HEALTH
Breaking the Ice on Egg Freezing: What Every Woman Should Know
Egg freezing has emerged as a revolutionary option for women who want to reclaim control of their fertility.
While the reasons behind egg freezing may vary, ranging from career pursuits to health issues, understanding the process and its implications is crucial for making informed decisions. After all, it’s not just about one individual – it’s about a family!
Hence, in this brief yet informative guide, we’ll be discussing the top 5 facts women must know about egg freezing in Singapore. Let’s get started…
5 Facts Every Woman Should Know About Egg Freezing
1. Egg Freezing Is An Invasive Process
Egg freezing requires retrieval of the eggs, which is similar to the first stage of in vitro fertilization, or IVF. As such, the process involves hormone injections under mild anesthesia, stimulating egg production.
After ten days of monitoring, the doctor will conduct a 10-minute retrieval procedure by guiding a needle through the vagina.
Though generally safe, hormone shots pose a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially in younger women. OHSS can further lead to severe complications, emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring and individual risk assessment during the egg-freezing process.
2. Woman’s Age Directly Impacts The Success Of Frozen Eggs
Egg freezing is most effective for those in their 20s and early 30s due to better ovarian reserve and egg quality. Some clinics even have a cutoff age, often around 40, considering the decline in egg quantity and quality. However, it’s best to check with your clinic for their policies regarding the procedure.
3. Hormone Shots Can Make You Moody
The hormonal injections for egg freezing may not directly cause extreme mood swings, but they can lead to feelings of bloating (caused by ovarian swelling) and moodiness.
But it’s important to note that the experience for every woman who has undergone the procedure varies largely, as some may feel energetic while others end up fatigued. Just how some people feel irritated on their period, while for some God’s favorites, it’s just another day!
4. It May Not Always Be Successful
Egg freezing demands significant resources, making it vital to understand success rates, largely determined by age and egg quality. According to a study conducted in the NYU Langone Fertility Center, there’s a 39% chance of live birth from frozen eggs.
Needless to say, the success rate increases with younger age and a larger number of frozen eggs. So, consulting with a doctor for a personalized estimate based on age and potential egg count is crucial.
5. Egg Freezing Is Expensive
Egg freezing costs vary, typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per cycle, excluding medication expenses ($2,000 to $7,000) and annual storage fees ($500 to $1,000). Most insurance plans do not cover it unless it is related to a health condition.
So, look for clinics with payment plans or switch to insurance covering egg freezing. We recommend checking out fertility grant programs, like Hope for Fertility Foundation, Cade Foundation, and Baby Quest Foundation.
Conclusion
If you decide to go ahead with egg freezing, remember to bring along your partner or someone you trust. Wear comfortable clothes and try to remain relaxed during the procedure.
Also, expect a temporary change in your lifestyle during the egg-freezing process. From consuming a balanced diet to avoiding strenuous physical activities, make sure you adhere to your doctor’s instructions.
Note that the hormonal injections may cause stress or mood swings, so practice self-love and mindfulness. Following these practical tips will ensure a smooth and pleasant journey toward reproductive empowerment and, eventually, to motherhood!
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
