blastocyst. Approximately 40–60% of fertilised eggs reach blastocyst stage. Of these, a portion will be chromosomally abnormal depending on the age at which eggs were frozen.
Step 4 — Embryo Transfer Success
| Age at Freezing | Eggs Surviving Thaw | Fertilisation Rate (ICSI) | Blastocyst Rate | Live Birth Rate per Transfer | Approx. Eggs Needed for 1 Live Birth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | 85–90% | 75–80% | 55–65% | 50–60% | 8–10 eggs |
| 30–34 | 82–88% | 72–78% | 50–60% | 45–55% | 10–12 eggs |
| 35–37 | 78–85% | 68–75% | 45–55% | 35–45% | 12–15 eggs |
| 38–40 | 72–82% | 62–70% | 38–48% | 25–35% | 16–20 eggs |
| 41–42 | 65–78% | 55–65% | 30–42% | 15–25% | 20–30 eggs |
What does this mean in practical terms? If you freeze 15 mature eggs at age 33, you might realistically expect: 13 eggs to survive the thaw, 10 to fertilise, 5–6 blastocysts to form, and 2–3 high-quality embryos available for transfer. Each transfer gives you a 45–55% chance of a live birth. So with 3 embryos, your cumulative chance of having at least one baby is very high — potentially 80–90% over multiple transfers.
Section 4 — Is Egg Freezing Safe? The Long-Term Health Perspective
This is a question we hear very often at Shree IVF Clinic — and it is a completely legitimate one. Any woman considering egg freezing is right to ask: 'What am I putting my body through? Are there long-term consequences? Will this affect my future health or my ability to conceive naturally?'
Does Egg Freezing 'Use Up' Your Eggs Faster?
This is one of the most common misconceptions. The answer is NO — egg freezing does not deplete your natural egg supply faster. The stimulation injections in egg freezing rescue those eggs that would otherwise be wasted in that cycle. You are not creating extra demand on your egg pool — you are saving eggs that nature would have discarded anyway.
Long-Term Cancer Risk — What the Evidence Shows
Large-scale studies published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) and The Lancet have consistently found NO statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer in women who undergo ovarian stimulation for egg freezing or IVF.
Impact on Future Natural Fertility
Egg freezing does not harm, reduce, or interfere with your ability to conceive naturally in the future. Your ovaries return to their normal function within days of the egg pick-up procedure. Your menstrual cycle typically resumes within 2–4 weeks.
| Safety Concern | Evidence Available? | Consensus Finding | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ovarian reserve depletion | Yes — Multiple large studies | No significant reduction confirmed | Eggs rescued from natural atresia |
| Breast cancer risk | Yes — BMJ, Lancet studies | No increased risk found | Same for IVF stimulation generally |
| Ovarian cancer risk | Yes — Long-term cohort studies | No increased risk confirmed | Includes vitrification cases |
| Uterine cancer risk | Yes | No increased risk found | Limited data beyond 15 years |
| Birth defects in offspring | Yes — Thousands of live births | No increased risk vs. natural conception | Vitrification-specific data reassuring |
| Chromosomal abnormality in baby | Yes | No increase confirmed | Depends on age at freezing |
| Future natural fertility | Yes | Preserved — no lasting impact on ovaries | Confirmed by multiple follow-up studies |
| Cardiovascular health | Limited but reassuring | No impact identified to date | More long-term data being collected |
Section 5 — How Does Egg Freezing Work? Step-by-Step with Injection Chart
Phase 1 — Pre-Procedure Testing (Before You Begin)
Before starting any medications, Dr. Jay Mehta and the team at Shree IVF Clinic will conduct a comprehensive fertility assessment on Day 2 or Day 3 of your menstrual cycle including: Blood tests (AMH, FSH, LH, Estradiol, prolactin, thyroid function, and complete blood count), transvaginal ultrasound to count antral follicles (AFC) and assess baseline ovarian size, and review of medical history.
Phase 2 — Ovarian Stimulation (Days 2–12)
You will self-administer hormone injections once or twice daily for approximately 10–12 days. The main injectable medications used are:
- Gonadotrophins (FSH ± LH): These stimulate your ovaries to develop multiple follicles simultaneously. Common brands include Gonal-F, Puregon, Fostimon, and Menogon.
- GnRH Antagonist: Added from around Day 5–6, this injection (Cetrotide or Orgalutran) prevents your ovaries from releasing the eggs too early.
