In urban centers across India, a quiet revolution is taking place as more women consider egg freezing to secure their future family plans. Despite its growing popularity, widespread misconceptions continue to create unnecessary fear and confusion, potentially hindering informed choices.
Dr. Tripti Raheja, Director of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Delhi's prestigious CK Birla Hospital, steps in to separate fact from fiction, offering clarity on this increasingly vital aspect of reproductive health.
Debunking Common Misconceptions About Success and Eligibility
A prevalent belief is that freezing eggs is a foolproof guarantee for a future pregnancy. Dr. Raheja clarifies that while the procedure significantly improves the chances of conception, it does not offer an absolute guarantee. The success is heavily dependent on the age and quality of the eggs at the time of freezing.
Another major myth is that egg freezing is exclusively for women facing medical issues like cancer. The reality is quite different. An increasing number of healthy women are proactively choosing to freeze their eggs to preserve their fertility, planning for a potential pregnancy after the age of 35.
When it comes to the process, the idea that one cycle is sufficient for everyone is inaccurate. Dr. Raheja states that most women may require more than one cycle to accumulate an optimal number of 10 to 20 good-quality eggs, which substantially increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy later.
Addressing Fears About the Procedure and Long-Term Effects
Many women avoid exploring this option due to the fear of pain. While the hormonal injections can cause some discomfort and temporary bloating, the actual egg retrieval process is a minor, painless procedure performed under sedation.
Concerns about the long-term side effects of fertility medications are also common. The expert assures that any side effects are short-term in nature. There are no known long-term health risks associated with the drugs used in the egg freezing process.
A crucial point of reassurance is that the procedure does not harm a woman's natural fertility. Egg freezing does not reduce ovarian reserve; it simply utilizes an egg that would have been naturally lost during that month's menstrual cycle.
Understanding the Science, Cost, and Practicalities
Thanks to modern technology, the survival rate of frozen eggs is remarkably high. Using advanced vitrification techniques, approximately 90% of frozen eggs survive the thawing process.
However, timing is everything. The notion that freezing eggs at 40 offers the same success as doing so at 25 or 30 is a dangerous fallacy. Egg quality declines sharply after the age of 35, making earlier freezing the key to significantly better outcomes.
Financially, the procedure is no longer the exclusive domain of celebrities or the ultra-wealthy. Egg freezing has become reasonably priced, with most IVF clinics now offering affordable packages and convenient EMI options to make it more accessible.
Finally, while long-term storage is scientifically safe, it is not a 'set it and forget it' service. From a legal and clinical standpoint, patients must periodically renew their consent for continued storage, ensuring ongoing communication with the clinic.
