Egg freezing or oocyte cryopreservation, is a process in which a woman’s eggs are extracted, frozen and stored so a women can use them in future to get pregnant. Egg freezing is becoming a popular option for women looking to preserve their fertility. While it offers a sense of autonomy, it’s not without physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Below are the essential points women should consider before making the decision to freeze their eggs.
1. The Emotional and Physical Impact:
For many women, the decision to freeze eggs can be emotional. The preparation involves hormone injections, which can cause side effects like bloating, irritability and emotional sensitivity. The egg retrieval procedure itself can be stressful, with risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), leading to potential discomfort and abdominal pain. The emotional toll can be significant, with uncertainties about the procedure’s success lingering throughout the journey.
Sonia Mathur, a 33-year-old IT professional from Delhi, shared her experience as mentioned in Mint: “From the moment the doctor laid out the process—hormone injections, egg retrieval, the possibility that it might not even work—there was a knot in my stomach and questions milling in my mind. What if my body didn’t respond well?”
2. Changing Lifestyles and Fertility Preservation:
With later marriages, evolving career priorities and shifting attitudes towards family planning, many urban Indian women view egg freezing as a means to extend their reproductive timeline. The rise in egg freezing cases reflects these changes, offering flexibility for women who may not yet be ready to start a family. Dr. Priya Selvaraj, a gynaecologist and embryologist, explains, “Freezing their eggs while they are younger and healthier gives women an increased chance of having a successful pregnancy later in life.”
Dr. Rashmi Agarwal from Nova IVF Fertility mentioned in Mint, “we are seeing more single and unmarried women opting for egg freezing, primarily because they haven’t found the right partner or wish to prioritize their careers.”
3. The High Costs of Egg Freezing:
Egg freezing is a costly process in India, making it inaccessible for many women. The expense for a single cycle ranges from ₹1.15 to ₹1.25 lakh and multiple cycles may be necessary to retrieve an optimal number of eggs. Annual storage fees further increase the financial burden. Most health insurance policies in India do not cover elective egg freezing, limiting its affordability to a predominantly urban and upper-middle-class demographic.
Dr. Arati Adhe Rojekar of P.D. Hinduja Hospital states, “Women often need more than one cycle to retrieve an optimal number of eggs. The annual storage fees range from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, adding to the financial burden.”
4. Accessibility and Urban Focus:
Egg freezing services are currently limited to top-tier fertility clinics in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Accessibility remains a challenge in smaller towns and rural areas, where awareness and healthcare infrastructure are still developing.
Dr. Selvaraj acknowledges, “While awareness and demand are gradually increasing in metropolitan areas, broader adoption across smaller towns will require not only increased education but also advancements in healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.”
5. Egg Freezing is Not a Guarantee:
While freezing eggs can provide a sense of security, it’s essential to understand that it does not guarantee future fertility. Success rates can vary, and the long-term viability of frozen eggs remains uncertain. Fertility specialists recommend that women undergo a thorough fertility evaluation to determine factors like ovarian reserve and overall health before deciding to freeze eggs.
Ravi Nirwani, chief embryologist at Altius Hospital, advises, “Women should undergo a thorough fertility evaluation before freezing their eggs. Factors such as ovarian reserve, overall health, and any existing medical conditions can impact the process and outcomes.”
6. Psychological and Emotional Considerations:
The decision to freeze eggs often involves navigating anxiety, stress, and financial pressures. Some women may feel isolated or uncertain about the outcome. Mental health experts stress the importance of seeking psychological support during this process, as it can be both empowering and emotionally challenging.
Arouba Kabir, a mental health professional, observes, “Emotionally, the process of egg freezing can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a woman with a sense of control and empowerment. On the other, it can be emotionally draining, as the outcome is uncertain.”
7. A Backup Plan, Not the First Option:
Experts caution that egg freezing should be considered a backup plan rather than the primary solution to infertility. If a woman decides to have children, natural conception should be the first option, followed by other fertility treatments like IUI or IVF if needed. Frozen eggs should be a last resort if other methods are unsuccessful and natural egg reserves are depleted.
Dr. Selvaraj advises as mentioned in Mint, “I always tell my patients that freezing their eggs can be a proactive step—especially if they’re uncertain about their plans, such as marriage—but it should be considered as only a safeguard.” Natural conception should be the first option, followed by treatments like IUI or IVF if needed. Frozen eggs should be a last resort if other methods fail.