- Trigger Injection: Given approximately 36 hours before egg retrieval, this injection (Ovidrel, Pregnyl, or a GnRH agonist like Lupride) causes the final maturation of the eggs. The timing of this injection is critical — you must take it exactly when Dr. Mehta's team instructs you.
Phase 3 — Monitoring Scans (During Stimulation)
While you are taking injections, you will attend 2–3 monitoring appointments. These involve a brief transvaginal ultrasound scan and a blood test. If you are coming from outside Mumbai, these monitoring scans can be done at a local clinic near your home — our team will guide you on exactly what reports and images to send us so we can monitor your progress remotely.
Phase 4 — Egg Pick-Up Day (OPU Day)
The egg pick-up is performed at Shree IVF Clinic's procedure suite, exactly 36 hours after the trigger injection. This is the only day you need to physically be at the clinic. The procedure: takes approximately 20–30 minutes; is done under conscious sedation (twilight anaesthesia) — you are asleep and feel nothing; involves a thin needle guided by ultrasound through the vaginal wall to aspirate (collect) eggs from the follicles; does not require any incision or surgery in the traditional sense; and allows you to go home the same day — typically within 4–6 hours of arriving.
Phase 5 — Egg Processing and Vitrification in the Laboratory
Only mature eggs (called MII eggs) are suitable for freezing. The mature eggs are then vitrified — a process of ultra-rapid cooling to -196°C using liquid nitrogen. Once vitrified, the eggs are stored in labelled cryogenic tanks with multiple failsafe systems.
| Day | Phase | Injection / Medication | Dose (Typical) | Time of Day | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Baseline | Menstrual cycle starts — baseline blood test & ultrasound | — | Morning | Confirm ovaries are quiet; no cysts |
| Day 2-3 | Stimulation Starts | FSH (Gonal-F / Puregon / Fostimon) | 150–225 IU | Evening | Stimulate multiple follicle growth |
| Day 2-3 | Stimulation Starts | LH (Luveris) — added if AMH is low | 75 IU | Evening | Support follicle development |
| Day 4-5 | Stimulation Continues | FSH continued (same injection) | 150–225 IU | Evening | Continue follicle growth |
| Day 5-6 | Add GnRH Antagonist | Cetrotide / Orgalutran (antagonist) | 0.25 mg | Morning | Prevent premature ovulation (LH surge) |
| Day 7 | Monitoring Scan | Blood test (Estradiol, LH) + Ultrasound | — | Morning | Check follicle sizes (target: 14–18 mm) |
| Day 9 | Monitoring Scan | Second monitoring scan + blood test | — | Morning | Assess readiness for trigger |
| Day 10-12 | Trigger Shot | hCG (Ovidrel / Pregnyl) OR GnRH Agonist (Lupride 0.2 mg) | 250 mcg / 5000 IU | Exact time (often 10 PM) | Final maturation of eggs — critical timing |
| Day 12-14 | Egg Retrieval Day | OPU (Oocyte Pick-Up) done under sedation. NO injection needed. | — | Hospital visit; 1-day procedure | Eggs are collected, vitrified and stored |
Section 6 — How Many Eggs Should I Freeze?
This is one of the most practically important questions in egg freezing — and it gets a different answer depending on your age, your goals, and your biology.
As a general rule of thumb used by fertility specialists globally: for every 10 mature eggs frozen, a woman under 35 can expect 2–3 live births over time. The number needed increases significantly with age.
| Age at Freezing | Goal: 1 Child | Goal: 2 Children | Goal: 3 Children | Typical Eggs Per Cycle | Cycles Likely Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | 6–8 mature eggs | 12–15 mature eggs | 18–22 mature eggs | 12–18 eggs | 1 cycle usually |
| 30–34 | 8–10 mature eggs | 15–18 mature eggs | 20–25 mature eggs | 10–15 eggs | 1–2 cycles |
| 35–37 | 10–12 mature eggs | 18–22 mature eggs | 25–30 mature eggs | 8–12 eggs | 1–2 cycles |
| 38–40 | 15–18 mature eggs | 22–28 mature eggs | 30+ mature eggs | 5–10 eggs | 2–3 cycles |
| 41–42 | 18–22 mature eggs | Not typically recommended | Not recommended | 3–7 eggs | 3–4 cycles |
Why the Magic Number Is Often 15–20 Mature Eggs
15 mature eggs × 85% survival = ~13 survive thaw
13 surviving eggs × 75% fertilisation = ~10 fertilise
10 fertilised eggs × 50% blastocyst rate = ~5 blastocysts
With PGT-A (genetic testing), ~3 are likely normal
Each normal blastocyst transfer gives ~50–60% live birth chance
Result: very high cumulative chance of at least one child
Section 7 — How Long Can Eggs Stay Frozen Safely?
