Treatment Overview
Oocyte Cryopreservation, commonly known as egg freezing, is a cutting-edge fertility preservation procedure that allows women to preserve their eggs for future use. In this process, mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, frozen using a rapid cooling technique called vitrification, and stored safely in cryogenic tanks for years without deterioration.
In Korea, this treatment has gained significant popularity among women seeking to delay childbearing or safeguard fertility before medical treatments that could affect reproductive health. Korean fertility clinics use advanced laboratory technologies, strict quality control, and world-class cryostorage systems to ensure exceptional egg survival and fertilization rates after thawing.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of oocyte cryopreservation is to preserve fertility potential by freezing eggs at a younger, healthier age for future pregnancy.
Key benefits include:
- Fertility preservation before aging or medical treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, surgery).
- Empowerment and reproductive flexibility for women who wish to delay motherhood.
- High survival and success rates with modern vitrification techniques.
- Opportunity for genetic parenthood in the future, even if ovarian function declines.
- Convenient and non-invasive storage for many years with minimal maintenance.
Korea is one of the few countries offering integrated fertility preservation programs, combining medical excellence, ethical governance, and advanced biobank systems.
Ideal Candidates
Oocyte Cryopreservation is suitable for:
- Women in their 20s to early 30s who wish to delay childbearing.
- Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Women with family history of premature menopause or low ovarian reserve.
- Patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatments (IVF) with extra eggs available for freezing.
- Single women who want to secure reproductive options for the future.
The earlier a woman freezes her eggs, the higher the success rate — eggs frozen before age 35 typically have the best outcomes.
Possible Risks & Complications
Egg freezing is a safe and routine procedure in Korea. However, some minimal risks include:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) due to fertility medication (rare).
- Minor discomfort or bloating during stimulation and egg retrieval.
- Bleeding or infection (extremely uncommon).
- Emotional stress if multiple cycles are required to achieve an adequate egg count.
Korean clinics employ precise hormone management and ultrasound-guided retrieval techniques to minimize discomfort and avoid complications.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korea’s fertility clinics are among the most technologically advanced in the world. Common techniques include:
- Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS): Mild hormonal stimulation to mature multiple eggs.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound-Guided Retrieval: A short, minimally invasive procedure performed under light sedation.
- Vitrification (Ultra-Rapid Freezing): Prevents ice crystal formation, preserving the egg’s cellular integrity.
- Cryogenic Storage: Eggs stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, ensuring long-term viability.
- Thawing & Fertilization (ICSI): When the woman decides to conceive, eggs are thawed and fertilized through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection for maximum success.
Korea’s use of AI-based lab systems, real-time monitoring, and ISO-certified biobanks ensures unmatched precision and safety.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery after egg retrieval is minimal. Most patients can return to daily activities within 24 hours.
Aftercare includes:
- Short-term rest to reduce bloating or mild discomfort.
- Avoiding intense physical activity for a few days.
- Follow-up ultrasound and hormone testing.
- Consultation on long-term egg storage and future use.
Korean fertility centers also offer fertility counseling, nutrition advice, and stress management programs as part of holistic aftercare.
Results & Longevity
Thanks to advanced vitrification, the egg survival rate after thawing exceeds 90–95% in top Korean clinics. The fertilization and pregnancy rates from frozen eggs are comparable to those achieved with fresh eggs.
Frozen eggs can remain viable for 10–15 years or longer without quality loss. The ultimate success depends on the patient’s age at freezing — eggs frozen before age 35 show the highest live birth rates.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea’s oocyte cryopreservation programs follow a structured, patient-friendly process:
- Initial Consultation & Ovarian Assessment – Evaluation through ultrasound and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) testing.
- Ovarian Stimulation – Hormonal injections to mature multiple eggs over 10–12 days.
- Egg Retrieval – Performed via ultrasound-guided aspiration under sedation.
- Vitrification (Freezing) – Mature eggs are frozen instantly at subzero temperatures.
- Cryostorage – Eggs are safely stored in high-security biobanks for long-term preservation.
- Future Use (Thawing & IVF) – When desired, eggs are thawed, fertilized, and transferred to the uterus.
Korean fertility centers are globally known for precision timing, AI-integrated hormonal tracking, and patient-tailored stimulation protocols, making the process both efficient and comfortable.
Cost Range
The cost of oocyte cryopreservation in Korea varies depending on the clinic, number of eggs, and medication used.
- One Egg Freezing Cycle: USD 2,500 – 5,000
- Annual Storage Fee: USD 300 – 600 per year
- Package Plans: Some clinics offer multi-cycle or long-term storage packages for international patients.
Despite offering premium medical quality, Korea remains more cost-effective than many Western countries, making it a popular fertility destination.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is considered one of the global leaders in fertility preservation for the following reasons:
- Advanced cryopreservation technology and world-class lab facilities.
- High survival and fertilization success rates using vitrified eggs.
- International patient programs with multilingual coordinators.
- Ethical and transparent medical regulation ensuring patient privacy and safety.
- Comprehensive fertility packages for women seeking medical or elective egg freezing.
Korea’s medical infrastructure and patient-centered approach make it a trusted choice for women from Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Popular Clinics
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul) – Global leader in egg banking and cryopreservation, offering advanced vitrification and AI monitoring systems.
- Maria Fertility Hospital – Pioneering center for fertility preservation with extensive donor and biobank programs.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital – Specializes in women’s reproductive health, IVF, and fertility preservation for international patients.
- GynART Fertility Clinic – Known for personalized egg freezing programs and innovative hormone mapping systems.
- Seoul National University Hospital – Reproductive Medicine Department – Combines academic research with advanced clinical fertility preservation.
