An increasing number of women worldwide are seriously considering freezing their eggs. There could be multiple reasons for women to consider egg freezing, ranging from career to medical conditions—modern science is assisting women in deciding for themselves. Egg freezing is similar to IVF (in vitro fertilisation), which uses younger eggs in the future.
Following 8 to 10 days of hormone therapy to stimulate egg development, the eggs are individually extracted using a needle (Under short general anaesthesia procedure) Subsequently, the eggs are frozen and preserved in liquid nitrogen, keeping them fresh for up to a decade. If you are wondering, “Is egg freezing right for me?” then read on to learn about the pros and cons of egg freezing.
Pros of Egg Freezing
- Doesn’t require sperm - Single women who want to embrace motherhood in the later stages of life can now freeze their eggs without having to worry about the sperm. It’s beneficial for those finding a sperm donor or individuals uncertain about their current partner’s suitability as a co-parent. This option allows them to preserve their fertility by storing eggs for future use.
- Easier to let go - If a woman is unsure of becoming a mother, she can discard the freezing, unfertilized eggs and not feel guilty.
- No biological clock pressure - By preserving eggs, women have the time and liberty to find the right partner without thinking twice about the biological clock.
- No illness interference—Medical complications can strike anytime and can hinder the chances of conceiving; hence, freezing eggs can help during times of health crises.
Cons of Egg Freezing
- Side effects of drugs: The hormone injections administered at the start of the process may induce side effects such as bloating, irritability, and cramping, as well as episodes of hot and cold flashes.
- Success rates: 6 out of 8 frozen egg typically survives freezing and thawing process of these 6 eggs the successful childbirth carries an estimated chance of around 32% to 18%, in the future depending upon the age of the woman at the time of freezing. However, it’s important to note that there is no guarantee that any specific egg will lead to a successful pregnancy.
- Expense of freezing: Freezing and storing your eggs for years can be expensive based on the Ivf centre, Stimulation drugs & city / country where it is being done, but some companies now cover the expense of egg freezing.
- How many eggs to freeze: Some centres advise 12-15 eggs, some centres advice to freeze upto 20 eggs for women less than 35 years of age for a higher chance of successful pregnancy.
To Summarise
Freezing eggs stands out as one of the most effective methods for fertility preservation, empowering women with greater control over their reproductive choices than ever before. Due to health considerations, the search for the right life partner, or simply waiting for the opportune moment to become a mother, egg freezing is rapidly gaining popularity in India. If you are considering egg freezing, contact Parency IVF Hospital today. We will answer all your questions and provide the best options.
