Egg freezing is increasingly becoming a popular choice among women in India as they choose to delay motherhood. With public figures such as Upasana Konidela and Sania Mirza openly sharing their experiences, the stigma surrounding female fertility preservation is slowly fading. Fertility specialists attribute this trend to a greater awareness of reproductive health, advancements in technology, and women's evolving roles in society.
According to Dr. Madhu Patil, a Consultant Fertility Specialist, many women are now considering egg freezing as a viable option to balance their personal, educational, and career goals. The shift in mindset has opened the door for public conversation about fertility, thus encouraging more women to explore this option responsibly. Improved technologies in egg freezing, including safer hormone injections and refined stimulation protocols, have also made the process more accessible.
The egg freezing procedure follows a five-step process as outlined by Dr. Patil: 1. Consultation and Testing: Initial assessments such as medical history and ovarian reserve testing. 2. Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal injections that stimulate the growth of multiple eggs. 3. Trigger Shot: An injection to facilitate the final maturation of the eggs. 4. Egg Retrieval: A minimally invasive procedure conducted under light anesthesia. 5. Vitrification: The flash-freezing of mature eggs for long-term storage.
Most women endure the process well and can quickly resume their regular activities.
The ideal age to consider egg freezing falls between 30 to 34 years, as the quality and quantity of eggs decrease significantly after age 35. Dr. Patil notes that although women can freeze eggs after 35, they may need to undergo more cycles to secure a sufficient quantity. While egg freezing does not guarantee pregnancy, it significantly increases the chances of conceiving later in life, especially if done at a younger age.
Safety is another key concern, and Dr. Patil assures that egg freezing is a very safe procedure. Potential side effects such as mild bloating or cramping can occur, but severe complications are rare. Egg retrieval carries minimal risks, and concerns about ovarian reserve depletion or increased cancer risk are unfounded.
The storage of frozen eggs can occur for extended periods, often requiring renewed consent after ten years in various countries. Interestingly, statistics show that only about 8 to 10% of women who freeze their eggs will ultimately use them, as many manage to conceive naturally.
Health criteria for women considering this option include maintaining a smoke-free and alcohol-free lifestyle for at least three to six months prior to the procedure, as well as adhering to a nutritious diet and good hydration practices.
In India, the cost of egg freezing typically ranges between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh per cycle, although older women or those with a low ovarian reserve may incur higher expenses. Women who should contemplate egg freezing include those facing medical conditions that affect fertility, such as cancer or severe endometriosis, as well as those who are delaying motherhood for personal reasons.
It is essential for women to be emotionally and financially prepared for the process, recognizing that while egg freezing provides an added sense of security, it does not promise a certain outcome. Women must consider their unique circumstances and decide whether egg freezing aligns with their future family plans.