Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty has sparked a conversation about motherhood, career, and biological clocks by revealing she is contemplating egg freezing. The 33-year-old shared her personal dilemma on actor Huma Qureshi's YouTube podcast, highlighting the modern conflict many women face.
The Personal Conflict: Body Clock vs. Career
Rhea Chakraborty described visiting a gynaecologist to explore the option of preserving her eggs. "I'm 33, and I recently visited a gynaecologist for egg freezing. I am thinking of it," Chakraborty stated. She expressed the internal tug-of-war many professional women experience, calling it a "weird place to be." "Your body clock is telling you that you need to have children, but your mind is telling you, you already have a kid: your brand, business — which you need to nurture," she explained to Qureshi.
Medical Perspective: A Proactive Choice, Not a Guarantee
In light of this revelation, we consulted Dr. Gandhali Deorukhkar, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, to provide expert clarity. Dr. Deorukhkar emphasized that egg freezing is a significant life choice for modern women navigating careers and personal goals. "Building careers takes time, relationships do not follow fixed paths, and many want to feel financially or emotionally secure before having children," she said. "Egg freezing gives women a way to lessen biological pressures while focusing on other priorities."
Addressing the optimal age, Dr. Deorukhkar confirmed that 33 is a suitable age to consider the procedure. "Medically, egg quality is better in the early 30s compared to later years. Freezing can happen up to the late 30s, but success rates generally fall with age," she noted, adding that it works best as a preventive measure rather than a last resort.
Critical Considerations: Process, Cost, and Realistic Expectations
For women considering this path, Dr. Deorukhkar outlined key steps. The first is assessing ovarian reserve via blood tests and ultrasound. She strongly cautioned against viewing it as a surefire guarantee for future pregnancy. "Egg freezing is not an insurance policy or a guarantee for pregnancy. It's a supportive option that offers more possibilities for the future, but keep your expectations realistic," she asserted.
The medical process typically spans 10 to 12 days, involving hormone injections, monitoring visits, and a short daycare procedure for egg retrieval. While most women can continue working, some may experience temporary bloating or mood swings.
On the financial front, costs in India can be substantial. "On average, one cycle can range from Rs 1.2 to Rs 2.5 lakh," Dr. Deorukhkar said, not including annual storage fees. Some individuals may require multiple cycles to collect a sufficient number of eggs.
Busting Myths and Lifestyle Factors
Dr. Deorukhkar addressed a prevalent misconception head-on. "Many people think that freezing eggs guarantees motherhood later on. This isn't true," she stated clearly. While it improves future options, it does not replace natural fertility. The decision should be well-informed and personal, not driven by fear.
Lifestyle plays a crucial role in the quality of eggs retrieved. Smoking, excessive alcohol, poor sleep, and unmanaged stress can have negative effects. "A balanced diet, regular exercise, and good mental health can support fertility outcomes, regardless of whether the frozen eggs are ever used," the doctor advised.
Rhea Chakraborty's candid discussion sheds light on a growing trend among Indian women seeking autonomy over their reproductive timelines. As Dr. Deorukhkar concludes, it is a powerful tool for family planning, but one that requires careful thought, medical guidance, and realistic hope.
