Is freezing eggs ideal to preserve fertility?

From career objectives to relationship issues, there are several reasons for women not conceiving at a young age. Egg freezing is one of the ways by which they can preserve their ability to reproduce in future. Here’s a brief outline on whether freezing eggs can be ideal to preserve fertility:

What is egg freezing?

Also known as oocyte cryopreservation, egg freezing is a process by which women can save unfertilised eggs so that they can possibly reproduce in future. The oocytes reduce as women age, and become extinct when women go through menopause. While the first thought of freezing eggs might lead you to think that eggs are kept on a petri dish and placed in a freezer, that’s not the case. They are cryopreserved which involves exposing them to extremely low temperatures.

Who can go for egg freezing?

The younger you are, the better are your chances with preserving fertility. The success rates tend to drop by the time a woman reaches mid-30s. “The best egg freezing candidates are women who are young (preferably under 35, but even under 38 is frequently OK), with normal ovarian reserve,” explained Dr Kaylen Silverberg of Texas Fertility Center. “They are most likely to develop a reasonable number of eggs to freeze, which will give them the best chance for future pregnancy.”

However, timing isn’t the only important factor. Your planning for a future child also matters. Sometimes, career alignments make having a child challenging. Relationship issues too come into focus when it comes to delaying pregnancy. “Women who are facing surgery or medical treatment that could damage their fertility may freeze eggs prior to starting that treatment,” said Philip E Chenette, MD, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific Fertility Centre.

How to select the right doctor

The success of egg freezing often depends on your fertility doctor. Not just certifications and qualifications, it’s also important to go through success rates at a facility. A clinic that supports patients is ideal.

“Patients should expect a nuanced and honest assessment of their likelihood of success with egg freezing, specific to their chronological age,” Paula C Brady, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Columbia University Irving Media Center told Parade. “Patients should also ensure that a clinic uses vitrification—flash freezing in liquid nitrogen, the most effective means of freezing eggs—and ask for outcome data specific to that clinic.”

More factors to consider-

• Egg freezing might look like a time-consuming process, since it involves counselling as well. But it usually takes a month after one’s first visit.
• According to Brady, one round of egg freezing can cost somewhere around USD 10,000 or more if it’s out of your pocket.
• It’s not a guarantee for getting pregnant in future because other factors like low sperm count can come into play. However, the process is for protecting your ability to reproduce.

Note: This is just a brief outline of things to consider. Reproduction abilities can differ due to various factors. Consult a gynaecologist or fertility expert before opting for any treatment.