Once eggs are successfully vitrified and stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, the biological processes that cause deterioration essentially stop. From a pure chemistry and physics standpoint, there is no reason why properly vitrified eggs cannot remain viable for decades.
The longest-documented human pregnancy from frozen eggs involved eggs stored for over 14 years. Healthy babies have been born from eggs stored for 10, 12, and even 14 years. No time limit on egg storage has been identified by either the ASRM or the HFEA in the UK based on biological grounds.
What About in India? What Does Indian Law Say?
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 — India's primary legislation governing fertility procedures — permits the storage of frozen gametes (eggs and sperm) for a period of up to 5 years from the date of storage, which can be renewed. This is a legal/regulatory framework, not a scientific limit. At Shree IVF Clinic, we stay fully compliant with all regulations under the ART Act, 2021 and guide our patients on the renewal process.
If I Freeze Eggs at 32, Can I Use Them at 48?
Biologically, the eggs themselves — frozen at 32 — retain their 32-year-old quality indefinitely in storage. The age of the egg is 'locked in' at the time of freezing. A 48-year-old woman using her eggs frozen at 32 is effectively using the reproductive potential she had at 32. Practically speaking, most women who freeze eggs use them within 5–10 years of freezing.
Section 8 — Can I Transport My Eggs If I Move Cities?
Life happens. Careers move. Relationships take people to new cities. And a question we are asked regularly is: 'What if I freeze my eggs in Mumbai and then move to Bengaluru, or abroad? Can my eggs come with me?' The answer is yes — in most cases, frozen eggs can be safely transported between clinics and even internationally.
How Is Egg Transport Done?
Frozen eggs are stored at -196°C in liquid nitrogen. Transporting them requires specialised cryogenic dry shippers — insulated containers that maintain liquid nitrogen temperatures for 5–10 days without any electricity. The process involves: formal written consent from the patient; contact between Shree IVF Clinic and the receiving clinic; regulatory clearance under the ART Act, 2021; specialist cryogenic transport company; chain-of-custody documentation; and formal receipt and verification by the receiving clinic.
International Transport of Eggs — Is It Possible from India?
Yes, eggs can be transported internationally from India, but this requires coordination with regulatory authorities in both countries, legal documentation, import/export clearances, and a receiving clinic legally permitted to accept foreign biological material. At Shree IVF Clinic, we can assist with coordinating all aspects of the transport process.
At Shree IVF Clinic, we have assisted multiple patients with egg transfers to clinics in Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad without any viability issues.
Section 9 — Does Egg Freezing Affect Natural Fertility in the Future?
The definitive answer, backed by decades of research and thousands of patients, is: No — egg freezing does not negatively affect your natural fertility.
In a landmark study published in the journal Human Reproduction, women who underwent multiple IVF stimulation cycles showed no statistically significant difference in their subsequent natural conception rates compared to matched controls who did not undergo stimulation.
AMH levels (a marker of ovarian reserve) may dip slightly in the weeks immediately following stimulation but return to baseline within 1–3 months. This transient dip is not clinically meaningful and does not represent actual loss of ovarian reserve.
What If I Conceive Naturally and Never Use My Frozen Eggs?
This is actually a common and wonderful outcome. Many women who freeze eggs go on to conceive naturally — and their frozen eggs sit in storage unused. If this happens, you may continue storing the eggs, donate them to another couple who may need donor eggs, or allow the eggs to perish with appropriate consent. There is no 'waste' in this scenario.
Section 10 — Is Egg Freezing Covered by Health Insurance in India?
As of 2025, the overwhelming majority of standard health insurance policies in India do NOT cover elective egg freezing (social egg freezing done for personal reasons such as career or relationship timing). However, there are important exceptions and emerging trends worth knowing about.
- Medical/Oncological Egg Freezing: If you are undergoing cancer treatment, some insurance policies cover fertility preservation as part of the cancer treatment protocol.
- Corporate/Employer Benefits: A growing number of large Indian and multinational companies — particularly in the IT, consulting, and banking sectors — have begun offering egg freezing as part of their extended health benefit packages.
