"Stop the Clock” - Fertility Specialist Dr. Stephanie Singleton Explains Cryopreservation

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Sept. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- For women, the biological clock starts ticking in the mid twenties, and for some it is before they are ready to start a family.   Egg Cryopreservation, also known as Oocyte Cryopreservation, is becoming a well-known option for women wanting to have children—just not yet.  This process allows young women to take control of their reproductive freedom by storing healthy unfertilized eggs for future use.

“Fertility preservation through oocyte (egg) freezing gives women the ability to stop the clock at an optimal time regardless of age, relationship status or medical emergencies,” explains Stephanie Singleton, MD, FACOG and the only female board certified reproductive endocrinologist in the Charleston area. “The technology holds great promise for women of reproductive age.” To date, there are over 2000 births worldwide (greater than 1000 reported in the last five years) as a result of egg freezing.

Egg Cryopreservation is a procedure that women carefully research and take very seriously.  Dr. Singleton states, “Often, we see women that are facing health issues and don’t want their eggs to be affected by impending treatments.  We also treat women that are on the partnership track in their careers and aren’t ready for a baby quite yet.”

There are key factors to consider when choosing a facility:

·      Focus on the laboratory.  Is the lab state of the art?   How experienced is the embryologist? Will the patient have to travel for the procedure?

·      Know the fertility team.  A good working relationship and trust are important when choosing any fertility procedure, including egg cryopreservation.  Singleton states, “This is a team approach. The physician is an integral part of the process as they guide the patient through their decision.”  Patients should be in direct contact with the embryologist and physician.

·      Experience matters.  Remember to check the credentials of both the embryologist and the physician. Is the physician Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology?

The Fertility Center of Charleston’s embryologist Dr. Peter Wieckowski is responsible for SC's first baby via cryopreservation.

To learn more or to schedule a consult with The Fertility Center of Charleston, call 843-881-7400 or visit  http://www.fertilitycharleston.com/our-services/egg-freezing-program/.