Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Freezing

Request for Doctor Consultation
This is Required

Summary: Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a cutting-edge fertility preservation technique that enables women to store their eggs for future use. With increasing awareness and advancements in medical science, more women are considering egg freezing as an option. If you are considering egg freezing, you probably have many questions. In this blog post, the best fertility specialist at Miracles Fertility & IVF Clinic, Gurgaon, provides insights into the seven most frequently asked questions about egg freezing.

What Does Egg Freezing Mean?

Egg freezing is a process in which a woman’s eggs (oocytes) are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. It is a method of preserving fertility, allowing women to delay pregnancy until they are ready. When the woman decides to conceive, the frozen eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm in a lab through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and then implanted into the uterus.

This procedure is beneficial for women who want to postpone pregnancy due to career, medical reasons such as cancer treatments, or personal circumstances.

What Is the Egg Freezing Process?

The egg freezing procedure involves multiple steps, typically taking around two to three weeks to complete:

Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation

  • Hormonal injections are administered to stimulate the ovaries, encouraging the production of multiple eggs.

  • Frequent ultrasound scans and blood tests are done to monitor follicle development.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval

  • Once the eggs reach maturity, they are collected through a minimally invasive procedure known as follicular aspiration.

  • This is done under sedation, where a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to extract the eggs from the ovaries.

Step 3: Egg Freezing (Cryopreservation)

  • The retrieved eggs are rapidly frozen using a method called vitrification, which prevents the formation of ice crystals and increases the chances of survival when thawed.

  • The frozen eggs are then stored in a specialized facility until they are needed.

When Should Egg Freezing Be Done?

The best time to freeze eggs is when a woman is in her late 20s to early 30s, as egg quality and quantity decline with age. However, it can still be done in the mid-to-late 30s or even early 40s, but with lower success rates.

Egg freezing is recommended in the following situations:

  • Delaying motherhood due to career or personal reasons.

  • Undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation may affect fertility.

  • Having conditions like endometriosis or ovarian disorders that impact reproductive health.

  • They want to donate eggs for future use by themselves or others.

What Are the Benefits of Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing offers several benefits, including:

  • Preserving fertility: Allows women to have biological children later in life.

  • Flexibility: Women can focus on their career or personal goals without the pressure of age-related infertility.

  • Medical reasons: Helps women undergoing treatments that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy.

  • Higher success rate when done at a younger age: Eggs frozen in the 20s or early 30s have a higher chance of successful pregnancy later.

What Are the Side Effects of Egg Freezing?

Although egg freezing is a safe procedure, some potential side effects and risks include:

  • Mild cramping and bloating: Common after egg retrieval.

  • Emotional stress: The process can be emotionally demanding.

  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Caused by hormonal injections, leading to bloating, nausea, and discomfort.

Most women recover quickly from the procedure, and serious complications are rare.

What Is the Age Limit for Egg Freezing?

There is no strict age limit for egg freezing, but the best results are seen when it is done before the age of 35.

  • Ideal age: 25-35 years (higher egg quality and quantity).

  • Possible but lower success: 36-40 years (reduced egg quality).

  • Not recommended: After 40 years (very low success rates).

Many fertility clinics prefer to freeze eggs from women under 40 due to declining egg quality.

How Much Does Egg Freezing Cost in Gurgaon?

The cost of egg freezing in Gurgaon, India varies depending on several factors, including the clinic, location, medical requirements, and the number of cycles needed. Additional expenses may include medication, storage fees, and future IVF procedures. Many hospitals and fertility clinics offer customized packages, installment plans, or EMI options to make the process more affordable. It is best to visit a fertility clinic near you and consult a fertility specialist to get a personalized estimate based on your specific needs.

Conclusion:

Egg freezing is an advanced medical technology that empowers women to take control of their reproductive choices. Whether you're considering it for personal, medical, or professional reasons, understanding the process, benefits, risks, and costs can help you make an informed decision. If you have more questions about egg freezing, consult a fertility specialist near you at Miracles Healthcare. Our experts provide personalized guidance and advanced fertility solutions to help you plan for the future with confidence.