In recent years, egg freezing has emerged as a powerful fertility preservation technique, offering women the opportunity to delay motherhood while pursuing education, career ambitions, or personal goals. Many public figures, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Richa Chadha, Mona Singh, Ekta Kapoor, Tanishaa Mukerji, and Sushmita Sen, have openly discussed their choice to freeze their eggs, enabling them to prioritize their careers without sacrificing the possibility of becoming mothers in the future.
Despite its growing popularity, there are still numerous myths surrounding egg freezing, causing hesitation and misunderstanding among women considering the procedure. Dr. Rashmi Agarwal, a fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Gurugram, Delhi NCR, addresses these misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of consulting experts to understand the procedure’s true benefits.
Here are some common myths about egg freezing and the facts that every woman should know:
Myth 1: Egg Freezing is Harmful for Both the Mother and the Baby
Fact: Numerous studies have shown that egg freezing is not dangerous for either the mother or her baby. There are no known risks of chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, or pregnancy complications associated with using frozen eggs. The eggs that are chosen for freezing are of high quality, ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy in the future.
Myth 2: Egg Freezing is an Invasive, Painful, and Time-Consuming Procedure
Fact: Egg freezing is actually a minimally invasive procedure, typically performed under sedation to ensure that the patient feels no pain. Although the process requires hormone injections over a 10–14 day period to stimulate the ovaries, advancements in medical technology have made the procedure more efficient and comfortable. It is a safe and patient-friendly process.
Myth 3: Egg Freezing is Only for Women with Medical Conditions
Fact: Egg freezing is not exclusive to women with medical conditions such as cancer, endometriosis, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women may also choose egg freezing for personal reasons, such as waiting for the right partner or focusing on career goals. Any woman who wants to preserve her fertility for the future can consult with a fertility expert about the option.
Myth 4: Egg Freezing is Only Ideal for Women Over 35
Fact: While many people think egg freezing is only for women over 35, the procedure is actually suitable for women in their late 20s or early 30s. Women in this age range tend to have healthier and more viable eggs, making it an ideal time to consider egg freezing if desired. Consulting with a doctor can help determine the best time for the procedure based on individual circumstances.
Myth 5: Freezing Eggs Will Reduce Future Fertility
Fact: Contrary to popular belief, the process of egg retrieval does not diminish a woman’s egg reserve or future fertility. Removing eggs from the body during the freezing process does not impact the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. Women can still conceive naturally in the future, and their fertility is not compromised by the egg freezing procedure.
Egg freezing offers women the ability to take control of their reproductive future, allowing them to make choices about when and how they want to start a family without compromising their personal or professional goals. Consulting a fertility expert can help women understand how egg freezing works and whether it’s the right option for them.
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