What Is Egg Freezing?

You may have heard of egg freezing (also known as oocyte cryopreservation) but are unsure what it really means. A woman is born with a finite number of eggs, and both egg quantity and quality decline with age—this is a natural, irreversible process.

Egg quality is a key factor affecting pregnancy and live birth rates. After age 34, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases year by year. Freezing healthy eggs at a younger age offers women an opportunity to take control of their fertility and create a safeguard for future family planning.

Key Considerations for Egg Freezing

Ideal Age for Egg Freezing: 34 and Younger for Best Results

Age and ovarian reserve are critical factors in egg freezing.
35 is often seen as a turning point for female fertility.
Freezing eggs before this age—ideally around 34 or younger—can maximize success rates. It's generally recommended to retrieve at least 10 to 15 eggs to increase the chance of future pregnancy.

• The egg freezing process is safe with extremely low risk of complications.

• Marriage is not required to undergo the procedure.

• The entire process usually takes 2–3 weeks, allowing for flexible life planning without rushing into parenthood.

Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing is suitable for the following groups:

• Women with no uterus or uterine dysfunction, awaiting legal surrogacy options

• Women over 34 (especially 35+) who are not yet planning pregnancy

• Those requiring ovarian surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy

• Women with a family history of premature ovarian failure or autoimmune diseases

• In cases where the partner cannot provide sperm or has azoospermia on the day of retrieval, eggs can be frozen temporarily for later fertilization

Egg Freezing Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pre-Treatment Assessment

Before starting egg freezing, your fertility potential is evaluated using blood tests and ultrasound to assess ovarian function:

AMH Test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

• AMH is secreted by small ovarian follicles.

• It indicates the size of the egg reserve, and levels do not fluctuate during the menstrual cycle.

• Normal AMH range: 2–5 ng/mL

  • AMH > 5: may indicate PCOS

  • AMH < 2: may suggest diminished ovarian reserve

FSH Test (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

• Taken on day 2–3 of the menstrual cycle

• FSH stimulates follicle development

• FSH < 10: normal ovarian reserve
  FSH 10–20: reduced ovarian function → early freezing recommended

Transvaginal Ultrasound (Day 3–5 of Cycle)

• Assesses uterus for fibroids or endometriosis

• Counts ovarian follicles to estimate remaining egg supply

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

• In a natural cycle, only one egg typically matures and is released.

• During egg freezing, hormone injections stimulate multiple follicles to mature simultaneously.

• Injections begin on day 1–3 of your period, with follow-up ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor progress.

Note:
Injections are usually administered subcutaneously (under the skin), ideally in areas with more fat (abdomen, hips). Rotate injection sites to avoid hard lumps.

Step 3: Monitoring Follicle Growth

• On days 8–9 of the cycle, visit the clinic to check follicle size.

• Continued injections, blood tests, and ultrasounds are done 2–3 times to determine the best time for retrieval.

Step 4: Egg Retrieval

• Once follicles mature, the doctor will schedule an egg retrieval, usually 36 hours after a final "trigger shot."

• The procedure is performed transvaginally under sedation.

Step 5: Egg Freezing (Cryopreservation)

• Eggs are rapidly frozen using vitrification, a state-of-the-art flash-freezing method.

• This technique dehydrates and rapidly cools the eggs to prevent damaging ice crystals.

• Eggs are stored at –196°C in liquid nitrogen, significantly improving survival and quality after thawing.

Step 6: Post-Retrieval Follow-Up

• If needed, additional egg retrieval cycles can be arranged.

• The full process takes about 2–3 weeks, with 3–5 clinic visits.

• Some clinics now offer long-acting stimulation injections to reduce injection frequency and clinic visits—perfect for busy professionals balancing career and fertility goals.

Consult with your fertility specialist to tailor a treatment plan that suits your health, goals, and lifestyle.

