Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a procedure that collects and freezes a woman's eggs so they can be used to try for a pregnancy later. The eggs are frozen using a fast-freezing method called vitrification and can be stored for years. At UCARER Women's Health (Uçarer Kadın Sağlığı) in Istanbul, egg freezing is provided under the care of Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer, MD — an active ESHRE and ÜTCD member.
Who can have egg freezing in Türkiye?
In Türkiye, egg freezing is a medically indicated procedure. Article 20 of the Ministry of Health's Assisted Reproduction (ÜYTE) Regulation permits the storage of eggs only in defined medical situations. For women, these are:
- Before treatment that can damage the ovaries — for example chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Before surgery that may cause loss of reproductive function — for example removal of the ovaries.
- Low ovarian reserve in a woman who has not yet given birth, or a family history of early menopause — documented by a medical board report from three specialist physicians.
Please note: elective or “social” egg freezing — freezing for career, personal timing or lifestyle reasons, without a medical indication — is not permitted in Türkiye and is not offered at our clinic.
If you are considering egg freezing, the first step is an assessment of your ovarian reserve (AMH, antral follicle count). Whether a legal indication exists is determined by that assessment, together with your doctor.
How egg freezing works
- Ovarian stimulation — about 10–12 days of medication to develop several eggs, with ultrasound and hormone monitoring.
- Egg retrieval (OPU) — eggs are collected in a short procedure under sedation.
- Vitrification — mature eggs are frozen rapidly and stored.
- Future use — when you are ready, eggs are thawed, fertilised (usually with ICSI) and the resulting embryo is transferred. (See our IVF page and ICSI page.)
What affects success — an honest overview
The most important factor is your age at the time of freezing: eggs frozen at a younger age tend to give better chances later, because egg quality declines with age. Two further honest points:
- Egg freezing is not a guarantee of a future baby. It preserves an option; outcomes depend on the number and quality of eggs frozen and your age at freezing.
- The number of eggs needed varies between individuals — your doctor will discuss a realistic plan, which may include more than one collection cycle.
International registries report that IVF/ICSI success after using frozen material declines with age (see our IVF page success-rates section for the underlying figures from HFEA and ESHRE). We share published data rather than invented clinic-specific percentages.
Why UCARER Women's Health
- Led by Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer, MD — member of ESHRE, ÜTCD and TJOD.
- Ministry of Health–authorised for international health tourism (T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı certificate).
- Acıbadem hospital collaboration — within an internationally recognised, JCI-accredited group (in collaboration; UCARER does not claim its own JCI accreditation).
- Multilingual support in 7 languages; clear information on costs before treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How long can eggs be stored?
Frozen eggs can be stored for years. Storage duration and any local rules are explained to you in advance.
Is there a best age for egg freezing?
Generally, earlier is better, because egg quality is higher at a younger age. Your doctor will give you personalised advice.
Does egg freezing guarantee a baby later?
No. It preserves an option for the future; it is not a guarantee. Success depends on age at freezing and the number and quality of eggs.
How are the eggs used later?
They are thawed, fertilised (usually with ICSI), and the embryo is transferred to the uterus.
References
- HFEA — Fertility treatment 2024: trends and figures. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2024-trends-and-figures
- ESHRE / European IVF Monitoring (EIM) — ART in Europe (2022 data). https://www.focusonreproduction.eu/press-releases/ivf-and-iui-pregnancy-rates-remain-stable-across-europedespite-an-increasing-uptake-of-single-embryo-transfer/
Written for UCARER Women's Health. Medically reviewed by Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer, MD — member of ESHRE, ÜTCD and TJOD. Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. For general information only; not a substitute for personal medical advice.
