now reading:

First Steps to Freezing Your Eggs

share post:

back to top 

Follow along my journey as I embark on an egg freezing journey. Freezing your eggs will increase your chances of getting pregnant at an older age. #EggFreezing #TheDimpleLife #FertilityJourney

Relationships

First Steps to Freezing Your Eggs

September 3, 2019

by: Rachel Rhee

I’m so excited to be freezing my eggs! What a funny thing to be announcing but it’s a big deal for me for a couple of reasons: 1) I’ve been wanting to do this for years but never really prioritized it and 2) Talking about fertility and bringing more awareness to it is so important to me.

So why now? After I was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year, I took a look at what was in my life and what I really needed in it. It wasn’t a closet full of clothes, it wasn’t a fancy car. Everyone has different priorities but for me, I always knew I needed kids in my life.

Most aspects of my life have been fluid and ever-changing but ever since I can remember, I knew that I wanted to have children. However, just because I want them does not mean that I can have them right this very moment. I went through my list of options, adopting, trying naturally – and both don’t currently align with my life structure. So freezing my eggs, for me, seemed to be the natural fit.

I look at freezing my eggs as essentially freezing time. So if in 5 years, I’m in a situation in life where I am ready to have children but am unable to get pregnant naturally, I can try using my “younger” eggs that I’ve frozen at this time in my life.

I wanted to dive into some basics around egg freezing. I’m not a medical professional but I do know some basics especially after talking with my medial team at CCRM and I wanted to share these with you.

Why is freezing your eggs important?

As we age, we have a natural decline in our eggs; therefore, our fertility.

Women are born with as many eggs as we’ll ever have in life.

So when we’re born, we have as many as 1,000,000-2,000,000 eggs. Then, once we hit puberty that number can go to around 300,000 eggs. And from there, each month we gradually lose eggs. The graph below gives you a sense of how likely it is to actually get pregnant as we age – for a “healthy” woman.

 

For me personally as my X axis was inching closer to the right, I decided to reach out to CCRM – Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine to begin this part of my journey.

What happens at your first visits?

The first step that you take when going into the CCRM office in Lone Tree, Colorado, is you get a consultation with the doctor. I happen to be seeing Dr. William Schoolcraft who is actually a founder of CCRM! Here, the doctor will talk to you about your options, what to expect in the process, and make sure this is the path you want to go down.

I had the option to think about it but I know this is what I want so I chose to get my ultrasound and lab work done during this same visit.

The CCRM location in Lone Tree is really large; however, the systems they’ve got in place there don’t make you feel aimless. I felt so taken care of which, for me, is so important when choosing a doctor who is going to be a part of such a personal part of my journey. Once you check in and see the doctor, you are assigned a primary nurse who will be your main point of contact. This nurse will walk you through the whole process again except in more detail. She’ll let you know exactly what is coming up for you. Plus it’s her chance to ask you some questions about your medical history and your cycle. A medical first date, if you will, to get to know some basics.

After you see the nurse, you’re then either taken to do blood work or get an ultrasound done.

There are 3 important steps to the “initial” phase. What’s important to note is that while these tests can test for potential quantity they cannot test for the quality of your eggs.

First: Checking your AMH levels

What is AMH?

AMH stands for Anti-Mullerian hormone. It’s a hormone that is produced in the ovaries by tiny early-stage follicles as they grow to a stage where they can potentially produce eggs for ovulation. AMH levels can provide an estimate of whether or not there is still a significant number of growing follicles.

It is the most sensitive marker for ovarian reserve and does not fluctuate significantly during or between your menstrual cycle.

Second: Hormone testing for FSH, LH, E3 levels

These hormones must be timed with day 2 or day 3 of your menstrual cycle, as the levels can fluctuate between cycles. These are blood tests to check your ovarian reserve. In other words, checking your fertility level.

Third: Baseline ultrasound

The movies suggest all ultrasounds are done by putting jelly on your belly. Nope! Not this one! Haha it’s a transvaginal ultrasound where a probe is inserted into your vagina so that the ultrasound technician can see your uterus, ovaries, and count how many follicles you have. It’s perhaps a little uncomfortable but generally painless and over in a few minutes, so don’t worry.

