Delaying motherhood? Only with a Plan B.
Some might not yet see themselves as parents, others are building their careers, and some have not yet met the right partner. But our bodies don't wait. The quality of eggs and sperm begins to decline after 30, and after 35, especially for women, the decline in quality accelerates. Why not use modern medical options and create a Plan B? Social Freezing, or the freezing of eggs or sperm, captures your fertility at its peak. Meanwhile, you can comfortably continue working, dating, or traveling.
What is the social freezing process like?
Let's start from the beginning: the entire process kicks off with an initial consultation, which is free at PRONATAL.
During the first consultation, we can take a blood sample to check hormone levels such as AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), prolactin, and others. Alternatively, you can come in just for a blood draw, which does not require fasting, and then return for a consultation with a doctor once the results are known.
Armed with the test results, you can make an informed decision about preserving your fertility. Our expert will thoroughly explain all the details and guide you through the next steps.
Stimulation
We start ideally on the first day of menstruation with stimulation. The medication is administered as "micro injections," which you will apply yourself. There’s no need to worry – we will explain everything and provide you with a video guide for peace of mind.
Around the 8th day of your cycle, we perform an ultrasound to see the number of maturing eggs and determine the timing of their retrieval.
Can it be done without stimulation?
Unfortunately, we need stimulation to mature a larger number of eggs than usual during a natural cycle.
What does the retrieval involve?
Here comes the finale. The retrieval of eggs is done under general anesthesia, which lasts about 15 minutes. Before this procedure, you need to undergo a preoperative examination, which we will inform you about in detail. After the retrieval, you will rest for about 2 hours in the recovery room. It is necessary to have someone accompany you home. Driving is prohibited after anesthesia.
And it's all done. The next day you're back to your regular life, just much more confident that the fertility train hasn't left you behind.
What happens to the eggs afterward? Freezing in the gentlest way
Immediately after retrieval, the eggs are transported to the lab. The embryologist checks, cleans them, and on the same day, they are frozen. Freezing, or vitrification, ensures that the eggs remain high-quality and undamaged by the freezing process. They are then stored at -196 degrees and wait for the right time to be used.
How much does this “family future insurance” cost?
Social Freezing is not covered by health insurance. The package price for a woman is 1 800 EUR.
Preserving fertility is offered in a package that includes consultation, development of a stimulation protocol, ultrasound, oocyte retrieval, vitrification into 2 straws (separate containers), and storage for 5 years. You will also pay an additional amount for stimulation medications, the cost of which can vary based on blood test results, averaging about 900 EUR. You also pay for anesthesia. However, don't hesitate to discuss your financial options with the doctor – we strive to make the process as accessible as possible for everyone.
