Egg freezing is a procedure that offers women the opportunity to preserve their fertility for the future. This technique allows the retrieval of eggs during the optimal reproductive years, after which they are frozen and stored for potential future use.
While egg freezing is a valuable option for some, it is not necessary for all women. There are specific groups of women who may benefit more from considering this procedure. Who are they? Here’s a closer look at the details.
What is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing is a medical procedure where eggs are extracted from the ovaries, frozen, and preserved for future use. The freezing process ensures the eggs maintain their quality and viability.
This procedure is a key component of fertility preservation. It offers significant advantages for those who wish to delay pregnancy, whether due to health issues, personal goals, or other factors.
Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?
Although egg freezing is not required for every woman, certain individuals may find it more beneficial. These groups include:
Women Diagnosed with Cancer or Undergoing Pelvic Surgery
One of the main groups recommended to consider egg freezing are women diagnosed with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or pelvic surgeries. These treatments have the potential to damage ovarian tissue and permanently affect egg quantity and quality.
By freezing eggs before beginning cancer treatment, women can increase their chances of having biological children once their therapy is completed.
Women Undergoing Surgeries that Pose Risks to the Ovaries
Egg freezing is also advisable for women who are about to undergo surgeries that might harm the ovaries, such as ovarian cyst removal, endometriosis surgery, or other procedures.
While these surgeries are designed to address medical issues, they can sometimes lead to a quicker decline in reproductive function. Freezing eggs beforehand serves as an important precaution to preserve fertility.
Women with a Family History of Reproductive or Genetic Disorders
Women with a family history of early menopause or specific genetic conditions that impact fertility are often encouraged to consider egg freezing. Conditions like resistant ovary syndrome or autoimmune diseases can accelerate the depletion of egg reserves.
In these cases, freezing eggs ahead of time can help maintain the possibility of biological children in the future.
Women with Chronic Health Conditions Affecting Fertility
Chronic conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), lupus, or diabetes can negatively affect both the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs. To preserve fertility, egg freezing may be recommended before the condition worsens and further impacts reproductive health.
Women with Long-Term Career Goals
Many women today focus on career advancement, education, or personal growth before starting a family. However, it is important to understand that fertility naturally begins to decline after the age of 30.
By freezing eggs at a younger age women (usually between 20 and 35 years old) can increase their chances of successful pregnancy later on, whether through natural conception or IVF.
If you belong to any of the above groups, it may be worth exploring the benefits, risks, and costs of egg freezing. With proper planning, the likelihood of future pregnancy can be significantly improved.
For more information or questions about egg freezing or fertility-related concerns, consider consulting a healthcare professional. You can also access consultations through the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
Penn Medicine. Egg Freezing. Available from: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/penn-fertility-care/fertility-preservation-program/egg-freezing
John Hopkins Medicine. Freezing Eggs: Preserving Fertility for the Future. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/freezing-eggs-preserving-fertility-for-the-future
UCLA Health. Egg Freezing. Available from: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility/egg-freezing