In the last few years, egg freezing has emerged as a revolutionary change in reproductive technology. It is a process to protect women’s fertility and give them more control over it. This process is also called oocyte cryopreservation. The woman’s eggs are removed, frozen, and kept safe for future use.
In such a situation, today we will learn about egg freezing from Dr. Sheetal Jindal-MBBS, MD OBG, EPHM (IIM Kolkata) Senior Consultant and Medical Director_Director Medical Genetics Program_Jindal IVF Chandigarh. We will also know how much it costs.
Dr Sheetal said that initially, egg freezing was used to save the fertility of women during cancer treatment, but now the scope of egg freezing has increased. It also empowers women who are unwilling to become mothers for various reasons. It gives them time and freedom to decide the future. Let us understand what egg freezing is, what happens in this process, and its advantages and disadvantages.
What Is Egg Freezing?
Let us understand it in simple language. In this, the doctor removes eggs from the ovaries, similar to what is done during the in vitro fertilization process. The eggs are then frozen at very low temperatures using vitrification. This helps to preserve them over time and prevent them from spoiling. Frozen eggs are kept in a special tank until they can be used.
Why Is Egg Freezing Used?
The decision to freeze eggs is personal, and there can be many reasons. Career, studies, relationship status, and health affect this decision. By getting egg freezing done, women can maintain their fertility and fulfil their other goals. This also gives them relief from the pressure of age.
Benefits Of Egg Freezing
The biggest advantage of egg freezing is that it increases fertility. Unlike men, women’s eggs decrease in number and quality with age. By freezing eggs at a young age, women can reduce the effects of age and increase their chances of pregnancy when they decide to become mothers.
How Much Does Egg Freezing Cost?
The cost of egg freezing depends on many factors, such as place of residence, type of clinic, and medical needs. Generally, egg freezing costs in India between Rs 1.5 and 1.25 lakh. This cost can increase further by including medicines, consultation, and storage charges. This cost may seem high initially, but many women consider egg freezing an important investment to maintain the possibility of becoming a mother.
How Effective Is The Process Of Egg Freezing?
It is important to know that egg freezing does not guarantee getting pregnant in the future. The success rate depends on several factors, such as the woman’s age at the time of egg extraction and the quality of the eggs. Younger women generally have a higher success rate because their eggs are usually of better quality. However, advances in freezing techniques, such as vitrification, have greatly increased the chances of eggs surviving thawing, making the process even more efficient.
A Boon For Women Battling Illness
Egg freezing is a boon for those who have diseases or treatments that can weaken their fertility. For example, cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy can freeze their eggs before starting treatment, increasing their chances of becoming biological parents in the future. Similarly, people undergoing gender reassignment procedures, hormone therapy or surgery can opt for egg freezing to preserve their eggs before transition.
Thinking About Egg Freezing Is Changing
People’s thinking about family planning and reproductive technologies has changed recently. Many options are now available for those who want to take a different path to becoming parents. Egg freezing is now easier than ever and is being adopted on a large scale. This allows women to make decisions about their reproduction on their terms.
Some Disadvantages Of Egg Freezing Too
Despite the growing popularity of egg freezing, some ethical and social aspects also need to be considered. Some people say that this strengthens the belief that women’s ability is only related to having children, and it can encourage postponement of things like building a career. Also, inequality in getting egg freezing done based on social and economic status raises concerns about equality and inclusion in this field.
