Egg Freezing

The Modern Choice for Fertility Control

What is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing is an advanced fertility preservation method that responds to the modern needs of women. Whether it concerns women who wish to delay motherhood for social or professional reasons, or those facing medical challenges, egg freezing offers a promising solution.

Through this process, a woman can effectively “pause” her biological clock, preserving her ability to have a child at a later stage when she feels ready or when her health allows it. It is like donating her own eggs to her future self, ensuring higher chances of success in a future IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment. This option combines scientific advancement with personal freedom, empowering women to take control of their reproductive planning.

The Egg Freezing Process Step-by-Step

Egg freezing is a process that lasts approximately 10–14 days, combining scientific precision with absolute safety. It is designed for women who wish to preserve their fertility in a modern and controlled way.

Step 1First appointment and testing

During the first visit, the doctor takes the medical history, performs an ultrasound scan, and orders hormone tests (FSH, LH, E2, AMH, prolactin, thyroid hormones). A legally required screening for infectious diseases is also performed (HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis).

Step 2Personalized stimulation protocol

Based on the test results, the doctor designs a personalized ovarian stimulation plan, fully tailored to the woman’s profile. Before beginning, a notarial consent form for egg freezing is signed.

Step 3 Hormonal treatment & monitoring

The woman receives injectable medications administered daily, almost painlessly in the abdomen. Treatment usually begins on the 2nd day of the cycle, following ultrasound and hormone testing. Throughout treatment, follicle development is closely monitored via ultrasounds and blood tests.

Step 4 Egg maturation and retrieval

Once it is confirmed that the ovarian follicles have developed adequately, a final trigger injection (hCG or GnRH agonist, e.g. Ovitrelle / Arvekap) is administered to induce final egg maturation. Approximately 35–36 hours later, egg retrieval is performed under mild sedation and ultrasound guidance. The procedure typically lasts around 15–30 minutes.

Step 5 Egg freezing via vitrification

The mature eggs are immediately frozen using the vitrification method. This is an ultra-rapid freezing technique that turns the egg into a solid form without ice crystal formation, preserving cellular membranes and future viability.

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When to Choose the Egg Freezing Method

Egg freezing is a strategic choice for women who want to preserve their fertility with reliability and perspective. Here's when it may be the right choice:

When there is a medical history that affects fertility

In cases of medical conditions such as sickle cell anemia or autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus), fertility may decline over time. Egg freezing helps preserve high-quality eggs before a potential deterioration in reproductive function occurs.
In patients with endometriosis: It is well established that endometriosis negatively affects the ovarian reserve. For this reason, egg freezing is now recommended soon after diagnosis to help safeguard future fertility.

Before starting treatments that damage fertility

If you are about to undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments that may affect the ovaries, egg freezing offers a second chance at motherhood. The procedure is carried out before the start of treatment, ensuring the possibility of having children in the future using your own genetic material.
Egg freezing is also recommended if you are planning to undergo surgery for the treatment of endometriosis, as surgical intervention may impact ovarian reserve and fertility.

If undergoing IVF and prefer egg freezing over embryo freezing

Some women, for ethical or religious reasons, do not wish to freeze embryos. In such cases, egg freezing offers an alternative with high success rates.

When you want to preserve younger eggs for future use

Freezing eggs at a more fertile age increases chances of a successful pregnancy later. It's an ideal choice for women wishing to delay motherhood without compromising egg quality.

When you want a child with a partner or donor in the future

Frozen eggs can later be fertilized with a partner’s or donor’s sperm. It gives women the ability to choose when and with whom to start a family.

When you want technological safety and proven results

Today, advanced technology enables egg cryopreservation with post-thaw survival rates reaching 80–90%. Success rates using frozen eggs are comparable to those achieved with fresh eggs, with hundreds of births worldwide already confirming the effectiveness of this method.

Egg Freezing Success Rates: What Are Your Real Chances?

The question that concerns most women before choosing egg freezing is simple: “What are the real chances of success?” It is important to clarify that the logic “10 eggs equal 10 future babies” does not apply. The journey from egg freezing to pregnancy involves multiple stages, and at each stage there is a degree of loss.

For this reason, success cannot be guaranteed, but statistically, success rates remain high when the process is performed under optimal conditions.

