CCRM FERTILITY OF NAPERVILLE
Egg freezing in Naperville, IL
Egg freezing, embryo storage, and fertility preservation for women
The Advanced Fertility Preservation Institute (AFPI) was developed with you and your future family in mind. Our cutting-edge clinic provides women the most advanced cryopreservation (preservation or freezing) treatment options to enable conception when you are ready.
Common reasons women choose to freeze their eggs
Though as little girls many women can imagine themselves as mothers to their beautiful children, life’s unpredictable path may cause reason to delay this dream. In fact, there are several reasons women may decide to explore fertility preservation.
Voluntary reasons
Age: Today, the average human lifespan is longer than it has been in the past, so it is no surprise that women are choosing to have children later in life. Unfortunately, with age, fertility is affected. Studies have shown women’s fertility rates decrease with the increasing age of women. As can be seen in the accompanying graph, the rate of decline increases between the ages of 35-37. In a study involving women who received up to 12 cycles of insemination with donor sperm, 74% of women younger than 31 years of age conceived, as compared with 54% of women older than 35 years of age.
This is largely due to a decrease in ovarian reserve — the number and quality of eggs produced per cycle. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which steadily decline throughout their lifetime. Moreover, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists Committee on Gynecologic Practice and the Practice Committee of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, this age-related decline in fertility is accompanied by the increase in the rate of abnormal eggs and increase in miscarriage. By preserving your eggs at a young age, your chance of having a successful pregnancy in the future is increased.
Social: More and more women are choosing to delay motherhood, and while this choice is becoming less of a stigma in mainstream American culture, women still fear that ticking clock. Whether you are advancing your education, pursuing a career, searching for that special someone, currently busy taking care of young children or you are just not ready yet, you no longer need to feel the added pressures to conceive.
Medical issues
Cancer: When it comes to treating cancer, doctors want to make sure they are as aggressive as needed to cure the patient. While medicine has helped save the lives of thousands of women, due to the aggressive nature of cancer treatments, a woman’s fertility may be compromised. Sadly, studies have shown that only 3-13% of women developing breast cancer are able to have children post-diagnosis. The impact of cancer on fertility may be due to various reasons. First, the glands or organs that are key for reproduction and hormone production for fertility can be impaired. Second, depending on the type of cancer being treated, surgical removal of the uterus or ovaries may be necessary. Additionally, once treated, cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation, can decrease hormone production, further deplete egg numbers, increase the number of abnormalities in those eggs and even induce ovarian failure, which can lead to early menopause.
The risk of developing premature menopause after certain cancer treatments increases with age, and older women are more susceptible to permanent ovarian damage. Of course, the drug and dose used in chemotherapy and the size and location of the radiation field will determine the overall impact. For patients battling breast cancer, research has shown that pregnancy after breast cancer does not affect survival rate. By adding egg preservation to your treatment plan, women going through cancer therapies can focus on their health now while increasing the chances for a biological baby later on.
Carriers of mutations such BRCA1 and BRACA2 who have been advised to undergo prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer can consider egg preservation and ultimately test embryos for BRCA status when ready to proceed with pregnancy.Endometriosis and ovarian cysts: Endometriosis is a painful condition due to the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) growing outside the organ and implanting on various sites in the abdomen and pelvis. Especially when endometriosis is responsible for cysts growing inside the ovaries, fertility may be compromised.
Not all cysts are due to endometriosis, and these other types of ovarian cysts can equally affect this important fertility organ. Oftentimes, if the cysts become large, surgery may be recommended, which can also damage the ovary.
Before ovarian health is permanently impacted, eggs can be preserved for later use. Egg preservation is highly recommended for future fertility.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an issue in which hormones are out of balance. With these hormonal changes may come the absence of ovulation, which ultimately leads to infertility. Many women with PCOS may need assistance in achieving pregnancy, and egg preservation at an earlier age can increase their chances.
Premature menopause: Long before a woman goes into menopause, her ovarian reserve begins to decrease. For most women, this begins in their mid-thirties, but for women with a family history of premature menopause, they may experience this decline even sooner.
Furthermore, women who have genetic mutations (abnormalities such as Fragile X Syndrome or Turner Syndrome 45 XO) often undergo early menopause. Through the preservation technique, eggs can be secured long before these changes take place.
Additional medical conditions: There are other conditions that may impact egg development and overall quality, as well. These include diabetes, autoimmune conditions, thyroid problems, kidney disease and eating disorders.
The medical entities or the treatment of the conditions described above can impact ovarian health. Egg preservation can help put your mind at ease, knowing that by undergoing the preservation process, you can improve your opportunity to have biological children in the future.
