Egg Freezing in India: A Comprehensive Guide to Fertility Preservation

In past times, becoming a mother used to be an extremely straightforward process – indeed, a bit too straightforward, virtually removing a woman’s choice on the matter. But things have changed, and nowadays a woman doesn’t necessarily need to start a family when she’s barely out of teenage  herself.

At the same time, however, with choice comes responsibility; the need to understand repercussions and how the future might be affected. In practical terms, and as an inevitable consequence of human biology, the decision to postpone motherhood cannot be indefinite without the proper planning.

Thankfully, modern technology provides us with the needed tools. Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has emerged as a popular choice for women in India who wish to delay motherhood, focus on their careers or education, or deal with health issues.

In this comprehensive guide I  will discuss the various aspects of egg freezing in India, including the process, costs, success rates, and expert opinions from leading fertility specialists. Knowledge is power, after all, as it allows you to make informed decisions that are suitable to your particular life situation.

Reasons for Opting for Egg Freezing

Women may choose to freeze their eggs for a variety of reasons, both clinical and social. Some of the common reasons include:

Social Reasons

• Many women wish to delay motherhood to focus on their education, career growth, or personal goals.
• Some women may not have found a suitable partner or may be dealing with relationship issues, such as divorce.
• Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra have also brought attention to the topic, empowering more women to consider this option.Women with a family history of early menopause or premature ovarian failure may choose to freeze their eggs to preserve their fertility.
• Clinical Reasons
• Women diagnosed with cancer may opt for egg freezing before undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, as these treatments can negatively impact their fertility.

The Egg Freezing Process

The egg freezing process is similar to the first half of an IVF treatment. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation and Screening

A woman interested in egg freezing should first consult with a fertility specialist. The doctor will conduct a health check and fertility screening, which may include ovarian reserve testing, blood tests, and ultrasound examinations.

2. Ovarian Stimulation

The woman will be given hormone injections to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This process typically takes between 9 to 12 days and requires regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds.

3. Egg Retrieval

Once the eggs have matured, they will be retrieved from the ovaries through a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. This procedure is performed under short general anaesthesia.

4. Egg Freezing

The retrieved eggs are then frozen using an advanced technique called vitrification, which involves cooling the eggs to sub-zero temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius) to pause their biological activity and preserve their quality. The frozen eggs can be stored for up to 10 years or longer, depending on individual circumstances and legal regulations.

Egg Freezing Costs in India

The cost of egg freezing in India is significantly lower than in many other countries. On average, the procedure costs between INR 200,000 and INR 300,000. This amount includes the charges for the IVF protocol (medications and injections for ovarian stimulation), egg retrieval, and subsequent freezing. It is essential to note that additional costs may be incurred for storage and maintenance of the frozen eggs(if you store eggs in a particular city and then move to a different city, the cost of transportation will be an additional cost).

Success Rates of Egg Freezing in India

The success rates of egg freezing in India depend on various factors, including the woman’s age, the quality and quantity of the eggs, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. In general, younger women (21-40 years) have higher success rates, ranging from 60% to 99% healthy live births. As with any fertility treatment, it is crucial to remember that egg freezing does not guarantee a successful pregnancy, and success rates can vary among individuals.While egg freezing is generally considered a safe procedure, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and challenges:

• Egg freezing does not guarantee a successful pregnancy, and not all frozen eggs will be viable upon thawing.
• There is a risk of damage or contamination during the cryo freezing process, which may require additional IVF treatments or alternative conception methods.
• As a woman’s fertility decreases with age, there could be complications when using frozen eggs for conception.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Egg freezing raises various legal and ethical issues, particularly concerning social freezing(egg storing of fertile healthy woman to have a pregnancy later in life) and the use of frozen eggs for donor assistance(ie. A woman donates her eggs to another woman to allow the recipient to have a baby. It is essential to understand the regulations governing egg freezing in India and discuss any concerns with a fertility specialist or legal expert.

Best Egg Donor Agencies and Fertility Clinics in India

India is home to numerous reputable fertility clinics and egg donor agencies. These clinics offer state-of-the-art technology, experienced fertility specialists, and a wide range of services, including egg freezing, IVF, ICSI, and donor egg/sperm programs.

Not Easy

Preserving fertility through egg freezing is a complex and challenging endeavour in India. Success in terms of pregnancy is not always guaranteed due to the variable nature of the eggs themselves. Additionally, the procedure is not only costly but also lengthy and invasive, perhaps explaining why it is more commonly pursued by urban Indians. Nonetheless, for those who are yet to find their ideal partner but still wish to have a biological child, this could be a viable option to consider.

The impact of celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra openly discussing their egg freezing experiences cannot be underestimated. Their forthrightness has contributed to the destigmatization of this procedure, encouraging more women to consider it as a potential means of preserving their fertility. With growing awareness about the procedure, its associated costs, success rates, risks, and legal considerations, individuals are in a better position to make informed decisions about whether egg freezing is the appropriate path for them.