How long does egg survive after retrieval?

After retrieval, human eggs (oocytes) can survive for about 12 to 24 hours if not fertilized. If they are frozen through a process called egg cryopreservation, they can be stored for many years and remain viable for fertilization when thawed. The key to their longevity post-retrieval largely depends on whether they are fertilized shortly after retrieval or preserved through freezing.