Top Questions Women Ask About Egg Freezing (With Expert Answers)

Egg freezing is a remarkable technique of fertility preservation that helps women plan their reproductive future. While egg freezing enjoys growing popularity in India, many women still have questions about the process, risks, benefits, and so on. We address the top questions women ask about egg freezing to help you decide whether egg freezing is the right choice for you.

No. 1: What is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing is the process of preserving your eggs for future use. You can use it to preserve your fertility. In the procedure, you will be given hormonal medication to increase the number of mature eggs you’ll produce. These eggs are collected from your ovaries through a process called ‘egg retrieval.’ They are then frozen using a technique called vitrification.

No. 2: What Is The Process For Retrieving Eggs?

Once you are ready, your clinic will call you in to retrieve your eggs. This procedure involves guiding a thin needle into your ovaries to extract the fluid (and eggs) from each follicle. You will be given a sedative and won’t feel any pain. Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, you’re allowed to go home the same day. In fact, this surgery takes just 15-20 minutes!

No. 3: Do I Gain Weight During The Egg Freezing Process?

Yes, you may gain some weight while you undergo the egg freezing process due to bloating, water retention, and the swelling of your ovaries. This weight gain is temporary, and you may lose the weight in just a few weeks post-retrieval.

No. 4: What Is The Ideal Age To Freeze My Eggs?

The ideal age to freeze your eggs is between your late 20s and early 30s. It is commonly believed that fertility declines rapidly after 35, so it’s better to freeze your eggs before. You can still freeze your eggs after 35, but since your egg quality and quantity will be poorer, you may need to undergo more freezing cycles to have a similar chance at success.

No. 5: How Long Does It Take To Recover From Egg Freezing?

After your egg retrieval surgery, you may still feel some cramps, soreness, and bloating. It takes approximately two weeks for your body to fully recover from the effects of egg freezing. Both menstruation and ovulation will resume as normal after your retrieval. You will require a day or two to rest and recover, but that’s it.

No. 6: How Many Eggs Do I Need To Freeze?

The more eggs you freeze, the better your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy later. Since the age at which you freeze your eggs matters a lot, the number of eggs you freeze by age affects your chances of conception. Freezing 15 to 20 eggs in your early 30s should give you the same odds of success as 10 to 15 eggs in your 20s.

No. 7: Long-Term Side Effects Of Egg Freezing: Are There Any?

Egg freezing doesn’t usually have any long-term side effects on your health or fertility. Even with OHSS, prompt treatment can prevent any further complications. According to this study, egg freezing also does not increase the risk of breast cancer, as was previously believed.

No. 8: Can I Conceive Naturally After Egg Freezing?

Yes, many women who freeze their eggs can conceive naturally if they choose to do so. Even if you end up conceiving naturally after freezing your eggs, your frozen eggs could be handy if you wanted a second or third child.

No. 9: What If I Don’t Want My Frozen Eggs Anymore?

After freezing your eggs, you pay your storage fees in advance. If you decide that you don’t want your frozen eggs anymore, you can contact your fertility clinic and withdraw consent. If you don’t choose to donate your eggs to another patient or to research, the clinic disposes of them.

No. 10: For How Long Can I Store My Frozen Eggs?

While frozen eggs can technically be stored indefinitely, The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 cleary states that any gamete cannot be stored for more than 10 years. After the period of 10 years is over, your frozen eggs should be allowed to perish or be donated to research.

Conclusion: Is Egg Freezing The Best Treatment Option For Me?

Egg freezing offers women a chance to preserve their young and healthy eggs and use them to become pregnant later in life. It’s natural to wonder if egg freezing is the best choice for you or if there are better options you can pursue. 

The right choice will depend on your health, reproductive goals, and various other factors. Corion Fertility Clinic recommends that you speak to our fertility specialists to decide the best path to parenthood for you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. How much does egg freezing cost?
A. In India, egg freezing can cost between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh. The final cost depends on the location, clinic reputation, and the services you require.

Q. Who is a good candidate for egg freezing?
A. Women in their late 20s and early 30s with high AMH are good candidates for egg freezing.

Q. Who is not a good candidate for egg freezing?
A. Women over 37 and those who are at risk for premature ovarian failure are not preferred candidates for egg freezing in India.

Q. Is egg freezing safe?
A. Freezing eggs is a very safe procedure. It has some minor side effects and complications, such as OHSS, that can be avoided with the proper treatment protocols.

Q. How can I increase the number of eggs retrieved during egg freezing?
A. Making lifestyle changes, eating a healthy diet, and taking prenatal vitamins and supplements can all help you retrieve more eggs during egg freezing.

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.