Many women are now choosing to delay motherhood to pursue their careers, education, or personal goals. Egg freezing can be the option for these new moms aspiring to have a family later in life

As societal norms evolve, so do family planning options. Many women are now choosing to delay motherhood to pursue their careers, education, or personal goals. While this shift is empowering, it can lead to concerns about fertility, especially as age advances. Fortunately, modern science has provided a groundbreaking solution i.e. egg freezing. However, before opting this option, it is important that one must explore the concept of advanced age pregnancy and how egg freezing is offering a promising pathway for women to extend their fertility timeline.

The Challenges of Advanced Age Pregnancy

As women age, the quantity and quality of their eggs decline. This natural process, often referred to as ovarian aging, can lead to several challenges when trying to conceive at an older age:

Reduced Fertility: A woman’s peak fertility typically occurs in her early 20s and starts to decline after the age of 30. By 35, fertility decreases more rapidly. This decline in fertility is due to a decrease in both the number and quality of eggs.

Increased Risk of Pregnancy Complications: Advanced maternal age (pregnancy after the age of 35) is associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and genetic abnormalities in the baby.

Lower Success Rates in Assisted Reproductive Technologies: When women pursue assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) at an older age, they may face lower success rates due to decreased egg quality.

Egg Freezing: A Game-Changer:

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a revolutionary technique that allows women to preserve their eggs for future use.

How it works:

Egg Retrieval: Women undergo a process similar to the initial stages of IVF, where multiple eggs are retrieved from the ovaries.

Cryopreservation: These eggs are then carefully frozen and stored at ultra-low temperatures until the woman is ready to use them.

Future Use: When a woman decides to conceive, the frozen eggs can be thawed, fertilized with sperm, and transferred to the uterus, allowing her to become pregnant.

Advantages of Egg Freezing

Extended Fertility: Egg freezing enables women to preserve their younger, healthier eggs, giving them a better chance of conceiving when they are at 39 and are ready.

Improved Pregnancy Outcomes: Using frozen eggs can result in healthier pregnancies and reduced pregnancy-related complications.

Flexible Timelines: Egg freezing provides the freedom to focus on personal or career goals, knowing that fertility options are secured.

Empowerment: It allows women to take control of their reproductive future and make informed choices.

Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing can be an excellent option for women in the following situations:

Career-Oriented Women: Those who wish to establish their careers before starting a family.

Medical Reasons: Women facing medical treatments that may affect their fertility, such as chemotherapy.

Age-Related Concerns: Women who want to delay motherhood due to age but want to secure their fertility.

Single Women: Those who have not found a partner but want to have biological children in the future.

Is Egg Freezing a Guarantee?

It is important to note that while egg freezing offers hope, it is not a guaranteed solution. Success rates vary, and the age at which the eggs were frozen plays a significant role. Generally, the younger the woman when she freezes her eggs, the higher the chances of success. Additionally, factors like sperm quality, uterine health, and overall health can influence outcomes.

Conclusion:

As more women choose to delay motherhood for various reasons, egg freezing emerges as a transformative solution. It provides a pathway to extend fertility, improve pregnancy outcomes, and empower women to make informed choices about when to start a family. While it may not guarantee success, it offers hope and opportunity to many women who wish to balance their life goals and family planning. If you are considering egg freezing, consult with a fertility specialist to explore this option and make an informed decision.

(The writer is MD (AIIMS), COAG (Harvard), RCOG Associate (London) and a national award-winning laparoscopic surgeon and IVF specialist.)