Having children is a deeply personal choice, one which people approach with careful consideration. In a world where people are more focused on their jobs and prioritizing life goals, controlling when and how to start a family has become more important than ever. The advancements in reproductive technology, like egg freezing, have opened new doors of hope to all such individuals who wish to delay childbearing without sacrificing the possibility of having biological children in the future.
Is egg freezing a completely safe procedure? Are there any hidden risks? These are just a few of the many questions that arise when considering this option. With so much incomplete information circulating, it's no surprise that numerous myths and misconceptions have emerged. Let's look at the common myths surrounding egg freezing and try to debunk them.
Like any scientific advancement, egg freezing is also a sensitive topic for many people. Incomplete knowledge on the matter leads to several misconceptions and spreads panic among the public. Before we delve into the common egg-freezing myths, here’s a quick insight into what egg-freezing is and how it works:
In simple words, egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, involves retrieving a woman’s unfertilised eggs from her body and freezing them for future use. This can happen for many reasons, either medical or personal. The procedure helps women conceive later, when the time is right for them, without the pressure of age-related fertility decline.
Like any medical procedure, egg freezing carries some risks, though they are generally minimal. According to experts, a woman in her younger years may be an optimal candidate for best results. However, age is not a barrier to adopting this procedure.
Take a look at the common egg-freezing misconceptions and myths surrounding egg freezing:
Myth 1: Egg Freezing is Done Only in Women with Medical Conditions
One of the most common myths regarding the egg-freezing procedure is that it is an option only used for women with medical conditions like cancer, where radiation may impair fertility. This is not true. Women can opt for egg freezing for personal reasons like waiting for the right partner, prioritising careers, and several other reasons. Any woman who wants to preserve her fertility for a future period can go for egg freezing.
Myth 2: Egg Freezing Guarantees Future Pregnancy
Egg freezing is a method of preserving a woman's fertility by storing her eggs to use when she is ready. However, it is not possible to guarantee that she will get pregnant. Conceiving a baby depends on various factors like quality of husband’s sperm, uterine factor and it all works out when all factors align. Hence, though egg freezing is a powerful tool, it does not guarantee a future pregnancy.
Myth 3: The Egg Freezing Process is Painful and Invasive
Many women are anxious about this procedure, as it may sound complicated and painful. However, although the procedure involves hormonal stimulation and an egg retrieval procedure, the discomfort is generally manageable. It is a minimally invasive process that will be conducted under mild sedation. Most women return to normal activity within a day or two.
Myth 4: Egg Freezing is Only for Women Over 35
Another common myth is that women only after 35 opt for this procedure. In reality, women of all ages can undergo this procedure. Women in their 30s or late 20s are often ideal candidates only because their eggs are healthier and more viable. However, this is never a fast and set rule. While egg freezing can be done at any age, earlier intervention gives healthier outcomes as the age is favourable.
Myth 5: Frozen Eggs are Less Effective than Fresh Eggs
Another myth that has to be wiped out completely is that frozen eggs are less effective than fresh eggs. Nowadays, technological advancements have made it possible to use all kinds of preservation methods and have greatly improved the survival rates of frozen eggs. When a woman conceives after fertilization of a frozen egg, the chances of a healthy baby are equal to those in a normal pregnancy.
Myth 6: Egg Freezing is too Expensive and Inaccessible
Egg freezing is not very cheap; however, it is possible for women of all economic backgrounds. Several options are available at hospitals and clinics that make this treatment option accessible. Many clinics offer payment plans, and some insurance companies are also beginning to cover some expenses. The more common this procedure becomes, the more cost-effective the treatment options are becoming.
Myth 7: Egg Freezing Affects Natural Fertility
Yet another myth that alarms women opting for egg freezing is that once this procedure is done, a woman cannot get pregnant naturally. This, again, needs to be clarified. The process of egg retrieval does not deplete a woman’s egg reserve or affect her fertility, regardless of her age. The easiest way to understand this is to think about how the eggs are lost naturally after each menstrual cycle.
As we have seen, egg freezing is a blessing in disguise for many women who are striving to achieve their place in this world. Regardless of the reason, this procedure provides a lifesaver option that helps women enjoy greater flexibility and control over their fertility. In this article, we have tried to debunk the common misconceptions, and hopefully, women can better decide if egg freezing is the right choice for them.
