Social freezing vs. medical freezing - two ways to preserve fertility

A basic distinction is made between social freezing (preventive egg freezing) and medical freezing. Social freezing (preventive egg freezing) is carried out for personal, usually non-medical reasons. The focus here is on individual life planning. Women decide to freeze their eggs in order to keep the possibility of motherhood open at a later date without being pressurised by their current lifestyle or professional situation.

Medical freezing, on the other hand, is a measure that may become necessary due to a medical diagnosis. Medical freezing may be the only way to preserve fertility, particularly in the case of diseases such as cancer that require chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Egg freezing may also be medically advisable for certain gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis or autoimmune diseases.

Whether social or medical freezing - the technical processes are almost identical. In both cases, women undergo hormonal stimulation of the ovaries in order to bring several eggs to maturity. The eggs are then retrieved and frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C using vitrification. This method prevents the formation of ice crystals and preserves the cells at a consistent quality for many years. The procedure for men (sperm collection and freezing) is similar for both methods.

What is the difference?

The most important difference between social freezing (preventive egg freezing) and medical freezing lies in the indication and the assumption of costs.

• Social freezing (preventive egg freezing) is a voluntary, self-determined measure that is carried out for private or professional reasons. The woman bears the costs herself.
• Medical freezing is a medically indicated measure that is carried out on a doctor's recommendation. Under certain conditions, health insurance companies will cover the costs of treatment, as the aim is to preserve a basic bodily function that is threatened by the illness.

Both methods have one thing in common: they open up new opportunities and give people the chance to actively shape their future and their family planning. Please contact us for further information and advice.