常常聽到凍卵或是冷凍卵子，但不知道是什麼意思嗎？女性卵子數量在出生的時候就已經決定了，隨著年齡增長除了卵子庫存量會逐年遞減，卵子品質也會變差，這是不可避免的。

卵子品質是影響懷孕率、活產率的主因，染色體異常比率也在34歲後逐年上升，提前為自己規劃生育藍圖，冷凍保存健康卵子就能為自己立下未來的生育保險。

凍卵注意事項

凍卵年齡：卵巢功能與庫存量是關鍵

35歲是女性生育的分水嶺，女性凍卵年齡在34歲能將效益最大化，而且建議35歲前凍卵至少要取得10-15顆卵子才有更高的機會懷孕。

凍卵療程發生後遺症的機率極小，不需有婚姻關係，整個流程只需2~3週，就能更有效規劃人生，不用急著思考生育時機。

凍卵適合對象

• 無子宮或子宮機能受損，等待代理孕母合法期間
• 34歲後(35歲以上)尚未考慮生育之年輕女性
• 卵巢腫瘤接受手術、化療、或放射線治療前
• 擁有卵巢早衰家族史的女性、自體免疫疾病的女性
• 取卵當天先生無法順利取得精子或無精症，可暫時將卵子冷凍保存，等待精子後進行培養。

凍卵療程/凍卵流程

step 1. 凍卵前評估：

卵巢功能等同於女性生育能力，因此在整個凍卵流程開始之前，除了了解凍卵注意事項之外，還能夠藉由抽血檢查與超音波，執行以下三種檢測，評估卵巢功能與身體狀態：

AMH 荷爾蒙（抗穆勒氏管荷爾蒙）抽血檢查

AMH 荷爾蒙的全名為 Anti-Mullerian Hormone，存在於未成熟濾泡中的顆粒細胞，一般已成熟的濾泡並不會分泌 AMH 荷爾蒙。

在整個凍卵流程的最一開始，會藉由 AMH 荷爾蒙指數來評估卵子庫存，且數值不會因月經週期而波動。

AMH正常值範圍值通常介於 2～5 之間。AMH值高於 5 可能是「多囊性卵巢症候群」。AMH值若低於 2 可能代表卵巢功能開始面臨衰退，所以通常隨著年齡增長，此數值也會逐年降低。

FSH 濾泡刺激激素：月經週期第2～3天抽血檢查

FSH 濾泡刺激激素全名為 Follicular stimulating hormone，由腦下垂體分泌的激素，可促進卵泡發育、成熟，與 AMH 荷爾蒙皆為卵子庫存的重要指標，通常會搭配評估卵巢週期狀態。

當 FSH濾泡刺激激素值小於 10 代表卵子庫存量正常。若FSH值界於 10～20，卵巢功能可能面臨衰退，建議要儘早規劃凍卵，把握最佳凍卵時機，以提高凍卵成功率。

陰道超音波檢查：月經週期第 3～5 天超音波檢查

透過陰道超音波，我們可以觀察子宮內部結構，例如是否有肌瘤、子宮內膜異位症等情況；也同步藉由評估卵巢濾泡顆數，來確認卵泡的發育情形進而推估卵子庫存量。而卵巢會有幾顆濾泡取決於卵子庫存(AMH)。

step 2. 誘導排卵 ：

在無外力介入的月經週期中，只會有一顆成熟的卵子排出。凍卵流程中施打排卵針的環節，就是在月經來的第 1～3 天透過排卵針的刺激，誘導其他原本應該要萎縮的卵子，成為成熟的卵子；期間並行抽血與超音波相關檢查，用以追蹤卵泡成熟度。

排卵針主要是以皮下注射的方式，使藥劑經皮下微血管進入全身循環。因為可能會需要長時間多次注射，所以建議注射位置，可以選在皮下脂肪較厚的位置例如：腹部、臀部，且每日錯開輪流施打，避免重複注射出現局部硬塊的現象。

step 3. 追蹤卵泡成熟度：

月經第8～9天，回醫院追蹤濾泡並確認取卵時間。期間仍需持續配合藥物誘導排卵、抽血與陰道超音波檢查，過程約需回診2-3次。

step 4. 取卵手術：

當濾泡成熟，醫師開立施打破卵針，打完破卵針約36小時後再到醫院進行陰道取卵。

step 5. 冷凍卵子：

茂盛醫院的凍卵流程，在取得卵子後，會透過新型的玻璃化冷凍技術，於短時間內脫水高效降溫，使卵子達到一個介於液態與固態之間的「玻璃化」狀態，再將卵子儲存於 -196℃ 的液態氮內。

