What is the right age for egg freezing, and why does it matter?

India Today

3 days ago

More women today are choosing to delay motherhood due to various factors that could include career, education, or personal reasons. But with this shift in life planning comes the need to understand how fertility works with age.One medical option that's becoming increasingly popular, is a procedure called egg freezing, that allows women to preserve their eggs at a younger age and use them later when they're ready to become parents.advertisementWhile the idea of freezing eggs sounds promising, doctors say it's important to be well-informed before making the decision and soon.THE AGE FACTOR
If you're thinking of freezing your eggs, fertility specialists agree that age has a role to play in the procedure.Dr. Rashmi Niphadkar, a fertility expert at Nova IVF Fertility in Pune, says the best time to freeze eggs is between the ages of 25 and 35. During this time, the number and quality of eggs are at their peak, which gives women the highest chance of a successful pregnancy in the future.After 35, egg quantity begins to drop, and the eggs may not be as healthy. This, in turn, lowers the chances of conception and can sometimes even affect the health of the pregnancy itself.Dr. Prachi Benara, a fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF in Gurugram, adds that the ideal window is between 28 and 35 years. "Women are born with a fixed number of eggs, and as they age, both the count and quality naturally decline. This doesn't only make it harder to get pregnant but can also increase the risk of miscarriage and other complications," she says.According to her, freezing eggs at a younger age gives women more flexibility and peace of mind when it comes to family planning later in life.THE PROCEDURE OF EGG FREEZINGWhen it comes to who should consider egg freezing, doctors emphasise that it's not just for women with health problems. It can be an important option for women who are postponing motherhood to focus on other areas of life, including career or education.It is also suitable for women who are undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy, or those who have a family history of early menopause. In some cases, women with conditions such as endometriosis or autoimmune diseases may also benefit from freezing their eggs early.Lifestyle choices and factors like smoking, stress, poor sleep, and irregular periods can impact fertility, and in such situations, an early consultation with a fertility doctor may help.THE COST OF EGG FREEZINGIn India, the cost of egg freezing varies depending on the clinic and the individual's medical condition.Dr. Benara says a single cycle of egg freezing — which includes medications, scans, and the egg retrieval process — typically costs between Rs 1 lakh and Rs. 1.2 lakh. Annual storage charges usually range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000, and if a woman chooses to use her eggs later through IVF, that may cost another Rs 1.5 to Rs 2.5 lakh per cycle. Some clinics, like hers, offer bundled packages that include storage for a few years.advertisementDr. Niphadkar adds that pricing depends heavily on factors like age and the number of eggs retrieved, so there isn't a fixed amount that applies to everyone.BUSTING MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONSDespite growing awareness, there are still a lot of misconceptions around egg freezing. One common myth, Dr. Niphadkar points out, is the belief that freezing eggs guarantees a baby later.She clarifies that while the procedure increases the chances of pregnancy, it does not come with a 100% success rate. The outcome still depends on the quality of eggs at the time of freezing, and how the body responds to IVF later.Another mistake women make, she says, is assuming they can wait until their 40s. But by that time, the egg quality might have already declined. Dr. Benara agrees, saying women often believe they can wait too long, when in reality, freezing earlier is far more effective.Physically, egg freezing is usually safe, but it is not completely without discomfort.advertisementWomen may experience bloating, mood swings, and mild side effects due to hormone injections used to stimulate the ovaries.Both doctors mention that this part of the process takes about 10 to 14 days. In rare cases, there can be a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (when ovaries get swollen and the fluid leaks from blood vessels into the belly and chest area).Emotionally, women may feel anxious, especially if they are going through the process alone or worried about whether they are making the right choice.At the same time, many women also feel a sense of empowerment after taking control of their fertility plans.Doctors encourage women to see egg freezing not as a guarantee, but as a helpful option to keep doors open for the future.With the right medical guidance and emotional support, the process can be smooth, meaningful, and well worth considering for those who want to preserve their fertility.- EndsMust Watch