So you’ve decided to freeze your eggs.

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And you likely have a ton of questions about the process itself.

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Egg freezing is one of the most sought out treatments at our clinic, so we created this guide to answer the most common questions on the process so you feel fully prepared.

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This do’s and don’ts of egg freezing guide is designed to set you off on the right foot to having a smooth egg freezing experience. However, your fertility doctor is always the best source of information for personal guidance.

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If you’re still considering whether or not egg freezing is the right choice for you, check out our piece on what you should know about egg and embryo freezing. Otherwise, let’s jump in.

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What are some self-care practices during the egg freezing process?

Getting started with the egg freezing process already represents an important step in your self-care.

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Considering that with age comes a notable decline in egg quantity and quality, we recommend freezing your eggs before the age of 35 as a method of fertility preservation. At the age of 35 or older, the next best time to freeze your eggs is now.
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Once you’ve gotten the process started, a few self care practices you should pursue include:

• Take a prenatal supplement: Your provider will discuss the nutrients you need to encourage a successful egg retrieval process. Taking 600 mg of coQ10 per day, as well as a daily supplement that contains at least 1000 mg folic acid will help to improve your egg quality.
• Reduce your stress levels: Though stress can be a common part of day to day life, keeping your stress levels down is always beneficial for your overall health.
• Get enough sleep: Sleep plays an important role in your day to day functioning, and is a key aspect of maintaining good health.
• Maintain your mental health: The hormones you’ll take during your egg retrieval process may impact your mood, so a stable mental health routine will enable you to flow through the retrieval process smoothly. If you’re having any unusual or complicated feelings as you proceed through the process, consider consulting a psychologist for support. If you notice major changes in your mental stability during the process, you should immediately contact your fertility doctor.

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Can I continue to take prescription medications while doing egg freezing?

Your fertility doctor will be the best source of information on which medications you should discontinue while undergoing the egg freezing process. One particularly important medication to stop is the birth control pill. Continuous use can cause a temporary decrease in your ovarian reserve. Therefore, you should cease the use of birth control pills 3 months before beginning the egg stimulation process. Be sure to use a backup form of contraception to prevent any unplanned pregnancies. If you’re using an IUD as your method of birth control, there’s no need to get it removed. Studies show that outcomes for egg retrieval with or without an IUD are exactly the same.

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At our Bay Area clinic, some other examples of medications we tell patients to pause are Ozempic, spironolactone, and retinoids.

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Can I workout while doing egg freezing?

Maintaining your typical exercise routine, such as jogging, cycling, or yoga during your egg freezing process is perfectly safe. However, you’ll want to wait to undergo the egg freezing process before starting a brand new workout routine.

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What should I eat while freezing eggs?

As with anything that relates to your overall health, balance is key. As a general rule, you want to be getting an adequate amount of fiber, healthy fats, and protein in your diet. With the prevalence of processed foods in the US, you’ll also want to opt for whole foods as much as possible. A registered dietitian can be a great resource as you proceed along this journey.

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Does caffeine affect egg retrieval?

Moderate caffeine consumption during egg retrieval is not known to cause adverse effects. While everyone’s moderate may look different, it is recommended that you don’t exceed more than 1 cup of coffee or 200mg of caffeine per day. For context, two shots of espresso will put you slightly above 200mg of caffeine.

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How long before egg freezing should I stop drinking alcohol?

Alcohol consumption should completely be avoided during the egg freezing process. Research shows a reduction in live birth rates with IVF in couples that consumed any amount of alcohol during their treatment.

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Does smoking affect egg freezing?

In general, avoiding smoking will always be the best choice for your overall health. As you go through the egg retrieval process, you’ll definitely want to completely avoid smoking in order to minimize any adverse effect on the eggs that will be collected and frozen.

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Is sex ok before egg retrieval?

Unless you have an IUD, avoid having sexual intercourse during the egg retrieval process. One key part of the process involves stimulating your ovaries to release more eggs than it normally would. As a result, sex during the retrieval process can result in you becoming pregnant with multiples.

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Can I go in the sauna or hot tub during egg freezing?

You may see or hear guidance that avoiding the sauna and hot tub is advised during IVF treatment and pregnancy. The rule of thumb is that you should avoid elevating your core body temperature, which can happen with sauna or hot tub usage. Research has shown that it can decrease egg counts.

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Conclusion

As you proceed during the egg retrieval process, your trust in yourself and your provider are most important. If continuing to exercise, or drinking caffeine within the recommended limit will cause you to feel anxious, simply avoid it. Remember, the goal is for you to have a smooth egg freezing experience.

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At Collab Fertility, our dedicated team is here to guide and support you in making the most informed decisions for your family building journey, while prioritizing your physical and emotional well-being. We can also help you schedule an appointment with our collaborating psychologist to help you nail down your fertility goals.

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Collab Fertility is honored to serve families in the East Bay like Danville, Alamo, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Piedmont, and Walnut Creek, as well as many other communities in the Bay Area and beyond, including Oakland, San Ramon, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Santa Rosa, Novato, Napa, Sonoma, and more.

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