In recent conversations surrounding fertility, actress Tina Datta emphasized the importance of egg freezing, suggesting that women in their 20s should consider it. “I feel every girl in her 20s should freeze her eggs. At that time, your eggs are so fertile, and you get the right amount. It’s the best time, and before 35, all girls should freeze their eggs,” Datta told Galatta India. However, she did not confirm whether she had personally undergone the procedure.
As the conversation around egg freezing grows, many women are wondering when is the right time to preserve their fertility. To shed light on this, we consulted Dr. Shobha Gupta, medical director and IVF specialist at Mother’s Lap IVF Centre in New Delhi and Vrindavan, to better understand the optimal age for freezing eggs.
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a process that allows women to preserve their fertility for the future. The procedure involves stimulating the ovaries with hormone injections to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and frozen at subzero temperatures. This technology has become increasingly popular among women who wish to delay having children for personal, professional, or health reasons. It provides women with more control over their reproductive timeline, offering a solution for balancing career and family life without compromising future fertility.
According to Dr. Gupta, the optimal age for egg freezing is typically between 30 and 34 years. “This is when egg quality and quantity are usually at their best,” she explains. “Freezing eggs in this age range increases the chances of a successful pregnancy later on.” As women age, particularly after 35, both the quality and quantity of their eggs decline, which can reduce the likelihood of successful fertilization and pregnancy.
Dr. Gupta also cautions against freezing eggs too early, particularly in the 20s, as this may not provide significant benefits. While women’s eggs are more fertile in their 20s, freezing eggs at this age could lead to higher costs due to extended storage fees without offering additional advantages. She adds that egg freezing should be seen as an empowering option for women who want to align their fertility goals with their life plans, offering flexibility for when they feel ready to have children.
Freezing eggs before the age of 35 is often advised because fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35. By freezing eggs earlier, women can preserve them in a healthier, younger state, which increases the chances of successful fertilization and healthy pregnancies down the road. “The procedure is particularly beneficial for those who wish to delay parenthood for reasons like career goals or personal health,” says Dr. Gupta.
However, Dr. Gupta also points out that if a woman plans to conceive in the next few years, freezing eggs in the early 30s may be sufficient, as the decline in fertility occurs gradually until the late 30s.
In conclusion, egg freezing offers a valuable opportunity for women looking to extend their reproductive potential. While the procedure is most effective between 30 and 34 years old, the decision should ultimately depend on individual circumstances, including personal, professional, and health-related factors.
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