Men have been able to freeze their sperm for years, but eggs are not so easy. Now, thanks to new technology, local women finally have the option of putting their fertility on ice.

Emma Elizabeth was one of the first babies in the world conceived with a frozen egg. Seven years later, the technology is finally available here in the Northwest, and is reporting its first success: A twin pregnancy.

"This is the first in Seattle and we think the entire Pacific Northwest," said Christy Jones, CEO of Extended Fertility. Her company has worked with five other fertility clinics around the country and has now partnered with the Northwest Center for Reproductive Services in Kirkland.

Dr. Gerard Letterie says he wanted to conduct his own research before offering the service to Seattle area clients.

"We've had success rate in the high 80's for surviving the thaw and fertilization rates about the same," said Letterie.

Unlike freezing embryos, eggs are much more fragile and subject to freezer burn. A new technology has solved that problem.

"So now we've found some solutions that help us dehydrate the egg, remove all the water from the egg and replace it with solutions that will actually protect it in the freezing and thawing process," said Dr. Klaus Weimer, Northwest Center for Reproductive Services.

Cancer patients are a logical fit. So are women in their 30's who are putting off motherhood. Megan Griswold is 39, but her eggs were 36 when she had them frozen three years ago – an insurance policy if she can't conceive naturally when the time comes.

"I like feeling like I've done everything I can based on the best technology out there," said Griswold.

Pregnancy success rates using frozen eggs are now about the same as with invitro fertilization. The cost may be higher, however, depending on how long a woman stores her eggs.