What to expect: egg preservation
Extracted, frozen and stored in subzero tempatures
Following is a brief overview of the egg preservation process. After reviewing your history, your current hormonal status evaluation and your goals, Dr. Miller will create a unique treatment regimen specifically for you. This process must be altered for your individual needs.*
1. Consultation
During the complimentary consultation, you and a Fertility Preservation Coordinator (FPC) will have an in-depth discussion about your medical history, your fertility concerns and the egg freezing process. The FPC will ultimately review this with Dr. Miller, who will choose, if necessary, to meet with you to discuss your history in further detail. Your conversation will include risks and benefits, cost options, an overview of your personal timeline and next steps. If you have a partner and wish to freeze embryos (the end product of the sperm fertilizing the egg), you will be provided with a detailed plan of action to follow.
2. Testing
Prior to treatment, Dr. Miller will have you complete testing. This is essential as it will not only establish your opportunity for success, but it will also determine your treatment plan. Again, based on these results, Dr. Miller may wish to have a separate consultation with you to discuss findings and potential options. Infectious disease testing will also be performed, which is necessary to store eggs in a public facility. Based on your medical history, other testing may be recommended.
3. Medications and monitoring
Once you have been approved as a candidate and you are ready to move forward, your treatment will be scheduled based on the onset of your menstrual cycle, whether natural or induced.
On day three (3) of the treatment cycle, you will begin in-office monitoring, which will consist of testing the blood level of the female hormone estrogen and a pelvic ultrasound to determine your baseline follicle numbers (the cystic structures in the ovaries that contain the eggs).
On the evening of day three (3), you will begin medications prescribed to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple mature eggs. These medications are delivered via subcutaneous injections, much the way a diabetic would inject insulin directly below the skin.
Once the medications begin, you can expect to visit the office every 2-3 days. At each appointment, your blood levels will be measured and an ultrasound of your ovaries will take place to determine the growth of the follicles (eggs), which correlates to egg maturation.
After every appointment, after conferring with Dr. Miller, his staff will leave you a voicemail message (on a secured voicemail system) to explain any changes in medications. The egg maturation process can take anytime between 10-12 days based on the response to the medication and the follicular growth. Throughout the process, should you need help with medications/directions, the office can assist you.
Once the ultrasound indicates that the follicles have reached maturity, you will be prescribed another medication to finalize the maturation process. Egg retrieval will be scheduled 35 hours later.
4. Egg retrieval, evaluation and storage
During the egg retrieval process, a small needle is placed through the vaginal wall into the ovarian follicles, under ultrasound guidance. You must be accompanied by someone for the egg retrieval, as you will receive light anesthesia.
The contents of each follicle will be evaluated under a microscope by an embryologist who will examine the maturation and quality of each egg. The embryologist will share information on the number of eggs retrieved as well as the number of those eggs that are mature and good quality. Adequate eggs will then be cryopreserved in subzero temperatures.
Immediately after they are frozen, your eggs will be placed into one of our liquid nitrogen storage containers for safe-keeping. At the Advanced Fertility Preservation Institute, we provide storage for our patients to give them peace of mind during this process. Our state-of-the-art facility is licensed for preservation by the State of Illinois and has all of the proper technology in place to assure the safe, long-term preservation of your eggs.
If you and your partner plan on freezing embryos, your partner will be asked to provide a sperm sample (see male fertility preservation) during your procedure. The sperm will then be used to fertilize the extracted, matured follicles. Embryos will also undergo the same analysis and will be stored in the facility. In our facility, we have had success using embryos preserved for nearly 15 years.
5. Pregnancy
Once you are ready to move forward with pregnancy, please call Dr. Miller’s office at (630) 428-2229 and the staff can walk you through this next part of the journey.
* If there are concerns regarding history, questions that arise during the lab evaluation, or if a patient wishes, she can consult directly with Dr. Miller. Please note, additional fees will apply.
Egg preservation cost
Although egg preservation may be a good option for you, it is important to understand the costs associated with treatment and storage. For virtually all patients, except when the diagnosis is cancer, only a small portion of the cost may be covered by health insurance. Please check with your insurance provider for specific policy coverage.
As part of your initial evaluation, it is important that you review everything carefully and discuss any questions you may have with our financial counselor. Although we believe it is vital to provide you with current pricing, it is impossible to provide you with an exact cost, as each patient has a treatment cycle that is tailored to meet her needs.