From freezing to thawing: the first set of odds

Eggs are highly sensitive cells and must survive both the freezing and thawing processes. The survival rate is around 90%, proving significant advancements in the method over recent years. However, this is only the first step.

Joyful mother holds newborn after successful egg freezing in Greece, celebrating the outcome of modern fertility treatment.

Fertilization and embryo development

The next stage is fertilization using sperm, either from a partner or a donor. Here, successful fertilization rates reach about 75%. But even then, the embryo must develop properly to be suitable for uterine transfer. Each step is critical on the road to pregnancy.

Newborn’s hands on soft blanket symbolize hope after egg freezing in Greece, a gentle outcome of modern fertility science.

Successful pregnancy after implantation

Once the embryo is transferred to the uterus, success rates range between 30% and 60%, depending on the age at which the eggs were frozen. The younger the age, the higher the chance of success. Age is a decisive factor in egg quality.

Cupped hands represent the careful handling of frozen eggs in Greece, reflecting the clinic’s dedication to IVF care.

The “golden” number of eggs for better chances

Success is ultimately a “numbers game.” The more eggs that are frozen, the higher the likelihood of a resulting pregnancy. For a woman aged 30–37, collecting 15 eggs may yield 11–12 of good quality. If the goal is future pregnancy with realistic success rates, freezing at least 8–15 eggs is recommended, especially around age 30.

Gentle handhold symbolizes emotional support during egg freezing in Greece, offering comfort for women planning future parenthood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Freezing

Do I need to have a partner to freeze my eggs?

No. Having a partner or spouse is not a requirement for egg freezing, as the eggs are frozen in an unfertilized state. The decision can be entirely personal and independent of relationships or family plans, giving women freedom of choice for the future.

How many eggs do I need to freeze for a good chance at pregnancy?

Age and egg quantity play a crucial role in success rates. The younger the age at freezing and the greater the number of eggs, the higher the chances. For example, with 20 frozen eggs, the chance of having a child can reach up to 90%, while with 12 eggs it's around 60%. Your doctor will guide you individually based on your specific profile.

What happens when I want to use my eggs?

When you’re ready for pregnancy, the eggs are thawed and fertilized using the ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) method. The embryo is then cultured in the lab to the blastocyst stage and transferred to the uterus. Embryo transfer can take place during a natural cycle or with medication to prepare the endometrium. The pregnancy test is done about 10 days later.

What are the success rates of egg freezing?

With modern vitrification techniques, frozen eggs show survival rates over 80% post-thaw and success rates comparable to fresh eggs. Large studies show pregnancy rates per embryo transfer ranging from 45% to 53%. Still, no stage is guaranteed – egg and sperm quality, as well as age, remain critical factors.

How long can eggs remain frozen?

In Greece, according to current legislation, eggs can be stored in liquid nitrogen for up to 20 years, providing women with greater flexibility and control over their family planning.

Why freeze eggs if I'm not sure I’ll use them?

Egg freezing is a preventative measure, safeguarding reproductive potential. Even if they’re never used, it provides peace of mind and freedom of choice. Many women freeze their eggs but conceive naturally — the important thing is they had an option. If pregnancy doesn’t occur naturally, those eggs may become the solution that makes the difference.

Our Doctors

In an era where fertility requires knowledge, care, and substantial guidance, FertUlity is not an impersonal clinic. It is two people who look you in the eye and accompany you step by step on the journey you dream of.

Dr. Chrysostomos (Makis) Papadopoulos Obstetrician – Gynecologist, MD, PhDc, MIC I

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Dr. Chrysostomos Papadopoulos - Specialist in Infertility, Endocrinology & Menopause in Athens

Dr. Maria Oikonomou Obstetrician – Gynecologist

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The First Step Starts Now

You don’t need to have all the answers to begin.
All it takes is one first step, and a team that truly listens.

