Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process
that allows individuals to preserve their eggs for future use. The main
advantage of egg freezing is its potential to extend fertility options,
particularly for women who may face challenges in conceiving due to age,
medical conditions, or personal circumstances. It provides a sense of control
over reproductive choices and the opportunity to pursue career or educational
goals without compromising the chance of having biological children later.
However, there are certain limitations and considerations to be aware of, such
as the high cost, invasive procedures, and no guarantee of successful
pregnancy. Consulting with a fertility specialist is crucial to understanding
the procedure and making informed decisions.
Dr. Anagha Nawal, Reproductive Medicine Specialist, Ramaiah Milann
and Dr Anuranjita Pallavi, Senior Consultant- Fertility & IVF, Apollo
Fertility (Navi Mumbai) share all you need to know about the process and its
pros and cons.
In order to conceive at a later stage in life without worrying
about the biological clock, some women have their eggs preserved. This
procedure is called oocyte cryopreservation and it involves the
extraction and subsequent perseveration of eggs. When the client decides to
start a family, their eggs are retrieved and then thawed in order to prepare
them for in vitro fertilization (IVF). There are two methods of freezing eggs:
Vitrification that is flash freezing and the slow freezing method.
Vitrification has proven more successful than the slow freezing technique.
Pros of egg
freezing :
This procedure enables women to choose the right time to
conceive. Therefore, occupational responsibilities need not be offset by
personal ones. Apart from this, for those suffering from cancer or other
ailments affecting reproduction, freezing eggs before losing the ability
to procreate is an option. Additionally, if there are chances of early
menopause due to genetic disposition, egg freezing could be considered.
Cons of
egg freezing :
However, the procedure is not without its flaws. It comes
with no guarantee of pregnancy which means that after considerable time
and money spent, it all might be in vain. Also, in order to stimulate
hormones for increased production of eggs, injections are administered which
could cause hormone imbalance. A rare yet pernicious consequence of egg
freezing is ovarian hyperstimulation which is a result of egg-stimulation.
Other side effects are weight gain, headaches and mood swings.
It is under advisement to consult a trusted professional who can
explain the risks associated with oocyte cryopreservation. This method comes
with no guarantee therefore a good amount of thought must be given before
starting the process.
