Egg freezing 101: 4 things you must know

We all can agree there’s no such thing as the right age to get married and conceive. Life doesn't always follow the plan. Maybe you've not found a partner yet, or you and your partner want a few years to yourselves or financial stability, or you don't know if you ever want a child. Irrespective of the reason, having a baby is your choice. Also, this choice not only affects your life but also brings a new life into the world. Hence, no one wants to rush!

However, while you might want to think more, achieve your goals and fulfil your desires, what about the biological clock? That's when you come across freezing eggs! The topic is no longer an alien concept, whether it's in celebrity stories, on social media, or within your friend circle. While the option is available when to go for it? How to start and what exactly happens? In this blog, we will be discussing these exact questions to inform you more about freezing eggs.

Earlier, egg freezing was reserved for women with serious illnesses. However, today, it is a choice, and many women are ready to consider it! Freezing eggs between 20 and 30s is considered ideal as it offers a chance at a healthy pregnancy. It's better to freeze eggs at a younger age as it improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy, but it's still possible to do so after 30.

As soon as you start considering freezing your eggs, discuss your options and treatments with your healthcare provider or a reproductive endocrinologist/fertility specialist.

Step One: Stimulating Egg Production

To begin, you'll take fertility medications that boost egg production. These hormone injections will help your ovaries mature several eggs at once instead of just one.

Step Two: Egg Retrieval

When your eggs are ready, they will be extracted from your ovaries. This is a straightforward outpatient procedure that is painless and performed while you are sedated, to ensure comfort.

Step Three: Freezing the Eggs

After retrieval, the eggs are frozen. They will be safely stored until you’re ready for pregnancy in the future.

Step Four: Preparing for Pregnancy

When you're ready to attempt pregnancy, the eggs will be thawed and combined with sperm. Any embryos that develop will then be transferred to your uterus for implantation, aiming to start a pregnancy.

This process allows for the preservation of eggs, ready for when the time is right for you to pursue pregnancy.

The number of eggs frozen depends on the person and the number of viable eggs developed during ovarian stimulation. Some require one cycle, while others have to undergo the procedure multiple times.

• The procedure is expensive, and multiple cycles can be heavy on the pocket.
• You may experience side effects like bloating, breast tenderness or mood swings.
• Egg freezing doesn't guarantee a successful pregnancy.
• You can donate your eggs to an infertile couple or research if you decide not to use them.

Deciding to freeze your eggs is a highly personal choice that provides flexibility and control over your reproductive future. It's a proactive step that allows you to prioritise your life goals, career, and personal circumstances without compromising your potential to become a parent later on. While the process involves careful consideration, financial commitment, and understanding the potential outcomes, it provides an invaluable option for many women. Consult with your healthcare provider to explore whether egg freezing aligns with your life plans, and take charge of your reproductive journey with confidence.