Immediately after the ultrasound, you can ask the technician how many follicles were seen and if there was anything abnormal. For me, I had 17 follicles and fortunately nothing came up that was alarming. That follicle count is apparently normal for someone in their mid 30s.


Once the doctor has all of this information, he is able to provide you a protocol that is specific for you. A protocol is essentially the step-by-step guide to how to proceed further in terms of how much and what medication.

Freezing your eggs will increase your chances of getting pregnant at an older age. Here is what to expect #EggFreezing #TheDimpleLife #FertilityJourney

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I'm looking for support with:

explore the blog

More on the Blog

I'm looking for support with:

self growth

career + finance

food

movement

home

beauty

relationships

do good

How to give back and do good for society. Image of canned goods and donated goods.

Life can be complicated but some things just aren’t. If someone is in need, you help. With so many organizations, causes, and those that need assistance – how do you navigate which causes to be a part of or give back to? Here are some tips on how to identify where and how you can start […]

5 simple sustainable living habits for beginners that you can implement today.
It is hard to know where to begin with volunteer work. Here are a few resources that can help you find the cause that is right for you. #Volunteerism #Volunteer #SocialImpact #NonProfitOrganization
Some life lessons to know about relationships as you become an adult.

If you are an adult dealing with relationships then you already know how hard they can be. However, you will also know how rewarding they are. You potentially get to spend the rest of your life with the one person you love. Getting married, having children, and buying your own place are some of the […]

It can be daunting to make friends as an adult with limited outlets the older you get. But that doesn't mean it's not possible. It takes getting out of your comfort zone and knowing where to look but know that it is possible with the following tips. #Friendships #Relationship #MentalWellness #MentalWellbeing #TheDimpleLife

It can be really daunting to make friends as an adult. As you grow into adulthood, it seems like there’s more opportunity to create relationships with your classmates in school, with your coworkers at work, and through various social settings. As you fully step into adulthood and enter different phases of your life though those […]

Why teaching 'family first' doesn't work all the time. #FamilyRelationships #HealthyRelationships #Boundaries #TheDimpleLife

Ever since I was in elementary school, I can remember a school project where I presented that the most important motto to me is “Family First”. This thinking was engrained into my upbringing from a very early age. On surface level, it’s quite beautiful. Family truly will always mean so much to me. However, at […]

How to moisturize and revitalize dry, winter skin. Here is an image of a young Asian woman applying moisturizer cream to her face.

In the cold winter months coming, your skin takes a major hit in how youthful and moisturized it looks and feels. Your skin, which is the largest organ of your body, needs consistent care throughout all the seasons of the year. Of course if you have access to steam treatments, that is one way to […]

This post is about our top 7 day spas in Vancouver.

From traditional Thai wellness to luxurious treatments inspired by the Far East, Vancouver offers a diverse array of spa experiences that cater to every relaxation seeker. In our face-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of a day which can lead you to neglecting the one person who truly deserves a […]

Luxurious and voluminous hair is possible in colder months!

Winter is just around the corner and the cold months ahead mean chunky sweaters, snowfall, and quality time spent wrapped up in a blanket by the fireplace with your loved ones. However, as you revel in the winter activities and embrace the cozy change in weather, your hair might not share the same enthusiasm. The […]

Home moving tips that will relieve you from stress during a transitionary time.

When you move you are leaving behind memories as well as allowing yourself to move forward and make new memories. There is a lot to organize and plan to make sure it’s done without a hitch, therefore, it pays off to be organized and have a plan. If you are moving soon, you will want […]

This post is about a Holiday Gift Guide for the Tech Nerds.

The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for the tech enthusiast in your life, look no further! In this comprehensive holiday gift guide, we’ve curated a selection of cutting-edge gadgets and accessories that will delight even the most discerning tech nerds. From innovative smart devices to gaming […]

Learn simple tips on how to host a successful holiday dinner party.

