Not long ago, former Miss World Diana Haydon and actors like Mona Singh, Tanisha Mukerji, and Rakhi Sawant announced that they have frozen their eggs. The divas shared how they felt free as they no longer have to worry about their biological clock, and can prioritize what really demands their attention and time.
The concept of egg freezing started in 2012 and is no longer an experimental procedure. It can be offered to women who want to delay getting pregnant right now. It’s for women who, for any reason, do not want to get pregnant now or do not have the choice of getting pregnant now.
However, it is generally not advisable for women of advanced age. A woman who is 40 should weigh her options as we know the quality of eggs declines with age. However, at any given point in time, earlier is always better than later for egg freezing.
We got in touch with Dr Richa Jagtap, Clinical Director & Consultant Reproductive Medicine, NOVA IVF Fertility, Mumbai to elaborate on the importance of egg freezing at an early stage.
1. Egg quality and numbers reduce as women age
Women having endometriosis, ovarian surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and the ones planning on undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy will have a poor egg reserve. These women will benefit from egg freezing. You will have to discuss with your doctor before opting for this procedure.
2. When egg supply is limited
Women are born with a finite number of eggs. But the egg quality reduces as a woman ages. Women should plan their pregnancies in their 20s or 30s as after this the pregnancy chances decline. So, such women can safely opt for egg freezing before the egg decline starts to postpone pregnancy till they can plan motherhood.
3. Egg freezing helps to preserve egg quality
The number of eggs will decline as one ages and the quality will also diminish. Thus, egg freezing will allow you to preserve good eggs and use them later in life.
4. It can help ease off the pressure for single women
You will not be pressurized anymore to find the right partner and plan pregnancy in a hurry due to the ticking biological clock. Once some eggs are frozen, you can take your own time. You can start your family when you are ready. Thus, egg freezing tends to alleviate the downside to waiting.
5. Get thorough information
You will have to speak to a fertility consultant who will clear all the misconceptions surrounding egg freezing. The expert will address all your concerns and chart a path for you.
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