July 05, 2024 03:29 pm IST
The process of egg cryopreservation begins with a transvaginal ultrasound and a series of blood tests to assess ovarian health and function.
With IVF and egg-freezing techniques, women no longer have to plan their family based on their biological clock. Hence, they are able to focus on other aspects of life, and then embrace motherhood when they are truly ready for it. Oocyte cryopreservation, also known as egg freezing, has changed the way women think about pregnancy and family planning. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Parul Agarwal, Chief Senior Consultant, IVF and Fertility at Cloudnine Hospital, Noida, said, “Oocyte cryopreservation is a procedure that involves freezing a woman’s unfertilised eggs or oocytes, which are extracted and stored to preserve her fertility for future use.”
Also Read: Reasons behind infertility problems in Indian couples
How are women benefiting from oocyte cryopreservation?
“At its inception, oocyte cryopreservation was used to preserve eggs from women undergoing cancer treatment, allowing them to have children after treatment, but now its use has been expanded to provide women with an opportunity to extend their fertility,” said Dr. Parul Agarwal.
How does egg freezing help women conceive?
Ultrasound:
Oocyte cryopreservation usually begins with a transvaginal ultrasound and a series of blood tests to assess ovarian health and function. The ultrasound also helps determine the number of eggs present in the ovaries.
Also read: Keep hope alive: Fertility options for ovarian cancer patients
Ovary Stimulating Hormone Injection:
Ovary stimulating hormone injections are given over a period of 9-12 days, the exact schedule of which is decided by the physician. Eggs are then removed from the ovaries by transvaginal insertion over a period of 30-45 minutes, usually with the patient under light anesthesia.
Storage of eggs:
After successful retrieval, the eggs are rapidly cooled and stored in liquid nitrogen which prevents the formation of ice crystals and ensures that the delicate egg cells are not damaged. These frozen eggs can be stored for several years until a woman wishes to use them.
Also read: We asked a gynaecologist everything you want to know about freezing eggs
Freezing eggs in your early 30s:
Women are advised to decide to freeze their eggs when they are in their 30s or at the peak of their fertility because factors such as age have a serious impact on the success rate of egg cell cryopreservation. At a younger age, the quality of the eggs retrieved is much better, and thus the chances of the eggs surviving and being fertilized later are much higher.
Also read: Priyanka Chopra revealed that she froze her eggs at the age of 30. Know how you can do the same
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