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FertulityThrough the Words of our Parents

100% genuine, public Google reviews.
Because every fertility journey begins with honesty and trust.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 12 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Μαρια 
 26 days ago
 
 
  The word "thank you" to Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is too small to describe the gratitude we feel for this man. I am pregnant after IVF, having succeeded on the first attempt, and we owe this exclusively to our doctor. First Contact & Communication: From the very first contact, he won us over with his kindness, enthusiasm and willingness to dedicate as much time as we needed. Willing to explain everything in every detail, he solved every question we had in depth — not even a professor to students would analyze them with such patience and contagiousness! Scientific Training: He is an excellent scientist, with deep knowledge of the subject, a perfectionist and focused professional who leaves absolutely nothing to chance. He designed the right treatment for us, solving every problem down to the last detail, making us feel that whatever problem arises, it is certain that it will be solved. HUMANITY & SUPPORT: The most important thing, however, is his humanity. Communication with him was Immediate and he always had as much time as you needed on the phone to solve every question. He showed a deep, real interest, embracing us not just as a doctor, but as if he were our brother. We highly recommend him to every couple starting this journey. He deserves blind trust! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the greatest miracle of our lives!

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   Alexandra 
 52 days ago
 
 
  I don't often write reviews, but I feel that Mr. Makis truly deserves it. From the very first moment, he made me feel safe and confident. He listened carefully to what was on my mind, answered every question I had, and explained everything in a simple way, always based on scientific data. Many times, he even sent me relevant scientific studies so that I could better understand why he was suggesting a particular approach. But what stood out to me the most was that he didn't stop at the appointment. He followed up, was genuinely interested in my progress, and was available when I needed him. This is something you rarely encounter. Fortunately, he returned to Greece. He is one of the few doctors who, beyond their knowledge, remain above all human beings. He makes you feel like he sees you as a person and not as just another incident.

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   Matina 
 69 days ago
 
 
  A big thank you to Dr. Makis Papadopoulos who supported us from day one, who checked every little detail, who explained to us every move-step, every test, every medication for the reason we were doing it and what we would achieve. With incredible experience, knowledge, a lot of patience (because we had two other failed attempts with another doctor) and trust, within 8 months he adapted the protocols for our case and we achieved the positive result and we hold in our arms a priceless diamond. Above all, a rare person, calm and always available to listen to our concerns and reassure us. I highly recommend him!

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   Eva 
 93 days ago
 
 
  Thanks to Dr Makis Papadopoulos, I am now holding my two beautiful babies in my arms! He is a true expert. Professional with a human centric approach, friendly and empathetic, always available to answer our (many many) questions. I trust Dr Makis blindly and, honestly, I cannot recommend him enough!
  
 
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   Ivy 
 100 days ago
 
 
  My experience with Dr. Makis took me from a clinical stagnation to an incredible breakthrough, highly recommend Dr. Makis! Navigating the exhausting world of IVF, you know how devastating it is to watch your protocol dosages go up while your results go down. After three intense, high-dosage cycles with a previous clinic, I was left feeling incredibly discouraged. Despite escalating medications and growth hormones, my blastocyst yield was dwindling, culminating in a heartbreaking round with zero blastocysts. I knew I needed a doctor who didn't just follow a standard script, but who truly understood the nuances of egg quality and customized protocols. That is when I found Dr. Makis. Dr. Makis completely revolutionized my treatment plan. Instead of just pushing maximum dosages, he took a highly strategic, tailored approach. The result? Quality over pure protocol size. While my previous doctors kept increasing the medication dosages (which yielded fewer or zero blastocysts), Dr. Makis completely changed the strategy. He lowered the heavy stimulation, introduced smart egg-quality support (like melatonin), changed the protocol style entirely, and achieved a 700% increase in blastocysts compared to my best previous rounds. Beyond the incredible results, Dr. Makis brings a level of expertise, precision, and reassuring care that is rare to find. He looks at you as an individual, not a statistic, and knows exactly how to pivot when traditional routes fail. If you are looking for a specialist who can turn a difficult prognosis into an overwhelming success, look no further than Dr. Makis. I am incredibly grateful for his care.
  
 
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   Olga 
 111 days ago
 
 
  Dr. Makis Papadopoulos was excellent, professional, and very reassuring throughout the entire process. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, we were able to identify the issue early and take the appropriate steps from the beginning. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all our questions with patience, and made us feel comfortable and confident throughout our journey. We truly appreciated his caring approach, professionalism, and dedication. Highly recommended!
  
