Over the years, women's health and life choices have undergone significant changes. With greater awareness and access to healthcare, many are exploring options that offer more control over their bodies and life choices. One such option is egg freezing, a medical advancement that supports reproductive planning.
In this article, we shall take a closer look at the entire process of egg freezing for women, including who it may be most suitable for and the age at which it’s most effective.
Egg freezing is a medical procedure also known as “oocyte cryopreservation.” Oocytes are the scientific term for eggs before they have attained maturity. At the same time, cryopreservation refers to the process by which the eggs are frozen to ultra-low temperatures and stored with their genetic material fully intact. To put it in simpler terms, during this procedure, a woman’s eggs are carefully collected from the ovaries and then frozen and stored.
Here’s why women may consider delaying pregnancy and opting for fertility preservation procedures such as egg freezing:
Women who are single and have not yet found the right partner may choose this procedure as a way to keep their future family options open. It can also be an ideal solution for women or couples who are focusing on career goals, higher studies or other personal milestones before starting a family.
Women who have been diagnosed with cancer and require radiation therapy or chemotherapy might also benefit from opting for this procedure, as these treatments may impair or damage their reproductive organs.
Women with disorders like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and ovarian cysts might need extensive medical treatments or surgeries that may severely impact their fertility. Egg freezing offers hope for future parenthood for such women.
Genetic conditions like Turner’s syndrome may lead to conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency, whereby the ovaries stop producing eggs. Women need to get their eggs preserved as early as possible if they have been diagnosed with such conditions.
Women with a family history of early menopause, or with genetic conditions like Fragile X or Turner’s syndrome, or with autoimmune illnesses like Crohn’s disease, are at a higher risk of undergoing menopause as early as 35 years of age. In such cases, egg freezing and preservation are recommended as a practical way to preserve fertility.
Biological women who have decided to transition and become men will have to go for hormone therapies and surgeries that will completely reassign their gender. They will lose their ability to bear children and therefore may need to preserve their eggs if they decide to become parents later on.
During fertility treatments, excess eggs may be retrieved and frozen. This can offer more options and a better chance of success, especially if multiple attempts are required or if concerns arise about the quality or quantity of eggs over time.
A healthcare provider, such as a gynaecologist or a fertility expert, can be approached to have the whole egg freezing process explained in a clear and straightforward way.
Most fertility experts agree that the best age to freeze eggs is between 25 and 35, as the egg quality and quantity are generally higher during this time. Freezing eggs at a younger age, when fertility is at its peak, may increase the chances of successful fertilisation and a healthy pregnancy later on. As women age, the number and quality of eggs naturally decline, which can ultimately affect their success rates. This is why the oocyte cryopreservation procedure is usually not recommended for women over the age of 40.
Oocyte cryopreservation, also known as egg freezing, is a relatively safe process that can delay pregnancy until a more suitable time. However, there may be a few side effects after undergoing this procedure, and being informed will help in better managing any potential complications that may arise. Here are a few issues that some women could face after undergoing the ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval procedures that precede the egg freezing procedure:
● Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
● Fatigue
● Breast tenderness
● Nausea or vomiting
● Increased vaginal discharge
● Mood swings
● Pain while urinating
● Bloating
● Cramps
● Abdominal pain
● Weight gain
● Respiratory issues
The overall cost of egg freezing includes several factors. Ultrasounds to estimate ovarian reserve and monitor oocyte maturation, blood tests to screen for illnesses and check hormone levels, hormone injections, and additional medications to relieve any discomfort will be taken into account when calculating the total cost. It also covers the costs involved in ovarian stimulation, as well as oocyte retrieval and freezing procedures. Additionally, there is an annual fee for storing the frozen eggs, which varies depending on the clinic and storage facility.
Advancements in fertility health have led to the development of numerous advanced medical procedures. Oocyte cryopreservation is one such procedure whereby women who need to postpone potential pregnancies can do so without compromising their chance for parenthood. It is best to be fully aware of all aspects regarding the procedure, as there are several important factors to consider, such as the cost and its impact on health.
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Oocyte cryopreservation, or egg freezing, is an ideal choice for women who need to delay parenthood due to: ● personal reasons ● treatments for illnesses like cancer ● reproductive health issues ● gender reassignment treatment and surgery ● premature menopause ● Premature ovarian
The quality and quantity of oocytes or eggs decline as women age. To ensure the collection and freezing of viable eggs, women should opt for this procedure when they are young, preferably in their 20s to mid-30s. It is best to avoid egg freezing after the age of 40, as the viability of the eggs may not be optimal.
Currently, the chances of a successful pregnancy using frozen eggs are pretty good. The success rate depends mainly on two critical factors: 1. The age of the women at the time of egg retrieval and preservation. 2. The number of eggs that were frozen. The more eggs available, the better the chances.
