Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where a woman’s eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. This advanced reproductive technology allows women to preserve their fertility and have children later in life. Despite its growing popularity and success rates, there are still several misconceptions surrounding egg freezing in Canada.
Today, we will debunk some of the most common myths and provide accurate information to help Canadian women make informed decisions about their fertility options:
Myth 1. Egg Freezing Is Only for Women Who Are Career-Driven or Delaying Motherhood
While it’s true that some women choose to freeze their eggs to focus on their careers or delay motherhood, there are many other reasons why a woman may opt for egg freezing. These include medical reasons, such as undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can have a negative impact on fertility. Additionally, women with a family history of early menopause or certain genetic conditions may choose to freeze their eggs as a proactive step to preserve their fertility.
Myth 2. Egg Freezing Is a Guarantee for a Successful Pregnancy Later in Life
Although egg freezing has shown great success and has led to many healthy pregnancies, it is not a guarantee that a woman will conceive later in life. The success rate of egg freezing depends on several factors, including the woman’s age at the time of freezing, the quality of the eggs, and the skill of the fertility clinic. However, it is important to note that the chances of a successful pregnancy using frozen eggs are significantly higher than if a woman were trying to conceive naturally at an older age.
Myth 3. Frozen Eggs Have a Higher Risk of Birth Defects or Genetic Abnormalities
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that children born from frozen eggs are at a higher risk of birth defects or genetic abnormalities compared to children conceived naturally or through other assisted reproductive technologies. The process of freezing and thawing the eggs does not have any adverse effects on the quality of the eggs or the resulting embryos.
Myth 4. Egg Freezing Is a Long and Complicated Process
The process of egg freezing typically takes about two weeks to complete. It involves hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries, regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasound, and a minor outpatient procedure to retrieve the eggs. Overall, the entire process is relatively quick and straightforward compared to other fertility treatments.
Myth 5. Egg Freezing Is Not Covered by Canadian Health Insurance
While it’s true that elective egg freezing is not covered by provincial health insurance plans in Canada, some private insurance companies and employee benefits programs may provide coverage for this procedure. Additionally, some fertility clinics offer financing options or payment plans to help make the process more affordable. Either way, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider, insurance company, and fertility clinic to understand your coverage options and the costs involved in the process.
Conclusion
Egg freezing is becoming increasingly popular among Canadian women as a way to preserve fertility and expand their family planning options. That said, by debunking the myths surrounding this advanced reproductive technology, we hope to provide accurate information and empower women to make informed decisions about their fertility. If you are considering egg freezing, consult with your healthcare provider and a fertility specialist to determine if this option is right for you!
Dr. Fay Weisberg, an innovative fertility specialist and gynecologist, operates First Steps Fertility Clinic, which offers outstanding fertility treatments to the larger Toronto area. If you are looking for egg-freezing procedures, book a consultation with us today!