- PCOS and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Some insurers may partially cover fertility treatments if the underlying indication is a diagnosable medical condition.
| Situation | Insurance Coverage Likely? | Action to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Elective / Social Egg Freezing | Unlikely under standard policies | Check policy terms; explore employer benefits |
| Pre-chemo Fertility Preservation (Cancer) | Possible — some policies cover | Get oncologist recommendation letter; submit to insurer |
| Medical indication (PCOS, POI, Endometriosis) | Partial coverage possible | Get specialist's diagnosis letter; check policy riders |
| Employer corporate health plan | Growing — check with HR | Ask HR about fertility benefit add-ons |
| Government health schemes (PMJAY, CGHS) | Not covered currently | Advocate with your MP/MLA for policy inclusion |
At Shree IVF Clinic, our billing team is experienced at working with insurance companies and can assist you in preparing documentation to support a claim where applicable.
Section 11 — Risk Factors of Egg Freezing
Egg freezing is widely considered a safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries some risks. At Shree IVF Clinic, we discuss all risks during our pre-procedure consultation.
Risk 1 — Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS is the most clinically significant risk of ovarian stimulation. Mild OHSS is relatively common (up to 30% of cycles) and resolves on its own. Moderate OHSS occurs in about 5% of cycles. Severe OHSS is rare (less than 1–2%) and is virtually eliminated by modern monitoring protocols and the use of GnRH agonist trigger shots in high-risk patients.
Risk 2 — Anaesthetic Reaction
The egg pick-up is performed under conscious sedation administered by a qualified anaesthetist. Allergic or adverse reactions to anaesthetic agents can occur but are rare (approximately 1 in 10,000–20,000 cases).
Risk 3 — Bleeding and Infection After Egg Retrieval
Bleeding is possible but rare (less than 1% of procedures). Infection risk is approximately 1 in 1,000 procedures and is minimised by prophylactic antibiotics and sterile technique.
Risk 4 — Emotional and Psychological Impact
The hormonal changes during stimulation can cause mood swings, anxiety, and emotional sensitivity. The process also carries inherent uncertainty — there is no guarantee that the eggs will result in a pregnancy later. At Shree IVF Clinic, we provide honest counselling before you start.
Risk 5 — Failed or Poor Response to Stimulation
Some women — particularly those with low AMH or diminished ovarian reserve — may not respond well to stimulation, resulting in very few mature eggs retrieved. Pre-treatment AMH testing helps us anticipate this.
Risk 6 — Risk of No Usable Eggs
In rare cases, all retrieved eggs may be immature, post-mature, or fail to survive vitrification. This is uncommon when procedures are done by experienced embryologists.
| Risk Factor | Frequency | Severity | Management / Prevention | At Shree IVF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild OHSS | 20–30% | Mild — self-resolving | Rest, hydration, monitoring | Proactive dose adjustment |
| Moderate OHSS | 3–5% | Moderate — managed outpatient | Monitoring, coasting, GnRH trigger | Protocol change & close follow-up |
| Severe OHSS | <1–2% | Severe — may need hospitalisation | Hospitalisation, paracentesis | GnRH trigger in high-risk patients |
| Anaesthetic reaction | <0.01% | Potentially serious | Experienced anaesthetist, emergency protocol | Qualified anaesthetist on site |
| Post-procedure bleeding | <1% | Usually minor — self-limiting | Monitoring, rarely surgical intervention | Sterile technique, real-time ultrasound |
| Pelvic infection | ~0.1% | Manageable with antibiotics | Prophylactic antibiotics | IV antibiotics peri-procedure |
| Poor/failed response | 5–15% (low AMH) | No eggs/few eggs retrieved | Protocol optimisation, repeat cycle | Individualised protocols |
| Emotional distress | Common | Psychological — not physical | Honest counselling, support network | Pre-procedure counselling standard |
Section 12 — Living Outside Mumbai? Here Is How We Make It Work for You
You do not need to be in Mumbai for the entire egg freezing process. The majority of the cycle — approximately 10–12 days of injections — can be done completely from your home city, wherever you are in India. You only need to travel to Mumbai for ONE day: the Egg Pick-Up (OPU) procedure.
