Some of us feel we’re not ready to consider parenthood, yet we know our biological clock is ticking. If you’re in such a predicament, you may wonder whether egg freezing is viable. After all, you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to become a parent later in life. For egg freezing in New York visit this website to schedule a consultation or learn more.
Maybe egg freezing is a new concept to you. Before considering whether it’s a good option, you should figure out what it is and how it works. So, let’s delve into the details and help determine whether you should take the plunge.
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What Egg Freezing Involves
Egg freezing involves extracting eggs from the ovaries, preserving them in liquid nitrogen, and then thawing them when ready to use. The process starts with fertility treatment, which includes taking medications for about a week or two. This stimulates the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual.
Once the eggs mature, a physician retrieves them via a minimally invasive procedure. The eggs are then frozen using vitrification, which involves rapid cooling that prevents ice crystals from forming and damaging the cells.
By so doing, egg freezing helps preserve your eggs for the future. The idea is to take advantage of more virile and healthier eggs, as usual, the quality of your eggs deteriorates as you age.
And remember, women have a finite number of eggs, which diminishes with age. Think of it as donating your eggs to your future self, if we may.
When to Consider Egg Freezing
Given the process involved in egg freezing, it’s only natural to wonder if or when you should consider it. With that in mind, here are some variables to consider when deciding whether egg freezing might work for your situation.
1. Age
Are you in your late 20s or early 30s? Great. That means you have a higher chance of securing healthy eggs through the procedure. As we’ve noted, the older you get, the lower the quality of your eggs. This is often due to a decline in the follicle-stimulating hormone, which is responsible for stimulating egg growth and regulating your menstrual cycle.
2. Medical History
Egg freezing is worth a shot if you’re dealing with a medical condition that could affect your fertility. It can help preserve your reproductive health so that when the time comes, you can still have a family without fertility issues.
For instance, it could be a viable solution for women undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Similarly, a history of early menopause or infertility in your family could signify that you should freeze your eggs.
3. Relationship Status
Your relationship status matters when considering egg freezing. If you are in a relationship and prefer to hold off parenthood for a few years, you may consider following this path.
Maybe you have other plans and don’t want to rush into parenthood. Likewise, if you’re single or in an uncertain relationship, ditto. Or perhaps you’re not planning to have children and would like to donate your eggs to needy individuals. In such a case, egg freezing could make sense. Plus, you might be undecided about parenthood, making this a viable option for the moment.
4. Financials
Although egg freezing is relatively expensive, some insurance providers cover the procedure. That said, most don’t, as it’s not considered a medical necessity. If yours doesn’t, you can explore the available financing options and make arrangements that suit your current financial situation.
5. Side Effects and Risks
As we mentioned, you need hormonal injections to stimulate ovulation for egg freezing to work. This could lead to side effects like headaches, nausea, depression, and bloating.
In addition, after retrieving the eggs, you may experience soreness and cramping in the lower abdomen. In rare cases, the ovaries may swell, leading to severe pelvic pain.
Along the same lines, the retrieval process, called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration, can lead to complications such as infection or bleeding. While this may sound scary, the procedure is relatively safe. The risks are significantly lower if you have a reliable healthcare provider. Even so, it’s advisable to weigh the potential risks before committing to egg freezing.
6. No Guarantees
Some women might treat egg freezing as their fertility insurance. Unfortunately, there’s no certainty that frozen eggs will result in a successful pregnancy. The success rate depends on several factors, including egg quality and retrieval technique. Also, some eggs may not survive the freezing and thawing processes, implying fewer eggs than expected.
Egg freezing is an elective procedure that can help extend your reproductive window and ensure you still have the chance to become a parent. However, it’s not a foolproof solution. Before investing time and money in it, consult a fertility doctor for an evaluation to determine if it might benefit you.
