In recent years, egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for women who wish to delay pregnancy due to various reasons such as career advancement, lack of a suitable partner or health concerns. Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process in which a woman’s eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use.
It is a method of preserving a woman’s fertility, allowing her to have children at a later stage in life when she is ready. This informative article will answer some of the most common questions about freezing eggs for later pregnancy:
Why Do Women Choose to Freeze Their Eggs?
There are various reasons why women choose to freeze their eggs. Some of the most common causes include:
- Age: As women age, their fertility decreases. Egg freezing allows women to preserve their fertility and increase their chances of having children in the future.
- Medical conditions: Women who are diagnosed with cancer or other medical conditions that require treatment that may affect their fertility may choose to freeze their eggs before undergoing treatment.
- Career goals: Women who wish to focus on their careers, and delay having children until later in life, may choose to freeze their eggs.
- Lack of a suitable partner: Women who have not found the right partner yet may choose to freeze their eggs to increase their chances of having children in the future.
How Is the Egg Freezing Process Done?
The egg freezing process involves several steps:
- Ovarian stimulation: The first step involves ovarian stimulation, where a woman is given medication to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the usual one egg per cycle. This is done to increase the chances of success during the egg retrieval process.
- Egg retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved using a needle that is inserted through the vaginal wall. The procedure is performed under sedation, and the patient does not feel any pain.
- Freezing: The retrieved eggs are then frozen using a process called vitrification, which involves rapidly cooling the eggs to -196°C. This process prevents ice crystals from forming, which can damage the eggs.
- Storage: The frozen eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks until the woman is ready to use them.
What Is the Success Rate of Egg Freezing?
The success rate of egg freezing depends on various factors such as age, the number of eggs retrieved, and the quality of the eggs. Women who freeze their eggs before the age of 35 have a higher chance of success compared to those who freeze their eggs after the age of 35. The number of eggs retrieved also plays a crucial role in the success rate. Women who have more than 15 eggs retrieved have a higher chance of success.
What Are the Risks of Egg Freezing?
Like any medical procedure, egg freezing comes with its own set of risks. Some of the common risks associated with egg freezing include:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): This is a rare complication that can occur when a woman’s ovaries are stimulated using medication. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and fluid retention, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection during the egg retrieval process.
- Emotional impact: Egg freezing can have an emotional impact on women, especially if they do not achieve a successful pregnancy in the future.
What Is the Cost of Egg Freezing?
The cost of egg freezing varies depending on the clinic and location. In Canada, the cost of egg freezing can range from $7,000 to $12,000, which includes the cost of medication, monitoring, and egg retrieval. The cost of storage can range from $300 to $500 per year.
Is Egg Freezing Covered by Insurance?
In Canada, egg freezing is not covered by most provincial health plans. However, some private insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost. It is essential to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered.
Conclusion
Egg freezing is a viable option for women who wish to delay pregnancy. It is a safe and effective way to preserve a woman’s fertility and increase her chances of having children in the future. However, it is vital to consider the risks and costs associated with the procedure before making a decision. It is also important to remember that egg freezing does not guarantee a successful pregnancy in the future, but it does offer women the option of preserving their fertility and having children when they are ready.
If you are looking for the best fertility clinic in Toronto, trust First Steps Fertility Clinic. Understanding that the dream of having a family may be difficult for some people, our goal is to help guide patients gently through the sometimes difficult steps of getting there. Patient education is at the forefront of any visit, and sometimes small changes in lifestyle can make a huge difference in success. Book a consultation now.