Cost for one cycle of egg preservation
| Total ESTIMATED cost of basic cycle including anesthesia, medications and preservation & storage for 1 (one) year | |
| Total estimate cost – Healy Pharmacy | $9,100.37 |
| Total estimate cost – Freedom Pharmacy | $10,144.56 |
| Ovarian stimulation | |
| Initial consultation with a Fertility Preservation Coordinator | Complimentary |
| Initial consultation with Dr. Miller** | $250.00 |
| Additional follow-up with Dr. Miller** | $160.00 |
| Serum Estradiol blood levels | $250.00 |
| Serum Progesterone blood levels | $142.00 |
| Venipuncture | $82.00 |
| Baseline ultrasound | $380.00 |
| Daily follicular ultrasounds | $1,200.00 |
| Egg retrieval | |
| Follicular puncture professional fee/MD | $1,200.00 |
| Ultrasound guidance for needle aspiration | $425.00 |
| IVF lab fees | |
| Oocyte identification from follicular fluid | $885.00 |
| Procedure Tray | $300.00 |
| Medication fee options | |
| Total Medication Estimate Cost – Healy Pharmacy | $3,811.37 |
| Total Medication Estimate Cost – Freedom Pharmacy*** | $4,855.56 |
| Lake Anesthesia | |
| Anesthesia pricing | $425.00 |
| Additional fees | |
| First year of cryopreservation | Included |
| Each additional year of storage | $500.00 |
Financing
Prosper Healthcare Lending
Prosper Healthcare Lending is the premier financing company in the healthcare industry. Prosper offers our patients affordable payment plans through their simple online approval system and is 100% confidential.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) for women undergoing egg preservation
This page is meant to be educational only, and is not meant to give any advice. For personalized advice, please make an appointment with our Fertility Preservation Coordinator (FPC).
What is egg preservation?
Egg preservation (freezing) is an advanced technology that allows you to freeze and store your eggs in subzero temperatures. Later, when you are ready to become pregnant, the eggs can be thawed, fertilized with sperm and transferred to the uterus as embryos.
How do I know if I am a candidate?
Regardless of the reason you would like to freeze your eggs, during your free consultation, our FPC will go over your medical history and eligibility with you to determine if egg preservation is right for you.
How does the process work?
Once determined you are a candidate, your ovaries are initially stimulated with fertility treatment medications to enhance the number and quality of eggs produced. Your eggs are then extracted, analyzed, preserved and stored in subzero temperatures until you are ready to proceed with pregnancy.* At that point, the eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm and transferred to the uterus as an embryo (once the egg is fertilized by the sperm the product is referred to as an embryo).
*Should you wish to freeze embryos, please alert the FPC during your consultation.
Is egg preservation safe for women?
Yes, egg preservation is safe for women. Because the medications must be delivered via injections, one may experience pain at the site of the injection. However, the pain can subside immediately or as treatment is completed. Of course, due to the nature of the medications administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, there is risk that the ovaries may hyperstimulate. While hyperstimulation is a rare occurrence, you may note temporary discomfort and fluid collection in your abdomen. Other very rare risks include reaction to anesthesia, bleeding or infection. The FPC monitors the patient closely to reduce the chance of this taking place.
During egg retrieval, you must undergo sedation performed by board certified registered nurse anesthetists. Together, you will review your medical history to ensure your safety. You are monitored by the anesthesiologist during and before the procedure. Once the procedure has concluded, please remember that you must have someone to accompany you home. You may experience discomfort/cramping after the procedure, and the FPC will discuss this and pain relief with you before you leave.
Who should consider egg preservation?
Egg preservation is a technology that has helped many different women for a number of reasons and is particularly beneficial for the following:
- Women who are advancing in age and want the option to have a child later on
- Women who want to delay childbearing due to personal, educational, or career goals
- Women diagnosed with cancer
- Women suffering from medical conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and/or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Women with diabetes, autoimmune conditions, kidney and/or liver disease and eating disorders
- Women with a family history of early menopause
Will preserving my eggs diminish my ability to produce eggs naturally?
No. Given the large number of eggs a women has in her lifetime, the process of egg preservation will not diminish your ability to produce eggs naturally or conceive naturally.
How many eggs can I/should I store?
For optimal chances for pregnancy, you may decide to undergo more than one stimulation cycle. Of course, this differs from patient to patient so Dr. Miller will assess the situation on a case by case basis.
For women undergoing medical treatments, more than one stimulation cycle may not be an option due to time sensitive therapies. Dr. Miller will collaborate with you and additional medical teams to discuss timing and available options.
At what age should I consider preserving my eggs?
From the time a woman is born, her number of eggs begin to diminish. Between the ages of 35-37, the quality of those eggs declines as well, making it harder for her to conceive.
