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Egg Freezing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Women

August 05, 2024
Egg Freezing

In recent years, egg freezing has emerged as a significant option for women looking to preserve their fertility for the future. With advancements in reproductive technology and increased awareness about women’s health, more women in India are considering egg freezing. At Nandi IVF, we understand the complexities and nuances of this process and are committed to providing you with comprehensive information to help you make informed decisions.

Understanding Egg Freezing

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a procedure that involves extracting and preserving a woman’s eggs (oocytes) for future use. This option is particularly appealing for women who want to delay childbearing due to personal, medical, or professional reasons. The eggs are frozen using a process called vitrification, which helps maintain their viability until they are thawed and fertilized in the future.

Step-by-Step Process of Egg Freezing

1. Initial Consultation

The journey begins with an initial consultation with a fertility specialist. During this appointment, the specialist will evaluate your overall health, discuss your reasons for egg freezing, and assess your fertility status. This consultation is crucial for setting realistic expectations and creating a personalized plan.

2. Pre-Treatment Testing

Before starting the egg freezing process, several tests are conducted to ensure you are in good health and to evaluate your ovarian reserve. These tests typically include:

  • Blood Tests: To check hormone levels such as FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinizing Hormone), and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone).
  • Ultrasound: To assess the health and number of follicles in your ovaries.
  • Infectious Disease Screening: To ensure there are no underlying infections.

3. Ovarian Stimulation

Once the pre-treatment tests are complete, the next step is ovarian stimulation. This involves taking hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The medication is usually administered through injections over a period of about 10-14 days. Regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds helps track your response to the medication and adjust doses if necessary.

4. Monitoring and Adjustment

During the stimulation phase, you will have several follow-up appointments to monitor the growth of the follicles in your ovaries. These appointments are essential to ensure that the ovaries are responding as expected and to make any necessary adjustments to the medication regimen. This phase may involve:

  • Ultrasound Monitoring: To visualize the developing follicles.
  • Hormone Levels Monitoring: To check the effectiveness of the stimulation.

5. Egg Retrieval (Aspiration)

When the follicles are mature, the next step is egg retrieval. This procedure is typically performed under sedation or light anesthesia to ensure comfort. A needle is inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovaries, and the eggs are aspirated from the follicles. The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes and is generally well-tolerated.

6. Egg Preparation and Freezing

After retrieval, the eggs are evaluated for maturity. Mature eggs are then prepared for freezing using a process called vitrification. Vitrification involves rapidly cooling the eggs to a temperature where they can be stored indefinitely without forming ice crystals that could damage them.

7. Storage

Once the eggs are vitrified, they are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at extremely low temperatures (-196°C). The eggs can remain in storage for several years, allowing you the flexibility to decide when to use them in the future.

Costs of Egg Freezing in India

The cost of egg freezing in India can vary depending on several factors, including the clinic, the number of cycles required, and additional services provided. Here is a general breakdown of the costs involved:

1. Initial Consultation and Pre-Treatment Testing

  • Consultation Fee: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000
  • Pre-Treatment Tests: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000

2. Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring

  • Medication: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 (depending on the medication required)
  • Monitoring: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 per visit

3. Egg Retrieval

  • Procedure Cost: ₹30,000 – ₹60,000

4. Egg Freezing and Storage

  • Vitrification: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000
  • Annual Storage Fee: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000

5. Additional Costs

  • Embryologist Fees: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
  • Anesthesia and Sedation: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000

In total, the cost of a single egg freezing cycle in India can range from ₹70,000 to ₹1,50,000. These costs can vary significantly based on the clinic’s location, reputation, and additional services provided.

Success Rates of Egg Freezing

The success rates of egg freezing are influenced by various factors, including age, egg quality, and the clinic’s expertise. Generally, the younger a woman is at the time of egg freezing, the higher the likelihood of successful future pregnancies. Here is a general overview of success rates:

1. Age Factor

  • Under 35 Years: Women in this age group have the highest success rates for egg freezing. Success rates for thawing and fertilizing eggs are generally around 60-70%.
  • 35-37 Years: Success rates start to decline, with rates typically ranging from 40-60%.
  • 38-40 Years: Success rates drop further, with thawing and fertilization rates around 30-50%.
  • Above 40 Years: Success rates are lower, often below 30%, due to reduced egg quality.

2. Clinic Expertise

The success of egg freezing also depends on the clinic’s technology, expertise, and experience. Clinics with advanced technology and skilled professionals generally have higher success rates.

3. Egg Quality

The quality of the eggs is a significant determinant of success. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play a role in egg quality.

Choosing the Right Clinic

Selecting a clinic for egg freezing is a critical decision. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a clinic:

  1. Reputation and Experience: Research the clinic’s reputation and the experience of its fertility specialists. Look for clinics with a track record of successful egg freezing and positive patient reviews.
  2. Technology and Facilities: Ensure the clinic uses advanced technology and has state-of-the-art facilities for egg retrieval, freezing, and storage.
  3. Transparency and Costs: Choose a clinic that provides clear information about the costs involved and any additional fees. Transparency in pricing helps avoid unexpected expenses.
  4. Support and Counseling: Opt for a clinic that offers comprehensive support and counseling throughout the process. Emotional and psychological support can be crucial during this journey.

Conclusion

Egg freezing is a valuable option for women who wish to preserve their fertility for future use. The process involves several steps, from initial consultation to egg retrieval and freezing. Understanding the costs and success rates associated with egg freezing can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

At Nandi IVF, we are committed to providing personalized care and support throughout your egg freezing journey. Our experienced team of fertility specialists and advanced technology ensure that you receive the best possible care. If you are considering egg freezing or have any questions about the process, we invite you to contact us for a consultation.

Preserving your fertility is an empowering decision, and with the right information and support, you can take control of your reproductive future.

Sr. IVF Specialist & Medical Director at NANDI IVF
Dr. Payal Bajaj is an experienced Obstetrician & Gynecologist with over 20 years of experience in the discipline. She is a Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist. She has Done MBBS From the Renowned Lady Hardinge Medical College. DGO from the prestigious VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, DMAS From World Laparoscopy Hospital.

She has Completed Her esteemed ASPIRE -ISAR Fellowship in the field of Reproductive Medicine from AFGC, Delhi And St' Mother's Hospital Japan.She has also been trained from the University of KEIL Germany. She has won various academic awards all through her academic career.
Dr. Payal Bajaj

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