In our modern society, many women choose to start their family later in life for various reasons. These reasons range from focusing on their careers, waiting for the right partner, or just personal preference. However, with our biological clock in place, the ability to conceive naturally decreases as a woman ages. One of the solutions that technology and science have brought to this issue is egg freezing.
So, what goes into the process of freezing eggs, and how does it relate to your fertility?
Understanding Age-Related Fertility
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand what age-related fertility challenges are. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and these start to decline naturally and gradually from their mid-30s. This progression leads to decreased fertility and a greater probability of chromosomal abnormalities.
Besides the issue of quantity, there is also a quality concern. Unfortunately, as you age, the quality of your eggs also declines. As a result, all forms of conception (natural and through IVF) become more complicated and display fewer success rates. That is why many experts recommend attempting to get pregnant before age 35 for women and 40 for men.
With that being said, these numbers are not part of a hard and fast rule. As mentioned above, scientific and technological advances have significantly benefited family planning circles. Therefore, you don’t have to despair over conceiving just because you are older than 35 or even 40.
What is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing (also known as oocyte cryopreservation) refers to the extraction, freezing, and storage of your eggs so your fertility specialist can use them to help you (and your partner- if that’s the case) conceive in the future.
- The first step in this process involves hormonal stimulation over roughly 10-14 days to mature multiple eggs.
- The medical professional retrieves the eggs in a quick, minimally invasive surgical procedure.
- These eggs are then flash-frozen -in a process known as vitrification- which rapidly cools them to sub-zero temperatures, thus maintaining their quality and viability.
This technique allows you to preserve your younger, healthier eggs for future use when conception becomes more challenging.
Benefits of Egg Freezing
Egg freezing stands as a beacon of hope for women who foresee potential fertility issues due to:
- A career that doesn’t currently accommodate the demands of childbearing and rearing
- A health condition that might impact fertility (e.g., early menopause or cancer)
- Not being ready or having found the right partner to start a family
What Risks Does Egg Freezing Present?
Egg freezing is a relatively risk-free procedure. It is a multi-step process where a part (the extraction) entails undergoing a minor surgical procedure. As with all surgeries, there is some general risk involved. Conversely, once your eggs are frozen, they can remain in good condition for over ten years with little to no impact on their quality.
All in all, your fertility specialist will address any perceived risks with you during your initial consultation meetings.
Conclusion
While egg freezing doesn’t guarantee a pregnancy, it significantly increases the chance of conception as you age past what many call your prime reproductive years. By freezing younger, healthier eggs, you have the opportunity to plan your family without the added stress of a receding biological clock. It provides a form of insurance against the fertility challenges that come with aging and brings peace of mind. Despite potential costs and challenges, egg freezing represents a solid investment in your reproductive future.
If you are considering egg freezing, don’t hesitate to contact a fertility specialist as soon as possible. Their expertise will be a font of valuable information or a source of peace of mind throughout the process.
