Egg freezing which is also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process that allows women to safeguard their eggs for some future use. It is a complex process that involves the extraction and freezing of healthy eggs when a female is in her prime fertility years. Later, these eggs can be thawed and used in IVF treatments if the woman wants to conceive later in her life. This is mostly useful for women who have been facing challenges with fertility with reasons being age, personal reasons as well as medical conditions.
An individual considering this option should consult with an experienced IVF doctor in Siliguri as this can in turn help them guide throughout the procedure and further provide advice that is tailored accordingly for their journey of fertility.
The Science Behind Egg Freezing
It involves several medical procedures that in turn allow a female to preserve her eggs for future usage. The process often begins with ovarian stimulation where the female is given hormonal injections for nearly 2weeks as this can help encourage her ovaries to produce more eggs. During this time, her progress is measured with the help of blood tests along with ultrasounds and further tracking the growth of her eggs. Once the eggs are matured enough, a small surgical process which is also known as aspiration or egg retrieval is performed. Under light sedation, a thin needle is inserted into the ovaries with the help of vaginal walls as this helps in the collection of eggs. These eggs are then carefully chosen for freezing and carefully examined. These eggs are then frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen at a very low temperature for long-term preservation.
In the future if at all the woman decides to use her frozen eggs, they are thawed, fertilized with sperm which later convert into embryos and are transferred into her uterus through an IVF process. This can in turn help women preserve their fertility and also plan for pregnancy at a later stage in life.
Risks and Complications
Although Egg freezing has helped a number of individuals achieve their dream of parenthood, it also comes with various other drawbacks, potential complications, and risks. Below are some important considerations that one should make:
1. Chances of Multiple Pregnancy
- Risk: Egg freezing in most cases does increase the chances of multiple pregnancies like twins or even triplets as multiple embryos are implanted in order to increase the likelihood of success.
- Complications: In most cases, multiple pregnancies can often cause low birth weight, and premature birth while also increasing various other health risks including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
2. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
- Risk: OHSS often takes place when the ovaries react way too strongly to the fertility drugs that have been used in order to stimulate egg production.
- Complications: It may cause fluid retention, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases the ovaries may swell up, while also causing kidney failure or blood clots.
3. Increased risk of Birth defects
- Risk: It is often said that most children who are conceived through egg freezing may have chances of congenital abnormalities.
- Complications: Various birth defects including kidney and heart malfunctions may take place, nevertheless these risks are still considered relatively low.
These are just a few of the risks and complications involved in the process of egg freezing and thus one should thoroughly consider all the risks health and complications before opting for egg freezing. There are a number of Infertility specialists in Siliguri who can help achieve an individual's dream of parenthood.
The ideal time for egg-freezing
Female individuals who want to preserve their fertility for future use can consider making use of the egg-freezing method, especially if an individual is not ready to conceive at the moment but may want to conceive later. This process should be considered by women who are:
- Getting Older: It is a known fact that as a woman starts to age, the quality as well as the quantity of eggs start to decline. Thus, freezing eggs before the age of 35 can help increase an individual’s likelihood of pregnancy.
- Facing various medical Conditions: An individual who has had a surgery or has taken treatment like chemotherapy may have more chances of their fertile health being affected. This process of egg-freezing can in turn help them protect their options for reproduction.
- Not Ready for Children: Egg freezing may also give more time to individuals who have been focusing on their goals and careers or want to delay their parenthood.
- At risk of premature menopause: Egg freezing can be a viable option for those who want to preserve their fertility if an individual has a history of menopause or any such factors.
Thus egg-freezing can be a great option for women who wish to preserve their fertility for some future use whether it be due to various medical reasons, age, or even personal choices. The process does offer a peace of mind along with flexibility it also comes with various other risks, costs and complications. Furthermore this process is more effective when performed before an individual turns 35.
Choosing a professional fertility clinic with experienced and knowledgeable IVF doctors in Siliguri can be of great help as it increases the likelihood of success. Consulting a proper fertility doctor and understanding the risks, and benefits along with the process can help an individual make an informed decision that can be tailored according to their specific goals and needs.
