In recent times, a notable shift has been noticed in India’s city centres, the place an rising variety of ladies of their thirties are opting to freeze their eggs. Egg freezing entails the retrieval of eggs from a lady’s ovaries and freezing them for future use when prepared for conception and being pregnant. This development displays altering societal dynamics, evolving profession aspirations, and a rising consciousness of reproductive choices.
Let’s discover the components driving this phenomenon and its implications for Indian society shared by Dr Sheetal Jindal-MBBS, MD OBG, EPHM (IIM Kolkata) Senior advisor.
Delayed Marriage and Motherhood
One of many major causes driving the development of egg freezing is the rising age at which ladies in India are getting married and beginning households. As extra ladies pursue increased training and set up their careers, they usually delay household planning. Nonetheless, feminine fertility begins to say no round age 35, resulting in a possible battle between profession targets and organic realities. Egg freezing gives an answer by permitting ladies to protect their fertility, enabling them to focus on their skilled aspirations with out jeopardizing their future possibilities of motherhood. The timing of egg retrieval is essential, with increased success charges for ladies who freeze their eggs at youthful ages, significantly of their 20s or early 30s.
Monetary Independence
As extra Indian ladies obtain monetary independence, they acquire better management over their life selections, together with reproductive choices. The price of egg freezing, whereas important, is turning into extra accessible to career-oriented ladies in city areas. This monetary empowerment permits them to make proactive selections about their fertility with out counting on household assist or spousal earnings. In line with Plum, practically 30% of working ladies categorical openness to contemplating egg freezing as a viable choice, and one other 50% would take into account it if they may be taught slightly extra about it. A considerable 91% of girls are keen to interact in discussions about egg freezing with their household and mates. Nonetheless, solely 2% of working ladies have undergone the egg-freezing process.
Well being Issues
Well being issues are a significant component influencing the choice to freeze eggs. For some people, medical situations akin to endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or a household historical past of early menopause pose important challenges to fertility. In such circumstances, egg freezing gives a safeguard by preserving reproductive choices for the long run. Moreover, these present process remedies like chemotherapy, which may adversely have an effect on fertility, could select to freeze eggs as a precaution. This selection gives a reassuring measure, permitting people to handle their well being issues with out the added strain of potential fertility points.
The Seek for the Proper Companion
The pursuit of the correct associate is one other important issue influencing the choice to freeze eggs. Many ladies of their thirties discover themselves single, both by alternative or circumstance and usually are not able to compromise on their requirements for an acceptable associate. Egg freezing gives these ladies with the liberty to take management of their fertility whereas persevering with their seek for a suitable associate with out feeling rushed by organic constraints. This selection permits them to give attention to constructing significant relationships at their very own tempo, making certain that they don’t really feel pressured into settling down prematurely resulting from fertility issues. The peace of mind that their fertility is preserved gives peace of thoughts, enabling ladies to make extra deliberate and considerate selections relating to their private lives.
Developments in Reproductive Expertise
Current developments in reproductive expertise have notably improved the success charges and decreased the dangers related to egg freezing. Methods akin to vitrification, a fast freezing course of, have elevated the viability of frozen eggs, making the process extra dependable. Enhancements in laboratory practices and cryopreservation strategies have additionally contributed to increased success charges. As extra fertility clinics in India provide this service, consciousness and acceptance of egg freezing have grown, making it a extra viable and interesting choice for ladies contemplating their reproductive future. These technological developments be sure that ladies have entry to the absolute best care, enhancing their possibilities of profitable pregnancies after they determine to make use of their frozen eggs.
Challenges and Issues
Regardless of its rising recognition, egg freezing presents a number of challenges. The method entails a fancy journey from egg retrieval and storage to fertilization and profitable implantation. In line with the American Society of Reproductive Drugs (ASRM), the success price for egg freezing after vitrification and thawing is between 90% and 97%. Nonetheless, the general success price for attaining being pregnant is decrease, with fertilization charges estimated at 75% and embryo implantation charges round 25%. This ends in an general being pregnant price of roughly 12%. The probability of a profitable being pregnant from frozen eggs is influenced by components akin to the selection of Assisted Reproductive Expertise (ART) procedures (e.g., IUI, IVF) and sperm high quality. That is the explanation why it’s suggested to freeze a minimal of 15 mature eggs, as this strategy gives roughly an 80% probability of attaining a profitable stay beginning. However, probably the most appropriate variety of eggs to freeze can differ for every particular person and must be tailor-made in session with a healthcare supplier to finest meet private aims and necessities.
