The word on everyone’s lips… Ozempic! Ozempic and other GLP-1 like receptor agonists — like Wegovy, Mounjaro — are medications that aid in the management of type 2 diabetes, and in some cases, obesity. They have recently garnered attention for their potential role in positively and negatively impacting fertility in women and men, however, let’s dive into what we currently know and the specific considerations when freezing your eggs.
Impacts on Preservation Cycles
While there is no current evidence linking the use of these medications with negative outcomes on egg freezing stimulation or egg quality, ongoing studies show an increased chance of complications related to the anesthesia associated with egg retrievals.
Before undergoing anesthesia, it is generally recommended to stop taking Ozempic. This is because GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic can affect gastric emptying and delay digestion. Anesthesia affects gastrointestinal motility, often requiring patients to fast at least 12 hours prior to a procedure to empty the stomach. If a patient is on Ozempic at the time of anesthesia, this can lead to complications such as delayed gastric emptying, gastrointestinal discomfort, and potential aspiration.
For the safety of the egg retrieval procedure, healthcare providers often advise patients to discontinue Ozempic and other GLP-1 like receptor agonists for 2 dosing intervals (~15 days) prior to undergoing anesthesia to reduce the risk of these complications. Patients may also be asked to undergo a specific fasting protocol or liquid diet in the 24 hours leading up to their egg retrieval.
The recommended timeframe in which to discontinue Ozempic before starting the egg retrieval process may also be impacted based on a patient’s personal history and whether she has additional risk factors for aspiration. The decision to undergo egg freezing while taking Ozempic should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider so they may provide appropriate guidance and recommendations based on your clinical history.
Valerie Shafran, MSN, FNP-C is an empathetic board certified nurse practitioner who is passionate about educating women regarding their reproductive health and their future options surrounding fertility. Valerie has been with Extend Fertility for over 4 years and has an extensive background in women’s health. She has worked within the postpartum and OBGYN settings and has dedicated her career to providing exceptional and personalized care to each of her patients. She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing from George Washington University in 2017 and received her Masters Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2021.
Learn more about Extend Fertility’s egg freezing practice on Freeze.
Answered by Dr. Ruchi K. Amin, MD from GENESIS Fertility. Understand why your age matters and learn about the recommendations for the ideal age range to freeze your eggs.
Whether you’re relocating and prefer to have your eggs close for possible future IVF or need to send them to a long-term storage facility, you may need to arrange the shipping of your frozen eggs. By understanding the various options, timelines, costs, and potential risks, you can make the best decision for your current budget and future goals.
Answered by Dr. Ido Feferkorn from Reproductive Medicine Group. Become familiar with the policies regarding weight and BMI in relation to the egg freezing procedure.
Answered by Dr. Irene Woo from HRC Fertility. Learn how various birth control methods (birth control pills, vaginal rings, hormonal IUDs, and implants) can affect your AMH.
Answered by Dr. David E. Tourgeman from HRC Fertility. Understand what options exist for what to do with your frozen eggs if you decide not to use them for IVF.
Understand strategies to help you save time and money when it comes to storing your frozen eggs. Learn about the various egg storage options and have peace of mind when making immediate decisions about where to store and future decisions about possibly using the eggs for IVF.
Answered by Valerie Shafran, MSN, FNP-C from Extend Fertility. Discover why fertility experts urge women to stop taking GLP-1 agonists before an egg freezing cycle.
Answered by Stephanie Sabourin from Legacy. Learn about fertility preservation for men, including the process and how men can improve sperm quality.
Answered by Dr. Hade from Generation Next Fertility. Understand how egg freezing does not cause long-term weight gain yet there is a chance of transient bloating.
Answered by Dr. Hade from Generation Next Fertility. Learn from start to finish the entire process of what happens on the final day of an egg freezing cycle.
Answered by Dr. Hades from Generation Next Fertility. Discover ways to help reduce water weight and bloating after egg retrieval day when freezing your eggs.
Answered by Dr. Alison Peck from HRC Fertility. Discover which medications are commonly used for ovarian stimulation during an egg freezing cycle.
Answered by Dr. Alison Peck from HRC Fertility. Learn which hormones are important for egg freezing and what each hormone indicates.
If you find yourself faced with the complex decision of possibly egg freezing for medical reasons, you're in the right spot. This guide is here to help simplify the process.
Answered by Dr. Nidhee Sachdev from OC Fertility. AMH provides useful information that gives insight into a woman’s ovarian reserve or how many eggs she has left.
Answered by Dr. Meera Shah from Nova IVF. Understand the benefits and potential risks involved with donating your eggs.
Answered by Dr. Woo from HRC Fertility. Learn how some medications need to be stopped for an egg freezing cycle while some medications can be continued.
Answered by Dr. Baruch Abittan from Extend Fertility. Understand the most recent research on COVID-19’s effect on egg freezing.
Answered by Lia Schiller, MSN, AGNP-BC from Extend Fertility. Learn why IUDs can stay in place throughout the egg freezing process.
Answered by Dr. Meera Shah from Nova IVF. Understand the requirements and screening necessary for egg donation.
How to save money in the egg freezing process. From selecting a clinic to saving thousands on storing your eggs, here’s how to put money back in your pocket.
Answered by Dr. Alison Peck from HRC Fertility. Learn about the rare, yet possible risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during an egg freezing cycle.
Answered by Dr. Nidhee Sachdev from OC Fertility. The short answer is - indefinitely. However, there are some other factors to consider.
More women are seeking egg freezing options in other countries. From Mexico to the Czech Republic, discover costs, laws, and other pertinent information if you’re considering freezing your eggs abroad.
Answered by Dr. Meera Shah from Nova IVF. Understand the potential risks of egg freezing to help you evaluate if it is right for you.
Answered by Dr. Jessica Scotchie from Tennessee Reproductive Medicine. Learn how you can take proactive steps to help prepare your body.
Answered by Dr. Kathryn Snow from Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group (PREG). Understand the side effects that you may experience when freezing your eggs.
Answered by Dr. Meera Shah from Nova IVF. Learn about the benefits and potential side effects of donating your eggs.
Answered by Valerie Shafran, MSN, FNP-C from Extend Fertility. If a fibroid affects the egg freezing process depends entirely on its size and location.
Answered by Dr. Hade from Generation Next Fertility. Discover which foods and supplements are best to consume before, during and after the egg freezing process.