Egg Freezing Process Timeline

Today, many women choose to plan their families at their own pace. Work, personal goals, or health reasons may delay pregnancy. In such cases, egg freezing becomes a helpful option. But if you are thinking about it, one common question arises: How long does the egg freezing process take? In this blog, we will explain the egg freezing procedure in its complete timeline, from your first consultation to the final storage of your eggs, so you can make an informed and confident decision.

Egg Freezing Process Timeline

The entire process of Egg Freezing usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on your cycle, test results, and clinic protocol. 

1. Week 1st: Initial Consultation and Testing

Your journey starts with a consultation with a fertility specialist. During this visit, the doctor will:

• Understand your medical and menstrual history.

• Check for any fertility-related concerns.

• Explain the egg freezing procedure, success rates, and price.

• Address your doubts about a future pregnancy.

Tests performed include:

• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test to evaluate ovarian reserve.

• Antral follicle count (AFC) through ultrasound.

• Basic blood tests to check hormone levels.

“This first step is important,” says Dr. Neha Shriya, infertility specialist, Miracles Fertility & IVF Clinic, Gurgaon. “Intial consultation and tests help us understand each woman’s unique fertility profile and create a plan tailored to her body. The right assessment at the start sets the foundation for successful egg freezing.”

This initial phase helps create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your body.

2. Week 2nd: Treatment Planning and Cycle Preparation

Once your test results are reviewed, the fertility specialist maps out your stimulation protocol. The doctor also decides:

• Required hormone dosage

• Length of stimulation

• Number of clinic visits

• Expected number of eggs that can be retrieved

At this point, you also receive guidance on:

• Medication schedule

• Lifestyle modifications

• What to expect physically and emotionally

3. Week 3–4: Ovarian Stimulation

This is the most active stage of the egg freezing timeline. You begin taking hormonal injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.

What to Expect During This Phase:

• Daily hormone injections (usually painless)

• Ultrasound scans every 2–3 days

• Blood tests to track estrogen levels

• Occasional dose adjustments for best results

Symptoms you may experience:

• Mild bloating

• Breast tenderness

• Slight mood changes

• Lower abdominal heaviness

This step typically lasts 10–12 days, depending on how quickly your follicles grow.

5. Week 5th: Trigger Shot and Egg Retrieval

Trigger Shot

When your follicles reach the ideal size (usually 18–20 mm), your doctor will schedule a trigger shot. This injection matures your eggs for retrieval and is timed precisely 34–36 hours before the procedure.

Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval is a short, outpatient procedure that takes 15–20 minutes under light sedation. A thin needle collects eggs from each follicle. Most women recover within 24 hours and experience only mild cramps or spotting.

How It Works:

• A thin needle is inserted via the vaginal wall

• Follicles are aspirated

• Eggs are collected from each follicle

• You wake up shortly after the procedure

Recovery:

Most women restart normal activities within 24 hours. Some may experience mild cramps or spotting, which is normal.

6. Week 6th (Same Day): Egg Freezing (Vitrification)

After retrieval, your embryologist selects mature, healthy eggs for freezing. Using vitrification, the eggs are rapidly frozen to prevent ice crystal formation and maintain quality.

Number of eggs frozen:

• Women under 35: 10–15 eggs is typical

• Women over 35: May require more cycles to achieve a sufficient egg count

Your specialist will discuss how many eggs you should freeze based on your age and fertility goals.

7. Week 7th and Beyond: Storage and Follow-Up

Frozen eggs are stored in cryogenic tanks at ultra-low temperatures. They can remain preserved for 5, 10, or even 20+ years without losing quality.

During this stage, you can decide:

• When to use your eggs

• Whether to extend storage

• Whether to attempt pregnancy using IVF/ICSI in the future

• Follow-up appointments may include routine checks, especially if you plan multiple cycles.

Factors That Can Affect the Egg Freezing Timeline

Several things can change your egg freezing schedule, including:

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Low ovarian reserve

• High BMI

• Medical conditions requiring additional tests

• Previous fertility treatments

• Work or travel plans

Your specialist will adjust the protocol accordingly.

Conclusion:

Egg freezing is more than a medical procedure. It is a very powerful choice that gives women greater control over their fertility and future. Understanding the egg freezing process timeline helps you make a confident, informed decision that aligns with your personal and professional goals. If you are thinking about preserving your fertility, consult with an experienced infertility specialist near you for guidance on the process with compassion and expertise.