How the Remote Protocol Works — Step by Step
1. Initial Consultation: Via video call or in person. All paperwork and medication prescriptions provided digitally.
2. Baseline Tests in Your City: Day 2–3 blood tests and ultrasound at any accredited diagnostic centre near you.
3. Results Review: Send reports via WhatsApp or email. Dr. Mehta's team reviews and starts your personalised protocol.
4. Medications Delivered: We prescribe your complete medication kit and guide you on which pharmacies stock IVF medications.
5. Self-Injections at Home: Our team provides video-call guidance for the first injection and is available 24/7 for queries.
6. Remote Monitoring Scans: Follicle tracking ultrasounds done near your home. Send images; we review within hours.
7. Trigger Shot Timing Confirmed: We calculate the exact time for your trigger injection and call you with the precise time.
8. Travel to Mumbai: Approximately 36 hours after your trigger injection, you travel to Mumbai for the egg pick-up.
9. Egg Pick-Up at Shree IVF Clinic: Procedure done (approx. 30 minutes under sedation); recover for 3–4 hours; fly back same evening.
10. Post-Procedure: Follow-up medications and instructions communicated remotely. Full freeze report within 24–48 hours.
We regularly serve women from: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Kochi, and from abroad including Dubai, London, and the USA.
Emergency Contacts During Your Stay in Mumbai
Dr. Jay Mehta's Team: +91-9920914115 | Toll-Free: 18002684000
Bonus Section — Egg Freezing for Medical Reasons (Oncofertility)
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer and is about to start chemotherapy or radiation, fertility preservation should be among the first conversations you have — ideally before any cancer treatment begins. This is known as oncofertility.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can permanently damage the ovaries and dramatically reduce — or completely eliminate — a woman's natural fertility. The good news is that egg freezing can be done quickly (within 2–3 weeks of diagnosis, in most cases) before cancer treatment starts.
How Oncofertility Differs from Elective Egg Freezing
In oncofertility cases, everything moves faster. The stimulation protocol is often modified to be shorter and use lower doses. Random-start protocols (where stimulation can begin at any point in the menstrual cycle) have made oncofertility egg freezing possible even when time is extremely limited. At Shree IVF Clinic, Dr. Jay Mehta coordinates directly with your oncologist to ensure the egg freezing cycle fits seamlessly into your cancer treatment plan.
Other Medical Conditions Where Egg Freezing Is Recommended
- Endometriosis: Women with severe endometriosis may experience accelerated ovarian decline due to ovarian cysts (endometriomas) and may wish to preserve eggs before their ovarian reserve deteriorates further
- Turner's Syndrome and other chromosomal conditions
- Family history of premature menopause (POI — Premature Ovarian Insufficiency)
- Autoimmune conditions requiring immunosuppressive therapy
- Upcoming surgery that may affect the ovaries
Special Populations — Egg Freezing with PCOS and Endometriosis
Egg Freezing with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Women with PCOS often have a higher-than-average number of antral follicles, which means they can potentially produce a large number of eggs in a stimulation cycle. However, women with PCOS are at significantly higher risk of OHSS, because their ovaries over-respond to stimulation. At Shree IVF Clinic, we use specifically adapted low-dose protocols for women with PCOS, and we almost always use a GnRH agonist trigger (rather than hCG) to dramatically reduce OHSS risk.
Egg Freezing with Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus — often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding structures. It is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Women with endometriosis, particularly those with endometriomas (cysts on the ovaries), may have a reduced ovarian reserve and may benefit greatly from early egg freezing — ideally before the endometriomas require surgical removal (since ovarian surgery can further reduce reserve). Reproductive immunology fertility specialists at Shree IVF Clinic are well-versed in managing these complex cases.
| Patient Group | Typical Egg Yield Per Cycle | Key Concern | Protocol Modification | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy woman, age 25–30 | 12–18 eggs | None significant | Standard protocol | 1 cycle usually sufficient |
| Healthy woman, age 35–37 | 8–14 eggs | Egg quality begins declining | May increase FSH dose | Consider 1–2 cycles; freeze 15+ eggs |
| PCOS patient | 15–25+ eggs | OHSS risk | Low-dose FSH; GnRH agonist trigger | 1 cycle often sufficient; careful monitoring |
| Endometriosis (mild) | 8–14 eggs | Mild ovarian impairment | Standard-to-low-dose protocol | Freeze before surgery; 1–2 cycles |
| Endometriosis with endometrioma | 5–10 eggs | Reduced reserve; OHSS risk | Modified protocol; agonist trigger | Freeze urgently; may need 2–3 cycles |
| Low AMH / Diminished Ovarian Reserve | 3–8 eggs | Poor response; few eggs | High-dose FSH ± LH; DHEA pre-treatment | Multiple cycles; realistic counselling |
| Pre-chemotherapy (Cancer) | Variable | Time urgency; health of eggs | Random-start; modified short protocol | Proceed within days of diagnosis |
| Age 38–40 | 5–10 eggs | Egg quality and quantity decline | High-dose; LH support; possibly DuoStim | 2–3 cycles recommended; realistic expectations |
⚠️ Warning Signs to Watch Out For During and After Egg Freezing
While egg freezing is very safe, it is important to know when to call your doctor. Share this information with your family so they are aware too.
