What is egg freezing? Here's how fertility preservation works, pros and cons of the process

Fertility preservation is a choice many women consider for social, medical or professional reasons. According to Dr Maya Deshpande, reproductive endocrinologist with Felix Hospital, Mumbai, egg freezing helps women postpone having children. However, it is important to know how it works, weigh in the pros and cons, before proceeding with the process.

• What is oocyte cryopreservation?

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a procedure in which your eggs are retrieved from your ovaries, frozen, and stored for future use while still in an unfertilized state. This enables the eggs to thaw, be fertilised, and implanted later as embryos.

Also read | Postpone pregnancy: Embryo freezing, hormonal suppression can help you preserve fertility

• Ideal age to freeze eggs

According to Dr Deshpande, egg quality decreases with age, particularly after the age of 35. The earlier you freeze, the greater the chance of a healthy pregnancy down the line.

• Does the process take time?

Typically, it takes 2–6 weeks between your initial consultation and egg retrieval. This includes injections of hormones to encourage the creation of eggs, and then a short surgery to harvest the eggs.

• Your egg count is important

You have a better chance of becoming pregnant later in life if you save more eggs. For the best chance, doctors usually advise freezing 15 to 20 mature eggs. Usually, it takes several cycles.

Also read | World IVF Day: Why more young couples are turning into fertility testing early

• The price may be high

Eggs are costly to freeze each time, and the high annual storage costs are another issue. While some companies have fertility benefits, insurance coverage can vary even within companies.

• Success rates depend on age

Freezing your eggs does not guarantee a successful pregnancy. When eggs are frozen at a younger age, success rates are higher since egg quality (not solely quantity) is the secret sauce.

• Possible side effects

Hormone injections can cause pain, mood swings, and bloating. In very few cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can happen, and it needs medical assistance.

• Not just for healthcare

While some women use egg freezing to delay pregnancy until they are ready for their career, travel, or mental health, others do so before undergoing cancer treatment or surgery.

• Emotional and moral dilemmas

The process is a complex combination of empowerment and heartache. You will also have to think about what happens if you do not use your eggs later – donate them, discard them, or use them for research.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis