Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation) | Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz

Egg Freezing: Who Is It For and Until What Age?

Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz Last reviewed: 25 September 2026 2 min read

In short: Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) collects eggs as in IVF and stores them by vitrification for later use. It is offered before cancer treatment, to women with declining ovarian reserve and in other medical situations permitted by regulations. It is ideally done before the age of 35.

How is it done?

The process follows the first steps of IVF: about 8-12 days of hormone injections, ultrasound monitoring and egg collection under sedation. Mature eggs are frozen by vitrification, a rapid freezing technique that preserves egg survival after thawing, and stored in liquid nitrogen.

Who is it for?

Women about to receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Women facing surgery that may damage the ovaries
Women with rapidly declining ovarian reserve or a family history of early menopause
Other medical situations defined in the regulations

In Türkiye egg freezing is permitted for the medical indications and under the conditions set out in the assisted reproduction regulations; eligibility is discussed during assessment.

Why age matters

A frozen egg keeps the quality it had at the time of freezing. Results are better when eggs are frozen before 35; later, fewer eggs are collected and each is less likely to result in pregnancy.

Using the eggs

When pregnancy is desired, eggs are thawed, fertilised by ICSI and the embryo is transferred. Storage duration follows current regulations.

Where procedures are performed
IVF procedures are performed at the licensed Anlaşmalı Tüp Bebek Merkezi. Assessment, planning and follow-up take place at the clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does egg freezing take?

About two weeks from the start of stimulation to egg collection.

How many eggs should be frozen?

It depends on age, but usually 10-15 mature eggs are aimed for; more than one cycle may be needed.

Sources

ESHRE Guideline: Female fertility preservation, 2020.
T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı, Üremeye Yardımcı Tedavi Uygulamaları ve Üremeye Yardımcı Tedavi Merkezleri Hakkında Yönetmelik.

The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation.

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