Oocyte/Embryo Preservation

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Oocyte and embryo cryopreservation allow eggs or embryos to be frozen and stored prior to treatment that may impact fertility.

Ovarian stimulation typically takes 10–16 days to complete; some patients may require anaesthetic review depending on diagnosis.

For more information on services available for Victorian residents see Public Fertility Care.

For all urgent Referrals and Enquiries:

Fertility Preservation Nurse:

On-call Reproductive Services Fellow:

Eligibility & Exclusion Criteria

Service available for patients ≥16 years AND any of the following: 

Eligibility Criteria 

Exclusion Criteria 

Serious medical condition that may reduce fertility 

Egg freezing for non-medical (social) reasons 

About to undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery that may affect fertility 

Patients under 16 years of age 

Receiving gender-affirming care 

Non-Medicare holders for Oocyte/Embryo Cryopreservation patients

  • See more information below

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), defined as:  

  • Age <40 with FSH in menopausal range on two tests ≥4 weeks apart 
  • Low AMH (below the 10th centile for age) 
  

Genetic conditions that may reduce fertility or affect family planning  

  • Turner syndrome or Fragile X premutation  
  

Medicare card holders 

  

**Other conditions may be considered case-by-case

Medicare Requirements

Egg/embryo preservation:

  • The patient must be a Victorian resident and hold a Medicare card. 
  • Only the oocyte-providing patient requires Medicare eligibility (a sperm-providing partner does not require Medicare).

Referral Instructions

Essential Information

All referrals must include full demographic details and clinical information, consistent with Fertility Preservation Referral form. Required information includes:

  • Primary diagnosis 
  • Relevant gynaecological and medical history 
  • Planned or current treatment, including dates, timing, and location 
  • Clinician-estimated risk of permanent fertility impairment  

Required Investigations

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

  • Pelvic ultrasound within the past 6 months 
  • Two FSH results in the menopausal range (≥4 weeks apart) 
  • AMH level 
  • Any other relevant investigations or supporting history

Oncology and all other patients

  • No specific investigations required prior to referral (Investigations are arranged case-by-case by the service if needed.) 

Sending a Referral

The Women’s accepts referrals by email and fax.

Please use the Fertility Preservation Referral form  

Government Storage Rebate

From 1 July 2023, the Australian Federal Government provides a rebate of up to $600 per year for the storage of reproductive specimens for cancer patients.

For eligibility and further information, visit the ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Program webpage.

Supportive Resources

To find out more about guidelines for fertility preservation for people with cancer visit the Cancer Council website.