The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, laughter, and, of course, delicious meals shared with loved ones. Hosting a holiday dinner party can be a joyous experience, offering you the opportunity to create lasting memories and share your love for food and company. However, orchestrating such an event can be overwhelming without proper planning and […]

Every day tips on how to strengthen your core muscles for better health.

We all know, working out is a must to staying healthy but when people think about “working out” they think about more intensive, hour-long exercise classes. It’s time to dismantle some of our beliefs around exercise though. You don’t have to go to a workout class, you don’t have to dedicate a certain amount of […]

This post is about releasing your stress at these yoga studios in Vancouver.

Yoga, with its profound emphasis on mental and physical well-being, serves as a sanctuary for many. Fortunately, Vancouver boasts a myriad of yoga studios that not only provide a tranquil escape from the chaos but also offer unique amenities and specialized practices tailored to cater to various needs. Let’s explore some of the best yoga […]

This post is about 7 products you need for a stress free travel.

Traveling can be an exhilarating and transformative experience for fun, adventure, and opportunities to grow. It allows us to explore new places, cultures, and cuisines. However, amidst the excitement, the journey itself can sometimes become overwhelming, especially if you’re not adequately prepared. The best thing we have realized through travel is if you have a […]

Kitchen tips for cooking beginners

Not everyone is a natural in the kitchen. Some people have their skills in other areas, but just because you don’t naturally have an affinity for cooking doesn’t mean you can’t learn – and ultimately be great in the kitchen! Like with most other things you try, the beginning can be tough but the most […]

This post is about healthy food spots in Vancouver.

Vancouver boasts a plethora of dining options that cater to those with a passion for nutritious meals. Let’s explore five standout healthy spots in Vancouver where you can savor fresh, locally sourced ingredients and nourish your body. Read on to discover a few of Vancouver’s healthy food spots to hit up! The Chopped Leaf Our […]

This post is about our favorite cafes in Vancouver to get work done at.

Vancouver boasts a vibrant cafe culture, offering a plethora of options for those seeking a productive environment to work or conduct business meetings. While the city is filled with cafes, finding the perfect balance between a peaceful atmosphere and good tasting espresso can be a challenge. With mid-term exams fast approaching and business meetings always […]

Tips on how to manage your time with the pomodoro technique

In a time when “hustle culture” is glamorized and work ethic is praised above all else, taking breaks to increase productivity can seem counter-intuitive. Pacing out your day to create dedicated moments of work and rest can greatly enhance your work experience. It also enhances motivation, creativity, and strategic thinking. The Pomodoro Technique allows you […]

Overhead shot of female entrepreneur working on her computer.

If you have the desire in becoming an entrepreneur and starting your own business journey, there are so many steps or reminders you need to keep things running smoothly, especially in the beginning stages. There will always be so much to do and if you are used to being a specialist in one area of […]

This is for a guide on tech accessories that free up your time. The picture is of a person holding a coffee mug at a computer.

With a world as fast-paced as ours, one of the best ways to maximize your time is by using technology so you can focus on the things that matter most. Virtual outsourcing through tech accessories and apps can help you get your work done faster so you can prioritize your relationships with loved ones and […]

This is for a guide on how to disconnect and recharge in December. The image is a person holding a coffee mug with a cozy blanket.

A woman holding up flowers to the sky. Learn how to get into touch with yourself

Sometimes when our energy is so outwardly expended, it can be very easy to quickly lose touch with ourselves. Especially when it comes to the holiday seasons, it’s important to find time to take a “time out” and look inward into where we can find slow moments to grow. When we take a moment to […]

This post is about Vancouver's top 5 activities and destinations to de-stress.

Amidst the face-paced culture we live in, finding effective ways to unwind and destress isn’t just a luxury but a necessity. Let’s dive into Vancouver’s top 5 activities and destinations that not only provide a break from the daily grind but also play a pivotal role in promoting mental and physical well-being. Sabai Thai Spa […]

© 2023 3R Media. All Rights Reserved  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms & Conditions

Site by Sunday Stories

© 2023 3R Media. All rights reserved.
Read our Privacy Policy & Terms & ConDitions