Why are more women in Japan interested in freezing their egg cells?
Question: Is the number of women interested in freezing their eggs increasing in Japan?
Answer: Yes, more healthy women are interested in freezing their eggs in preparation for future pregnancies. Municipalities and companies are increasingly offering financial assistance for this process. In Tokyo, subsidies of up to 300,000 yen (about $2,070) for the process began being offered in September 2023. As of June 12 this year, a total of 13,314 Tokyoites attended information sessions on egg freezing, with 4,081 applying, indicating significant interest. This differs from egg freezing for medical reasons, such as before cancer treatment.
Q: Why do women freeze their eggs?
A: As women age, the number of eggs decreases and their quality declines, apparently making pregnancy more difficult. Even if they want to have children in the future, some women have various circumstances, such as wanting to prioritize their work or not having a partner. Egg freezing can be considered one option.
Q: Is freezing eggs always beneficial?
A: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology does not generally recommend it, stating the freezing does not guarantee future pregnancy or childbirth. Risks include side effects from ovulation-inducing drugs and the physical burden of giving birth at an older age.
Q: Are frozen eggs actually being used?
A: A survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government prior to the launch of its subsidy program found that out of 4,567 women who froze their eggs, only 384 used them, with over 70% remaining unused. Among those who used frozen eggs, about 30% -- or 114 women -- became pregnant. It is essential to thoroughly consider the advantages and disadvantages of egg freezing.
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Why are more women in Japan interested in freezing their egg cells?
The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about women freezing their egg cells in preparation for pregnancy and subsidies for the process. Question: Is the number of women interested in freezing their eggs increasing in Japan? Answer: Yes, more healthy women are interested in freezing their eggs in preparation for future pregnancies. Municipalities and companies are increasingly offering financial assistance for this process. In Tokyo, subsidies of up to 300,000 yen (about $2,070) for the process began being offered in September 2023. As of June 12 this year, a total of 13,314 Tokyoites attended information sessions on egg freezing, with 4,081 applying, indicating significant interest. This differs from egg freezing for medical reasons, such as before cancer treatment. Q: Why do women freeze their eggs? A: As women age, the number of eggs decreases and their quality declines, apparently making pregnancy more difficult. Even if they want to have children in the future, some women have various circumstances, such as wanting to prioritize their work or not having a partner. Egg freezing can be considered one option. Q: Is freezing eggs always beneficial? A: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology does not generally recommend it, stating the freezing does not guarantee future pregnancy or childbirth. Risks include side effects from ovulation-inducing drugs and the physical burden of giving birth at an older age. Q: Are frozen eggs actually being used? A: A survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government prior to the launch of its subsidy program found that out of 4,567 women who froze their eggs, only 384 used them, with over 70% remaining unused. Among those who used frozen eggs, about 30% -- or 114 women -- became pregnant. It is essential to thoroughly consider the advantages and disadvantages of egg freezing.