這樣高規格的玻璃化冷凍技術，不僅能夠降低卵子在冷凍過程中，形成冰晶進而受損的風險，也能提高卵子解凍後的存活率。

step 6. 回診複查：

完成凍卵手術後，若還需要取得更多卵子，可安排回診進行下一次凍卵療程。

凍卵流程需2-3週的時間，期間需回診3-5次，目前茂盛醫院提供更友善的療程，在醫師評估下，凍卵可使用長效排卵針劑，大大減少打針及回診次數。

甚至整個冷凍卵子療程只需打兩劑排卵針，讓想兼顧事業並計劃生育的職場女性能有多元選擇方式，如有需求請先與主治醫師共同討論用藥療程規劃。

What Is Sperm Freezing (Semen Cryopreservation)?

Sperm freezing, or semen cryopreservation, is the process of collecting, processing, and preserving sperm in liquid nitrogen at –196°C. When needed, the sperm is thawed and used in assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). This temporary storage of sperm is what we commonly refer to as sperm freezing.

Who Should Consider Freezing Their Sperm?

Medical Reasons:

• Before undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation

• Men with consistently poor semen analysis results

• Those taking psychiatric medications, hormonal therapies, blood pressure medications, or other drugs that may impair fertility

Other Reasons:

• Men who plan to undergo vasectomy but still wish to preserve future fertility

• Those who are not currently planning to have children but may want to in the future

• Men exposed to high-risk environments, such as radiation, chemical solvents, or high temperatures (e.g., certain industries or military work)

• In cases where the male partner is unable to provide a sperm sample at the time of assisted reproduction treatment (e.g., IVF or IUI)

Do I Need to Freeze My Sperm?

Male infertility is becoming increasingly common, yet often shows no obvious physical symptoms. Many men are unaware of potential issues until they undergo a semen analysis.
If you're concerned about age, future health conditions, or fertility risks, you may want to proactively undergo a semen analysis and consult a fertility specialist about sperm freezing.

Sperm Freezing Process

Step 1: Fertility Clinic Consultation

• Schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist (e.g., at Lee Women's Hospital in Taichung).

• You'll be asked to abstain from ejaculation for 3–5 days (but no more than 7) prior to sample collection.

• The doctor will walk you through the sperm freezing process and assess your needs.

Step 2: Semen Collection and Analysis

You may collect the sample either inside or outside the clinic:

• In-clinic collection: The sample is produced in a private collection room and submitted directly to the fertility lab.

• At-home collection: The sample is collected in a sterile container and delivered to the fertility center at room temperature as soon as possible.

The sample is then tested by the fertility lab:

• If sperm quality is acceptable, the sample undergoes gradient-density centrifugation, a method to purify and concentrate motile sperm in preparation for freezing.

• If the sperm quality is suboptimal, your physician will recommend appropriate lifestyle changes, nutritional support, or medical treatment to improve outcomes for future freezing.

Step 3: Sperm Cryopreservation

Once the sperm is processed, it is cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen at –196°C using standardized laboratory protocols. This enables long-term storage and maintains sperm viability for future use in fertility treatments.

凍精（Semen cryopreservation）是指將取出的精子篩選處理之後，以液態氮冷凍在-196℃中。當需要使用精子時，再將精子解凍，並將精子與配偶的卵子進行試管嬰兒療程(IVF)，中間的精子冷凍過程即稱為凍精，也稱作冷凍精子。

哪些族群特別需要凍精子？

醫療因素

• 接受癌症治療或放射性治療前
• 數次精蟲檢查報告數值不理想者
• 需接受精神治療藥物、荷爾蒙藥物、降血壓藥物等藥物治療者

其他原因

• 進行結紮後仍有生育計劃者
• 暫無生育計劃，但不排除未來可能想生育後代者
• 長期暴露在輻射、化學溶劑、高溫等高危險環境中者
• 夫妻進行人工生殖療程時，無法配合取精時程者