While eggs can be frozen at any age, it is ideal for patients to preserve eggs in their late 20’s or early 30’s; that is, before the decline in quality.
Additionally, medical concerns that may impact fertility can affect women at any age. We are here to help and will assess the need and advantage of egg preservation for each case.
Where will the eggs be stored?
Immediately after they are frozen, the eggs will be placed into one of our liquid nitrogen storage containers for safe-keeping. AFPI provides storage for our patients to give them peace of mind during this process.
How long can eggs remain frozen?
Our state-of-the-art facility is licensed for preservation by the State of Illinois and has all of the proper technology in place to assure the safe long-term preservation of your eggs.
What are my options if I have unused eggs?
Unused eggs can be discarded or used for research. These options can be discussed with the FPC.
How long will the process take? How many appointments should I expect to attend?
Prior to a stimulation cycle, you will be invited to participate in a free consultation. Once that takes place, we will set up an appointment for additional testing and evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for egg preservation. If so, the FPC will set up a plan for the stimulation cycle for egg preservation. The preservation process can take anytime between 10-12 days based on the start of your period, while the overall process may be 8-10 weeks from start to finish.
The amount of appointments will range from person to person depending on progress and known medical conditions, but once stimulation begins, you can expect to visit the office every 2-3 days.
Where do I get medication for the stimulation cycle?
The medications used for ovarian stimulation can be prescribed through Freedom Fertility Pharmacy (800-660-4283), a national pharmacy or Healy Pharmacy (630-357-2900) in Naperville, IL.
Do I have to inject myself with the medications?
We understand your reservations about the needles and injections that must be used to stimulate egg numbers, quality and maturation. Whether you are freezing your eggs or embryos with or without a partner, the FPC will provide a thorough tutorial on how and where to inject the needles. Additionally, if the dose changes during the course of treatment, per Dr. Miller’s recommendation, our team will provide you with very clear and detailed instructions. Our team will be available should you have any questions, concerns or it is determined you need assistance with the injections.
Is there any pain associated with egg preservation?
You can expect pain at the site of the injections, however the pain can subside immediately or as treatment is completed. Of course, due to the nature of the medications administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, there is risk that the ovaries may hyperstimulate. While hyperstimulation is a rare occurrence, you may note temporary discomfort and fluid collection in your abdomen. Other very rare risks include reaction to anesthesia, bleeding or infection. The FPC monitors the patient closely to reduce the chances of this taking place.
During egg retrieval, you must undergo sedation performed by board certified anesthesiologists. Together, you will review your medical history to ensure your safety. You are monitored by the nurse anesthetist throughout the procedure. Once the procedure has concluded, please remember that you must have someone to accompany you home. You may experience discomfort/cramping after the procedure, and the FPC will discuss this and pain relief with you before you leave.
What do I do when I am ready to have children?
When you are ready to have children, please contact Dr. Miller’s office and our team will discuss next steps with you.
What are the overall cost estimates for egg preservation?
There are two medication options to choose from. Should you move forward with Healy Pharmacy, the overall cost estimate is $9,100.37. If you decide to use Freedom Pharmacy as your provider, the overall cost estimate is $10,144.56.*
There is a one-time storage set-up fee of $1,500 and each subsequent year is $500 for storage. If for any reason a patient wishes to discontinue their storage at our facilities within the first six months of their annual contract, the second six months will be refunded.
We also offer a six months free storage referral bonus. For anyone who refers a patient, they will receive six months of free storage. In addition, the patient who is referred to us will receive six months of free storage.
*All costs are estimated and not guaranteed; type and number of tests/procedures may vary due to individual outcomes. Fees quoted are for the egg preservation cycle only and not for any preceding diagnostic tests.
Does insurance cover egg preservation?
For virtually all patients, except when the diagnosis is cancer, only a small portion of the cost may be covered by health insurance. Please check with your insurance provider for specific policy coverage. Nevertheless, our insurance representative will evaluate your coverage on an individual basis.
Does AFPI offer financing?
In an effort to provide you with the best financing available, we have partnered with Prosper Healthcare Lending. Prosper is the premier financing company in the healthcare industry and provides low interest rate plans with longer terms to make it affordable for our patients. Financing through Prosper is 100% confidential and is quick and easy.
CCRM Fertility of Naperville
120 Pam Davis Dr, Suite 100
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone: (630) 428-2229
Fax: (630) 428-0336
Hours
Monday-Thursday: 6:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 6:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday: 6:00am – 10:30am
Sunday: Procedures by Appointment Only