Egg Freezing: Benefits & Side Effects

 

Egg freezing or oocyte cryopreservation is a cutting-edge medical technique that allows women to preserve their eggs for future use. Whether they are focused on building a career, searching for the right partner, or facing medical treatments that may impact their fertility, egg freezing empowers them to take control of their reproductive future. With this procedure, mature eggs are carefully collected, frozen and stored until a woman is ready to start a family. It ensures that your fertility remains intact even as time goes by. Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, a highly acclaimed specialist in infertility treatment and IV procedure, currently practicing in Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Gurugram states that egg freezing helps women to preserve their eggs by storing them for future use. For more expert insights about egg freezing, log into DocTube.

Who Benefits from Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing has opened up new possibilities for individuals and couples when it comes to family planning. While the technique was initially developed for women facing medical conditions or treatments that could compromise their fertility, its applications have expanded significantly in recent years. So, let's see who benefits from egg freezing.

1) Women Pursuing Career Goals

In today's fast-paced world, many women prioritize their careers before starting a family. Egg freezing offers them the flexibility to delay childbearing without worrying about the biological clock (Petropanagos, A., Cattapan, A., Baylis, F. and Leader, A., 2015. Social egg freezing: risk, benefits and other considerations. Cmaj, 187(9), pp.666-669). This allows women to focus on their professional aspirations, confident in the fact that they can pursue motherhood when the time is right for them.

2) Individuals Seeking the Right Partner

Finding the right life partner can take time, and not everyone is in a position to settle down early in life. Egg freezing provides those looking for the right partner with a safety net. It ensures that age-related declines in fertility will not hinder their chances of having biological children when they find their ideal match.

3) Couples Delaying Parenthood

Some couples choose to delay parenthood for various reasons, such as financial stability or personal growth. Egg freezing allows them to take their time without worrying about declining fertility (Mertes, H. and Pennings, G., 2011. Social egg freezing: for better, not for worse. Reproductive biomedicine online, 23(7), pp.824-829). When they are ready to start a family, they can use the preserved eggs to increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

4) Cancer Patients and Survivors

Medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can have a devastating impact on fertility. Egg freezing is a lifeline for women diagnosed with cancer who want to preserve their ability to have children after treatment. It offers hope and a sense of control during a challenging time.

5) Genetic Conditions

Women with genetic conditions that affect fertility can also benefit from egg freezing (Harwood, K., 2009. Egg freezing: a breakthrough for reproductive autonomy?. Bioethics, 23(1), pp.39-46). They can store their healthy eggs for future use, ensuring that they can have biologically related children without passing on genetic disorders.

6) Empowerment and Peace of Mind

Beyond the specific groups mentioned, egg freezing empowers women to take control of their reproductive futures. It provides peace of mind, reducing the anxiety associated with declining fertility as women age.

It may thus be stated that the benefits of egg freezing are diverse and far-reaching. This revolutionary technology has transformed family planning options, offering a lifeline to individuals and couples from various walks of life (Petropanagos, A., 2010. Reproductive ‘choice’ and egg freezing. Oncofertility: Ethical, legal, social, and medical perspectives, pp.223-235). It provides the freedom to make family planning decisions that align with an individual’s unique circumstances and aspirations.

Side Effects of Egg Freezing.

Despite its advantages, much like any other medical intervention, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and complications of egg freezing. Read along to learn about some of the more common possible side effects of the procedure: 

1) Discomfort or Pain

Mild pelvic discomfort or cramping is common after the egg retrieval procedure (Murugesu, S., Charalambides, M.M., Jones, B.P., Saso, S., Faris, R., Parikh, J., Nicopoullos, J., Thum, M.Y. and Bracewell‐Milnes, T., 2023. Social egg freezing: Motivations, treatment experiences and the impact of Covid‐19–a single‐center experience. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica). This discomfort is usually short-lived and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

2) Bleeding or Infection

There is a small risk of bleeding or infection associated with the egg retrieval procedure, although these complications are extremely rare.

3) Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

In some cases, the medications used to stimulate egg production can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a condition characterized by swollen and painful ovaries (Jayaprakasan, K., Herbert, M., Moody, E., Stewart, J.A. and Murdoch, A.P., 2007. Estimating the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): implications for egg donation for research. Human Fertility, 10(3), pp.183-187). Severe cases are rare but can cause abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. 

4) Multiple Pregnancy

If the frozen eggs are used for in vitro fertilization and more than one embryo is implanted, there is a risk of multiple pregnancies. While some people may consider this a positive outcome, multiple pregnancies can carry higher health risks for both the mother and babies.

5) Emotional and Psychological Stress

The process of egg freezing can be emotionally challenging, as it may involve hormonal changes, anticipation and decisions about your reproductive future. Some individuals may experience stress, anxiety or depression during this process.

6) Failure to Retrieve Eggs

In some cases, not all eggs can be successfully retrieved during the procedure, which can be disappointing (Cattapan, A., Hammond, K., Haw, J. and Tarasoff, L.A., 2014. Breaking the ice: young feminist scholars of reproductive politics reflect on egg freezing. IJFAB: International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics, 7(2), pp.236-247). The number of eggs retrieved can vary from person to person.

It is essential to discuss these potential side effects and risks with a healthcare provider before undergoing egg freezing. They will evaluate the patient’s medical history and individual circumstances to help them make an informed decision. Additionally, they will closely monitor their progress throughout the process to minimize any complications.

 

What are the most common risks related to egg freezing?

 

   

The most common risks include infection, bleeding and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome where there is enlargement of the ovaries and fluid accumulation in the abdomen and pelvis.

 

 

What is the most suitable age for egg freezing?

 

   

27-34 years is usually considered to be the best time for a woman to freeze her eggs.