我需要凍精嗎？

男性不孕症越發盛行，且不易出現明顯的身體警訊，常常要做精子檢測後才驚覺自己的精液分析結果不如預期，因此建議男性可先做精子檢測了解自己的生育能力為何；若怕疾病或大齡產生負面影響，可提早尋找專業凍精醫院諮詢並施作相關療程。

凍精流程

Step 1：不孕科門診

預約台中凍精專家茂盛醫院不孕科門診，且看診日前需禁慾3~5天、但不超過7天，並與醫師諮詢凍精流程。

Step 2：精液收集及精液檢查

若精蟲狀況良好將會使用密度梯度離心法（Gradient-density Centrifugation）進行精液洗滌，準備進行冷凍精蟲步驟；若精蟲狀況未達理想，醫師會與您討論調理的處方及生活調整，以利下次凍精療程的成功。

Step 3：精子冷凍保存

洗滌後的精蟲將以-196℃的液態氮進行冷凍精子保存。

What Is Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)?

Embryo freezing, also known as frozen embryo preservation or cryopreservation of embryos, involves storing fertilized embryos in liquid nitrogen at –196°C. At a suitable time based on the patient's physical condition and medical guidance, the frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into the uterus.

For couples who are not yet ready for pregnancy—due to health reasons or family planning—freezing embryos now and transferring them later may improve the chances of success when the time is right.

A Closer Look at Embryo Freezing Technology: Vitrification

The most advanced technique used in embryo freezing is vitrification, or ultra-rapid freezing. Unlike traditional slow-freezing methods, vitrification transforms the embryo into a glass-like solid state, avoiding the formation of ice crystals that can damage internal cell structures.

The biggest concern when freezing embryos is the risk of ice crystals forming inside the cells, which may rupture organelles and compromise cell function, or even lead to embryo death. Vitrification minimizes this risk.

Who Should Consider Embryo Freezing?

Medical Reasons:

• Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Hormonal imbalances that affect implantation

• Undergoing chemotherapy or ovarian surgery

Family Planning Reasons:

• Delay in pregnancy due to personal or career reasons

• Planning for a second child in the future

• Subject to embryo transfer limits during IVF treatment cycles

According to Taiwan's Assisted Reproduction Act, embryos can be stored for up to 10 years. Couples with future fertility plans are encouraged to prepare early, especially to avoid the risks of advanced maternal age.

Embryo Freezing Process

Step 1: Pre-treatment Evaluation

Before starting the embryo freezing process, both partners undergo fertility and health assessments. If results are satisfactory, the procedure is scheduled. If not, the doctor will recommend pre-treatment adjustments.

For women:

Hormonal blood tests: AMH (ovarian reserve), FSH, etc.

Transvaginal ultrasound: follicle count and ovarian health

For men:

Semen analysis: sperm count, morphology, and motility

Step 2: Ovulation Stimulation

After evaluation, your doctor will prescribe a customized stimulation plan. Generally, ovarian stimulation starts on Day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle with hormonal injections to promote follicle growth.

You'll receive:

• Medication guidance and injection training

• Ongoing blood tests and ultrasounds to adjust dosage

• Around 2–3 follow-up visits to monitor follicular development

Step 3: Egg and Sperm Collection

Egg Retrieval:

• Once follicles are mature, a trigger shot is given.

• 36–40 hours later, eggs are collected under general anesthesia through a transvaginal aspiration procedure (approx. 10 minutes).

• Patients can usually go home the same day after recovery.

Sperm Collection:

• The male partner must abstain from ejaculation for 3 days before providing a semen sample.

• On the day of egg retrieval (8:00 AM), the fresh sample is delivered to the fertility lab at the hospital.

Step 4: Fertilization

Mature eggs and sperm are sent to the embryology lab, where skilled embryologists perform in vitro fertilization (IVF). Successfully fertilized embryos are then cultured in strictly controlled incubators (humidity, temperature, CO₂ levels) for 1–5 days.

If Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is required, inform your doctor in advance. Embryos will be cultured to Day 5 (blastocyst stage), biopsied, and sent to a genetics lab for analysis.