 
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   Euaggelia 
 122 days ago
 
 
  Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is an excellent scientist and above all a rare person! He is an approachable and smiling doctor, with excellent medical knowledge, who from the first moment I met him made me feel comfortable and trust him completely, answering every question I had with patience and documenting every answer with scientific studies and articles! The most important thing, however, is that Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is always there on the other end of the line to listen to you and reassure you without a trace of haste, a doctor who truly cares and makes you feel like he is your own person! Makis, thank you very much for everything!!! I am very lucky to have met you!

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   Anastasia 
 129 days ago
 
 
  Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is an excellent scientist with a human-centered interest. Our collaboration was excellent from the very beginning and he made me feel confident and secure by explaining every step of the process in great detail. I highly recommend him!

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   Fay 
 131 days ago
 
 
  Dr Makis Papadopoulos is very professional, caring and attentive. Very thorough in explaining the whole process throughout every step. Thank you! Highly recommended!!
  
 
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   Christina 
 134 days ago
 
 
  I would like to share my experience with Dr. Makis Papadopoulos, an outstanding gynecologist and scientist. We first connected in the summer of 2024, while he was based in Germany, through a mutual acquaintance, following a particularly challenging period for us. Prior to meeting him, we had gone through repeated unsuccessful attempts of stimulation and fertilization with other gynecologists. Unfortunately, those approaches relied largely on standardized protocols, without sufficient personalization to address the specific needs of my case. From the very beginning, Dr. Makis stood out for his human-centered approach and his willingness to dedicate time to truly understand our situation in depth. With strong, up-to-date scientific knowledge, he approaches every case holistically, focusing on individualized treatment and adapting protocols to the patient's unique needs. Throughout our collaboration, which now spans approximately two years (with a few breaks on our side), he has consistently been available, supportive, and clear in his guidance. He inspired confidence and helped us stay positive even during difficult phases of the journey. Beyond his scientific expertise, what truly sets him apart is his genuine care for the person behind each case: his empathy, honesty, and continuous effort to achieve the best possible outcome. My husband and I are deeply grateful for his support and guidance, and we now feel ready and optimistic to move forward to the next final stage. We highly recommend him to anyone seeking a gynecologist with true expertise, professionalism, and compassion. I would like to share my experience with Dr. Makis Papadopoulos, an excellent gynecologist and scientist. We met in the summer of 2024, when he was in Germany, through a mutual acquaintance, after a particularly demanding period for us. Before meeting him, we had gone through repeated failed attempts at stimulation and fertilization with other gynecologists. Unfortunately, the approaches that had been followed were mainly based on standardized protocols, without the necessary individualization to the specifics of my case. From the beginning, Dr. Makis stood out for his human approach and his willingness to spend time to understand our case in depth. With modern knowledge and scientific training, he approaches each issue multidimensionally, emphasizing the individualization of treatment and adapting the protocols to the real needs of the patient. During our collaboration, which now spans about two years (with short breaks on our part), he was always available, supportive and clear in his guidance. He inspired confidence in us and helped us remain optimistic even in difficult phases. In addition to his scientific competence, what sets him apart is his genuine interest in the person behind each case: his empathy, his honesty and his constant effort to achieve the best possible outcome. My husband and I thank him warmly for his support and guidance and we now feel ready and optimistic to move on to the next final stage. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a gynecologist with real knowledge, professionalism and humanity.

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   Faidra 
 135 days ago
 
 
  Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is an excellent gynecologist and above all an excellent person! I truly thank him for his support and care during the egg freezing process. Although my case was particularly demanding, he stood by me with patience, knowledge, great experience and real interest. Our communication was direct and human, while his availability at the many appointments made me feel safe at every step. The protocols were designed specifically for me, aiming for the best possible result, while also taking into account the cost of the medications. I recommend him with all my heart to every woman who wants to trust someone for something so important and sensitive for her.

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   Iliana 
 137 days ago
 
 
  I highly recommend Dr. Makis, he is an incredible specialist. My journey was far from easy, encountering several challenges that  made the process feel overwhelming at times. What sets him apart is his willingness to go beyond standard procedures. He developed a specialized, custom protocol, tailored to my situation, which ultimately made all the difference. Beyond his technical expertise, his calm and clear communication kept me grounded throughout the process. I am so grateful for his persistence and high level of care!

Why choose FertUlity?

Because every fertility journey deserves the right support. At FertUlity, we provide science-based fertility care with a human approach. We support every path, from fertility assessment and preservation to modern assisted reproduction.

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