The decision whether or not to freeze and store your eggs is a complex one which can involve significant emotional as well as medical issues. Circumstances change and what appears to be the right decision now, may be viewed differently in the months and years to come.For this reason we strongly urge you to take advantage of a chat with one of CARE's trained and experienced counsellors. We recognise that every CARE patient is individual and your counsellor will talk you through the decision with particular reference to your unique lifestyle and circumstances.

When you've made the decision to go ahead and freeze your eggs you will see one of our consultants. He or she will assess your suitability for the EVES technique and will describe in detail the steps you will go through, as well as considering other appropriate options with you. If the procedure goes ahead, it can often start as little as two to four weeks after this consultation.

The process is quite straightforward and whilst a little time consuming, it is never more than slightly uncomfortable. To stimulate your ovaries, you will need daily injections for three or four weeks. During this time, you'll also need to come into the clinic in the mornings for three or four days over a two week period, for ultrasound scans and blood tests.

Before we collect your eggs, you will be asked to sign a Consent Form. This is a very important document because it covers not only permission for the basic surgical procedure, but establishes your wishes for your frozen eggs in a number of different possible future life scenarios.

The technique we use to collect the eggs is exactly the same as the one we use in a normal IVF cycle. Your eggs are gathered under ultrasound guidance, with the minimum of discomfort. You will be able to return home after a brief rest and your eggs will be frozen and stored later the same day.

We will store all the mature eggs we collect.