Step 5: Embryo Cryopreservation

Viable embryos are cryopreserved using vitrification. During this process:

• High-concentration cryoprotectants remove water from inside the cells

• Embryos are flash-frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen at –196°C

They remain safely stored until a future embryo transfer is planned.

冷凍胚胎又簡稱凍胚、凍胚胎。是指將已經受精的胚胎保存於-196°C的液態氮中，依據患者的生理週期及醫囑，將胚胎解凍後植入子宮腔內。

若體況不佳或目前無生育計畫的年輕夫妻也可選擇先將胚胎冷凍保存，待身體調養至最佳狀態及計畫生育再將胚胎植入，提高冷凍胚胎成功率。

凍胚技術快速認識——玻璃化冷凍法

凍胚技術中的玻璃化冷凍法是將胚胎冷凍在介於液態和固態之間，以防止冷凍過程中出現晶體結構。胚胎師在處理冷凍胚胎時最擔心的就是胚胎細胞內的大體積水分會形成冰晶，破壞胚胎細胞內的胞器，影響胚胎細胞的正常功能，嚴重甚至會導致胚胎死亡。

冷凍胚胎適合對象

常見需要施做冷凍胚胎療程的對象分為兩種，一是因為身體因素所以需要凍胚；二是依據自身的生育規劃，目前尚未有懷孕打算，就會先進行凍卵、凍胚手術，等待時機成熟後再將凍胚解凍等等。

• 身體因素而凍胚：卵巢早衰患者、多囊患者、有荷爾蒙問題不易著床、要進行化學藥物治療或卵巢手術等等
• 生育規劃而凍胚：受限於試管植入胚胎限制、暫不打算生育，或是未來想生二寶者

• 根據《人工生殖法》冷凍胚胎以十年為限，建議若有生育計劃的夫妻仍需提早做足準備，以免成為高風險高齡產婦。

Step 1. 療程前檢查

在施作凍胚療程前，夫妻雙方要先進行生育能力和身體狀況的檢查，經醫師評估正常後即可安排冷凍胚胎療程，若檢查結果未達理想狀態，醫師將依個人狀況建議調養安排，鮮胚凍胚前檢查分別如下。

女性：賀爾蒙血液檢查，包含卵巢庫存量指標 AMH、FSH 濾泡刺激激素等等、陰道超音波檢查（卵巢濾泡顆數評估）

男性：精液分析，用以評估精蟲數量、精蟲形態及精蟲活動力 

Step2. 促進排卵

經過醫師評估後，會安排適合的療程，一般狀況太太在月經第2或3天回醫院施打排卵針，正式進入凍胚療程，也同時會做排卵針劑的衛教及施打教學。接下來的針劑，可以回家按照醫囑自行施打。

這段期間還是要配合藥物誘導排卵、預防跑卵、抽血和陰道超音波檢查，視情況調整劑量，過程中大約需要回診Step3. 取卵取精 2-3 次，追蹤濾泡並確認取卵時間。

Step3. 取卵取精

取卵：當濾泡成熟，醫師會開立施打破卵針，打完破卵針36-40小時內回到醫院進行陰道取卵。取卵過程大約10分鐘，為了避免不適，會經由靜脈進行全身麻醉，手術後待身體狀況恢復當天即可離院返家。

取精：配合太太的取卵時程，先生也需要做取精，先生在取精前 3 天需要禁慾，以免影響精液的品質。取精後常溫保存於取卵手術當天8:00am將精液送到本院二樓生殖中心。

Step4. 精卵結合

新鮮的精子和卵子會直接送到生殖醫學實驗室，篩選出成熟的卵子和精子後，由經驗豐富的博士級胚胎師將卵子和精子做體外受精。成功受精的胚胎會在濕度、溫度及氣體監控的高規格培養箱內繼續培養1-5天，為後續冷凍胚胎做準備。若有胚胎篩檢PGT-A之需求也可提前於取卵前告知醫師，培養至第五天後則送到基因實驗室做切片檢查。

Step5. 胚胎保存

冷凍胚胎將會使用玻璃化冷凍技術，再以高濃度冷凍保護劑將細胞內水分脫水到細胞外，並配合冷凍胚胎療程，將胚胎保存在-196°C的液態氮桶內進行冷凍保存。