If you’ve considered freezing or donating your eggs but worry about having to remove your IUD, new research from Shady Grove Fertility shows that leaving an IUD in place throughout a stimulation cycle does not affect the number of eggs retrieved. Fertility specialists Benjamin S. Harris, M.D., M.P.H. from SGF Richmond, and Phillip A. Romanski, M.D., M.Sc. from RMA of New York, were part of the research team conducting the study and have outlined its results and what it means for patients.
The research team looked at data from women who underwent egg freezing cycles between 2010 and 2021. They focused on three groups based on the contraceptive method they used: no contraception, progestin IUD, and copper IUD. The goal was to see if the type of IUD affected the number of mature eggs retrieved during the egg freezing process. The study found that those with either a progestin IUD or copper IUD in place had comparable results to those without an IUD for number of mature eggs retrieved.
“Women considering fertility preservation or those considering egg donation are often worried about keeping their IUDs in place throughout the egg retrieval cycle,” shares Dr. Romanski. “Our research team was excited to learn that patients can rest assured they can keep their IUDs in place without worrying about the impact of eggs retrieved. This important research can help many women take that next step toward preserving their fertility to help build their future family.”
SGF is a leader in reproductive research and technological development — providing women who are contemplating freezing their eggs data, based on extensive, unique research, and significant experience in the process. The decision to freeze your eggs can be a big step but concerns about contraceptive methods shouldn’t hold you back.
“Egg freezing is a personal decision that takes thought and consideration,” shares Dr. Harris. “The best way to make the decision to freeze your eggs is to have as much information as possible and with this new research, we have more information to put into the hands of those considering moving forward with egg retrieval.”
With the largest egg donor program in the country, SGF is excited about the impact this research could have for egg donors, as well. Egg donors and intended parents can now rest assured that keeping an IUD in place throughout the egg donation process will not have a negative impact on eggs retrieved.
Fertility preservation gives women flexibility in their future family planning. It affords women the opportunity to preserve fertility at their current age while they focus on their personal or professional goals. Anyone considering egg freezing is encouraged to schedule a consult with a fertility specialist.
Medical contribution by Benjamin S. Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
Benjamin S. Harris, M.D., M.P.H., is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Passionate about educating patients and helping them understand the concepts underlying their unique set of reproductive circumstances, Dr. Harris sees patients at SGF Richmond’s Stony Point and Henrico Doctors’ – Forest location, as well as SGF Jones Institute in Norfolk.
