The discussion around egg freezing—its risks, results, and costs—has been a prominent one, especially as more women, particularly in urban settings, are opting for it. Originally introduced in the 1990s for fertility preservation in women undergoing cancer treatment, egg freezing is now increasingly chosen by women delaying childbearing for personal or professional reasons.
Karishma Mehta, the CEO of Humans of Bombay, recently shared her personal decision to freeze her eggs at the age of 32 in an Instagram post, sparking further conversation about social egg freezing. In her post, she shared, “Been meaning to do this for a while and finally got around to it. I froze my eggs at the beginning of the month.”
Social egg freezing is part of assisted reproductive technology (ART), wherein women opt to freeze their eggs for future use, a process distinct from those who freeze eggs before undergoing cancer treatment. The procedure, formally known as oocyte cryopreservation, involves extracting a woman’s eggs, freezing them, and preserving their fertility potential for later use. The first successful pregnancy from a frozen egg was achieved in 1986, and since then, advancements in egg extraction and freezing techniques have increased the success rates of these procedures, no longer considering it an experimental method.
The process of egg freezing involves ovarian stimulation using hormonal medications, followed by the aspiration of eggs from the ovaries. The eggs are then assessed for maturity and cryopreserved. Once a woman is ready to use her frozen eggs to attempt pregnancy, the eggs are thawed and fertilized using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and the resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus.
What Are the Chances of Success?
Success rates for pregnancy from frozen eggs vary, with clinical pregnancy rates ranging from 4-12% per egg. However, as egg freezing is a relatively new practice, more data is needed to establish definitive success rates. The likelihood of a successful pregnancy is largely influenced by the woman’s age at the time of freezing and the number of eggs retrieved.
What Are the Risks?
One of the most significant medical risks of egg freezing is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can result from the ovarian stimulation process. While mild to moderate cases cause symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain, severe cases (in 0.1%-2% of patients) can lead to blood clots, shortness of breath, and dehydration, potentially requiring hospitalization. In rare cases, OHSS can be life-threatening.
Women using frozen eggs to conceive face the risks associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF), such as multiple pregnancies, pregnancy-related hypertension, and preterm deliveries. Additionally, older women who conceive using frozen eggs may face higher risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean deliveries, though these risks vary depending on the individual’s health and age.
What Is the Right Age to Freeze Eggs?
Social egg freezing is most effective for women under the age of 38 who wish to preserve their fertility for future childbearing. Egg freezing helps women maintain the option of having genetically related children later in life and reduces the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in offspring. For women without a partner or those with ethical concerns about embryo freezing, egg freezing offers an alternative.
Gynecologist and clinical embryologist Priya Selvaraj noted that women opting for egg freezing in India are often independent, career-oriented, and in their mid- to late-30s. Many of these women, she says, are motivated by the awareness of their biological clock and seek the hope of motherhood, even if it may be later than expected.
What Are the Costs of Egg Freezing?
The cost of egg freezing in India typically ranges between Rs 1,00,000 and Rs 2,50,000, depending on various factors such as the clinic’s location and technology. Breakdown of costs includes initial consultations (Rs 2,200 to Rs 5,000), ovarian stimulation medications (Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000), egg retrieval (up to Rs 1,50,000), and egg freezing/storage (Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000). Annual storage fees can range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000. The total cost may increase if more than one cycle of egg retrieval is necessary to achieve an optimal number of eggs.
Societal Implications of Egg Freezing
As the media spotlight on egg freezing intensifies, there is potential for societal pressure on women to freeze their eggs. While egg freezing is often promoted as a way for women to take control of their reproductive futures, it is important to consider both the risks and the financial costs involved.
Egg freezing should not be framed as a universal solution for all women. It remains largely inaccessible to those without significant financial resources, and while it may benefit some women, it is crucial not to present it as a one-size-fits-all option. Physicians must also avoid putting undue pressure on women, portraying egg freezing as the only way to prevent future regret.
Ultimately, social egg freezing offers an empowering opportunity for women, but it is essential that they have access to accurate information and make well-informed decisions about their fertility options.
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