Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation technique that involves retrieving a woman’s eggs from her ovaries and freezing them for future use. This process allows women to save their eggs for several years, giving them the option to conceive later in life, whether due to personal, medical, or age-related reasons.
The procedure typically involves hormonal stimulation to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, followed by retrieval through a minor surgical procedure. Once retrieved, the eggs are frozen using a method called vitrification, which helps prevent ice crystal formation that can damage the eggs. When a woman decides to use her frozen eggs, they can be thawed, fertilized with sperm, and then implanted into her uterus or a surrogate.
Egg freezing has gained popularity among women who want to delay pregnancy for various reasons, including career planning, education, or health concerns.
10 things what to Know Before Freezing Your Eggs
Here are 10 detailed things to know before deciding to freeze your eggs:
- Age Matters:
- Egg freezing effectiveness is closely linked to a woman’s age.
- Optimal age range for freezing is 30 to 35 years, when egg quality and quantity peak.
- As age increases, the number of viable eggs decreases and chromosomal abnormalities rise.
- Consider age to enhance chances of successful future pregnancies.
- Consult a Specialist:
- Prior to egg freezing, consult a fertility specialist for a comprehensive assessment.
- Discuss personal fertility goals and understand the egg freezing process.
- Professional guidance can clarify the procedure and set realistic expectations.
- Understand the Cost:
- Egg freezing costs range from ₹6,000 to ₹300,000 per cycle, including hormonal medications.
- Annual storage fees can vary from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.
- Check with insurance providers for potential coverage or financing options to ease financial strain.
- Time Commitment:
- The egg freezing process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from hormonal medication start to egg retrieval.
- Multiple monitoring appointments are required to track medication response.
- Plan accordingly to accommodate this time commitment, especially if balancing work or other responsibilities.
- Possible Side Effects:
- Hormonal treatments may cause side effects such as bloating, mood swings, headaches, and breast tenderness.
- Be aware of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause swollen and painful ovaries.
- Understanding potential side effects helps manage expectations during treatment.
- Quality of Eggs:
- Not all frozen eggs will lead to successful pregnancies; only a fraction may result in births.
- Set realistic expectations about outcomes to avoid disappointment.
- Freezing Duration:
- Eggs can be frozen indefinitely, but long-term viability is not guaranteed.
- Success rates for thawing and fertilization may decline over time.
- Develop a timeline for using frozen eggs and consider a secondary family-building plan.
- Storage Conditions:
- Choose a facility that adheres to high standards for egg freezing.
- Research the clinic’s reputation and inquire about their success rates.
- Ensure the clinic follows rigorous protocols for egg storage.
- Advanced technology and experienced staff can enhance the chances of successful egg preservation.
- Legal Considerations:
- Understand the legal aspects surrounding frozen eggs, including ownership rights.
- Discuss potential scenarios such as relationship changes or health issues.
- Being informed about legal implications can provide peace of mind during the process.
- Alternative Options:
- Explore other fertility preservation methods beyond egg freezing.
- Consider embryo freezing, which may offer higher success rates if you have a partner and are open to IVF.
- Consult with your fertility specialist to identify the best option for your family planning goals.