During Stimulation (Injection Phase):
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by rest or paracetamol
- Significant abdominal bloating — clothes feel extremely tight, cannot button trousers
- Nausea and vomiting that prevents you from eating or drinking
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath at rest
- Reduced or no urination for more than 12 hours despite drinking water
- Dizziness or fainting
After Egg Retrieval (Post-OPU):
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than 2 pads per hour)
- Fever above 38°C within 48 hours of the procedure
- Severe worsening abdominal pain beyond 72 hours post-procedure
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Signs of allergic reaction: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing
Frequently Asked Questions — Egg Freezing at Shree IVF Clinic
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact Dr. Jay Mehta and the Shree IVF Clinic Team. Your consultation will cover a review of your current fertility status, personalised assessment of how many eggs you are likely to produce, honest discussion about success rates and realistic outcomes, a complete walkthrough of costs — no hidden charges, and guidance on how to proceed if you are coming from outside Mumbai.
Glossary — Medical Terms Explained in Plain English
- AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)
- A blood test that measures your ovarian reserve — how many eggs you have available. Higher AMH means more eggs. Lower AMH means fewer eggs available.
- AFC (Antral Follicle Count)
- An ultrasound count of small resting follicles in your ovaries. Each follicle has the potential to release one egg when stimulated. A higher AFC predicts a better response to stimulation.
- Oocyte
- The medical term for an egg. 'Oocyte cryopreservation' = egg freezing.
- Cryopreservation
- The process of preserving biological material at ultra-low temperatures using liquid nitrogen.
- Vitrification
- A modern, ultra-rapid egg freezing technique that prevents ice crystal formation inside the egg. Far more effective than old 'slow-freezing' methods.
- Follicle
- A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains a developing egg. One follicle typically releases one egg.
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
- The main hormone used in stimulation injections. It tells the ovaries to develop multiple follicles simultaneously.
- GnRH Antagonist
- An injection (Cetrotide / Orgalutran) that prevents premature ovulation during stimulation.
- Trigger Shot
- The final injection (hCG or GnRH agonist) that causes eggs to complete their maturation exactly 36 hours before retrieval.
- OPU (Oocyte Pick-Up)
- The egg retrieval procedure, done under sedation. Eggs are aspirated from follicles using a fine needle guided by ultrasound.
- ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
- The fertilisation technique used for frozen eggs — a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.
- Blastocyst
- An embryo that has developed for 5–6 days and reached the stage best suited for transfer to the uterus.
- OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome)
- A complication of ovarian stimulation where the ovaries over-respond, causing bloating, pain, and fluid accumulation. Ranges from mild to severe.
- PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)
- A genetic test performed on embryos before transfer to check for chromosomal abnormalities. Identifies the healthiest embryos for transfer.
- ART Act, 2021
- India's Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act — the law governing IVF, egg freezing, and other fertility procedures in India.
A Final Word from Dr. Jay Mehta
Egg freezing is not just a medical procedure. It is a statement — that you have the right to choose when you become a mother. It is a gift you give yourself: the gift of time, of options, of freedom from the anxiety of a ticking biological clock.
At Shree IVF Clinic, we have had the privilege of walking this journey with hundreds of women across India and internationally. We have seen the relief on their faces when they know their eggs are safely frozen. We have seen the joy when those eggs become the babies they always dreamed of — sometimes ten years after they were frozen.
If you are on the fence, the best first step is simply a conversation. Book a consultation. Ask your questions. Review your test results. Then decide. There is no pressure, no obligation — only information and support.
Your family planning story is yours to write. Let us help you write it on your own terms.
— Dr. Jay Mehta
Fertility Specialist | Shree IVF Clinic, Mumbai
© 2025 Shree IVF Clinic. All Rights Reserved. This document may not be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of Shree IVF Clinic.
