“Deciding to have children is a deeply personal choice, and it requires thoughtful consideration,” says Dr. Prathyusha Gunreddy, Fertility Consultant of 9M Fertility by Ankura Hospital. In today’s world, where careers and personal goals often take precedence, women increasingly need the option to decide when and how to start a family. Advances in reproductive technology, such as egg freezing, now offer hope to women who wish to delay parenthood while still preserving the chance of having biological children in the future.
What is Egg Freezing, and How Will the Eggs Be Used?
Egg freezing, also called oocyte cryopreservation, involves extracting a woman’s eggs, freezing them, and storing them to preserve fertility. Since the first birth from a frozen egg in 1986, techniques have improved significantly, increasing the survival rates of eggs after freezing and thawing.
These cryopreserved eggs are put in a warming solution and assessed when the woman is ready to use them to conceive. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection ICSI is used to fertilise eggs that have survived the freezing process. A single sperm is injected directly into the egg, and the fertilised eggs grow in culture until the embryo is ready to be transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy, usually three to five days after fertilisation.
Why It Is Important to Talk About Egg Freezing Early
“A woman’s biological clock does not wait,” Dr. Prathyusha explains. Egg quantity and quality naturally decline with age, making conception more difficult. Freezing eggs earlier, ideally in the late 20s or early 30s, ensures healthier eggs and better chances of future conception. If a woman freezes eggs between the ages of 30 and 35, the chances of becoming a mother in the future are higher. The risk of genetic problems in eggs increases after the age of 35.
For many, egg freezing is not just a choice; it can be a medical necessity. Women undergoing cancer treatment or those with conditions affecting fertility often rely on egg freezing to protect their reproductive potential. It also empowers women to focus on their careers, personal goals, or finding the right partner without the pressure of a ticking biological clock. Increasing acceptance of this option underscores the need for open conversations so women can make informed decisions about their reproductive future.
The Benefits of Egg Freezing
• Allows women to pursue careers or education without compromising fertility. • Helps women diagnosed with cancer preserve eggs before treatment affects fertility. • Supports women without a partner to safeguard their reproductive future. • Enables women with a family history of early menopause to act proactively. • Provides peace of mind through control over family planning. • Uses modern vitrification techniques that reduce damage and increase success rates.
Oocyte Vitrification Process
The oocyte vitrification process preserves eggs using a rapid solidification method at extremely low temperatures. The eggs are treated with cryoprotective additives (CPAs) to prevent ice crystal formation, which can cause damage. Once prepared, the eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen at –196°C (–321°F).
Cryopreserved oocytes can remain viable for decades when properly stored. In fact, successful live births have been reported using eggs frozen for more than 14 years.
Conclusion
Dr. Prathyusha Gunreddy says egg freezing is more than a medical procedure. It is an empowering choice that allows women to take control of their reproductive future. By preserving their eggs, women can align family planning with career goals, personal growth, or medical needs without feeling pressured by age or societal expectations. At 9M Fertility by Ankura Hospital, we provide comprehensive guidance and support for women considering egg freezing, helping them make informed decisions about their reproductive options.