Treatment Overview
Oocyte Cryopreservation, commonly known as egg freezing, is a modern reproductive technology that allows women to preserve their eggs for future use. In Korea, this procedure has become an essential part of fertility management for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who may face challenges with irregular ovulation or hormonal imbalances. By retrieving and freezing healthy eggs at an optimal reproductive age, women with PCOS can secure their fertility potential and plan for future conception.
Korean fertility centers are equipped with advanced cryopreservation systems, expert embryologists, and highly skilled fertility specialists. These facilities use state-of-the-art vitrification techniques that ensure high survival rates of frozen eggs after thawing, giving women with PCOS improved reproductive flexibility and better chances of pregnancy in the future.
Purpose & Benefits
The main purpose of Oocyte Cryopreservation is to preserve a woman’s reproductive potential by freezing eggs during her most fertile years for later use. For women with PCOS, this procedure offers both fertility preservation and hormonal health management.
Key benefits include:
- Preservation of high-quality eggs before age-related decline
- Option to delay pregnancy while managing PCOS symptoms
- Improved outcomes for future IVF cycles using preserved eggs
- Prevention of excessive egg loss from ovarian stimulation or metabolic stress
- Reduced anxiety related to declining fertility or recurrent treatment cycles
- Flexibility for women undergoing lifestyle, career, or medical adjustments before pregnancy
In Korea, Oocyte Cryopreservation provides an excellent opportunity for women with PCOS to take control of their reproductive timeline while benefiting from precision medical care.
Ideal Candidates
Oocyte Cryopreservation is recommended for:
- Women with PCOS who want to preserve their fertility for future use
- Patients experiencing irregular ovulation or hormonal instability
- Women planning to delay pregnancy for personal, health, or professional reasons
- Patients preparing for medical treatments (e.g., surgery or chemotherapy) that may affect fertility
- Women undergoing fertility treatments who wish to secure eggs for multiple IVF cycles
For PCOS patients, egg freezing is especially beneficial because it allows retrieval during controlled ovarian stimulation, preventing over-response and optimizing egg quality.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although egg freezing is a safe and minimally invasive procedure, potential risks include:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) from fertility medications, particularly in PCOS patients
- Temporary bloating or abdominal discomfort after egg retrieval
- Mild bleeding or infection at the needle insertion site
- Psychological or emotional stress related to treatment cycles
- Rare cases of ovarian torsion or anesthetic complications
Korean fertility centers minimize these risks through gentle stimulation protocols, advanced monitoring, and expert post-procedure care.
Techniques & Methods Used
Oocyte Cryopreservation in Korea combines advanced laboratory techniques and precision medical monitoring.
Procedural steps include:
- Ovarian Stimulation:
Low-dose gonadotropin injections are used to stimulate egg production under strict hormonal monitoring, preventing excessive ovarian response common in PCOS patients. - Egg Retrieval:
Mature eggs are collected using a fine needle guided by ultrasound under mild anesthesia. The procedure takes about 15–20 minutes and is minimally invasive. - Egg Evaluation:
Retrieved oocytes are assessed for maturity and quality by embryologists before freezing. - Vitrification (Rapid Freezing):
Eggs are flash-frozen using high-speed vitrification technology to prevent ice crystal formation, ensuring excellent post-thaw survival rates. - Storage:
Frozen eggs are stored in specialized cryogenic tanks at -196°C until the patient decides to use them for fertilization and embryo transfer.
Korea’s fertility laboratories are internationally recognized for their use of precision vitrification methods, ensuring optimal preservation of egg viability and function.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery after egg retrieval is usually quick and well-tolerated.
Post-procedure aftercare includes:
- Rest for 24 hours following egg retrieval to allow the body to recover
- Hydration and light meals to relieve bloating or mild discomfort
- Avoidance of strenuous activities for 2–3 days
- Regular follow-up to monitor ovarian recovery and hormone stabilization
- Ongoing management of PCOS symptoms through medication or lifestyle therapy
Korean fertility clinics provide comprehensive aftercare support, including hormonal regulation and reproductive counseling to ensure long-term wellness and fertility success.
Results & Longevity
Oocyte Cryopreservation delivers highly reliable results when performed in top Korean fertility centers using advanced vitrification techniques.
Expected outcomes include:
- High egg survival rates after thawing (over 90% in most cases)
- Excellent fertilization and pregnancy success using frozen eggs
- Retention of egg quality for several years or even decades under proper storage conditions
- Improved IVF success rates for PCOS patients using their frozen eggs later in life
- Long-term fertility preservation that allows family planning flexibility
Korea’s world-class embryology technology and precise laboratory management ensure that egg freezing remains one of the most effective fertility preservation options available.
Treatment Process in Korea
The treatment process for Oocyte Cryopreservation in Korea is streamlined and personalized for each patient.
- Initial Consultation & Evaluation:
Detailed reproductive assessment, including hormone testing (AMH, FSH, LH) and ovarian ultrasound to determine egg quality and quantity. - Ovarian Stimulation:
Low-dose, patient-specific protocols are administered for 8–12 days to promote follicle growth while preventing overstimulation. - Monitoring & Egg Retrieval:
Regular ultrasounds and hormone tests ensure precise timing for egg retrieval under mild anesthesia. - Vitrification & Storage:
Mature eggs are rapidly frozen using advanced cryotechnology and safely stored in cryogenic facilities. - Post-Procedure Support:
Hormonal balance and PCOS management continue after the procedure to ensure optimal reproductive health.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
Korea is a global leader in fertility preservation and reproductive medicine due to its integration of cutting-edge science, patient-centered care, and regulatory excellence.
Key advantages include:
- Advanced vitrification techniques ensuring exceptional egg survival rates
- Highly skilled reproductive endocrinologists and embryologists
- Customized stimulation protocols for PCOS patients to prevent OHSS
- Comprehensive fertility preservation packages for international patients
- Affordable pricing compared to Western countries without compromising medical quality
Korea’s combination of precision medicine, compassionate care, and world-class reproductive technology makes it a premier destination for women seeking to preserve their fertility.
Cost Range
The cost of Oocyte Cryopreservation in Korea varies depending on the clinic, number of eggs retrieved, and duration of storage.
Typical costs include:
- Initial consultation and fertility evaluation: ₩200,000–₩500,000
- Ovarian stimulation and medications: ₩1,000,000–₩2,000,000
- Egg retrieval procedure: ₩2,000,000–₩4,000,000
- Vitrification and cryostorage fees: ₩1,000,000–₩2,000,000
- Annual storage fee: ₩300,000–₩600,000
Total cost per cycle generally ranges from ₩4,000,000 to ₩8,000,000, depending on treatment complexity and number of eggs stored.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center, Seoul: Renowned for its expertise in egg freezing and IVF technologies.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Offers comprehensive PCOS and fertility preservation programs.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Known for its high-quality cryopreservation success rates and modern lab systems.
- Ewha Womans University Medical Center: Provides advanced reproductive endocrinology and fertility preservation care.
- Banobagi Women’s Clinic: Specializes in personalized fertility treatment and egg freezing for women with hormonal imbalances.
- Asan Medical Center Fertility Department: A leading research hospital with cutting-edge reproductive technology.
