Freezing eggs at 36: the uncharted territory of modern fertility.
When I first shared my decision to freeze my eggs, my mom quipped that I was essentially storing a few scoops of Häagen-Dazs in my freezer. Her humor aside, it's clear that egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for women looking to preserve their fertility.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reports a 170% increase in egg freezing cycles between 2019 and 2023, with the technology having been around since the 1980s. Celebrities like Florence Pugh and Michaela Coel have openly discussed their experiences, while companies like Meta, Spotify, and Goldman Sachs are now subsidizing the procedure for employees.
For those considering egg freezing, there are several key things to know before embarking on the process. Firstly, it's essential to understand that egg freezing is not a guarantee of future fertility. "You've got to be prepared that it may not be successful," warns Prof Melanie Davies. Some eggs may not survive freezing, let alone thawing, fertilization or embryo transfer.
Another crucial aspect is the importance of research and choosing the right clinic. With live birth rates varying significantly between clinics, finding a reputable and transparent facility is vital. Gynaecologist Dr Zeynep Gurtin advises patients to "brainstorm what's most important to you: do you want a bigger clinic that sees a lot of clients but may feel impersonal, or would you prefer a smaller one with a more hands-on approach?"
Scheduling the procedure can also be time-consuming, with cycles typically taking two weeks. Hormone injections will be administered once or twice daily for eight to 11 days, which means having some flexibility in your schedule is essential.
Injections are often perceived as painful, but many patients find that they become more manageable over time. However, it's crucial to follow the medication schedule and contact the clinic immediately if you miss an injection.
Age plays a significant role in egg freezing success rates, with younger women generally having higher live birth rates. However, it's not just about age; the quality of your eggs also matters. According to Prof Davies, "female fertility is about the quantity and quality of your eggs and about your womb."
Research suggests that 35- to 37-year-olds may need to freeze up to 15 eggs for a 70% chance of a single live birth, although this is not a "numbers game." Supplements like vitamin D, folic acid, and coenzyme Q10 may be beneficial, but it's essential to consult with your clinic before adding anything.
Egg retrieval can seem intimidating, but it's relatively quick and usually takes about 30 minutes. There are some risks involved, but complications are rare.
Lastly, egg freezing can spark deep emotional conversations about relationships and future plans. Building a support network, whether through online groups or in-person connections, is vital for navigating this journey.
In conclusion, while egg freezing has become more accessible and widely accepted, it's crucial to approach the process with an open mind and a clear understanding of what lies ahead. By doing your research, choosing the right clinic, and being prepared for the emotional ups and downs that come with it, you can make informed decisions about this uncharted territory of modern fertility.
When I first shared my decision to freeze my eggs, my mom quipped that I was essentially storing a few scoops of Häagen-Dazs in my freezer. Her humor aside, it's clear that egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for women looking to preserve their fertility.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reports a 170% increase in egg freezing cycles between 2019 and 2023, with the technology having been around since the 1980s. Celebrities like Florence Pugh and Michaela Coel have openly discussed their experiences, while companies like Meta, Spotify, and Goldman Sachs are now subsidizing the procedure for employees.
For those considering egg freezing, there are several key things to know before embarking on the process. Firstly, it's essential to understand that egg freezing is not a guarantee of future fertility. "You've got to be prepared that it may not be successful," warns Prof Melanie Davies. Some eggs may not survive freezing, let alone thawing, fertilization or embryo transfer.
Another crucial aspect is the importance of research and choosing the right clinic. With live birth rates varying significantly between clinics, finding a reputable and transparent facility is vital. Gynaecologist Dr Zeynep Gurtin advises patients to "brainstorm what's most important to you: do you want a bigger clinic that sees a lot of clients but may feel impersonal, or would you prefer a smaller one with a more hands-on approach?"
Scheduling the procedure can also be time-consuming, with cycles typically taking two weeks. Hormone injections will be administered once or twice daily for eight to 11 days, which means having some flexibility in your schedule is essential.
Injections are often perceived as painful, but many patients find that they become more manageable over time. However, it's crucial to follow the medication schedule and contact the clinic immediately if you miss an injection.
Age plays a significant role in egg freezing success rates, with younger women generally having higher live birth rates. However, it's not just about age; the quality of your eggs also matters. According to Prof Davies, "female fertility is about the quantity and quality of your eggs and about your womb."
Research suggests that 35- to 37-year-olds may need to freeze up to 15 eggs for a 70% chance of a single live birth, although this is not a "numbers game." Supplements like vitamin D, folic acid, and coenzyme Q10 may be beneficial, but it's essential to consult with your clinic before adding anything.
Egg retrieval can seem intimidating, but it's relatively quick and usually takes about 30 minutes. There are some risks involved, but complications are rare.
Lastly, egg freezing can spark deep emotional conversations about relationships and future plans. Building a support network, whether through online groups or in-person connections, is vital for navigating this journey.
In conclusion, while egg freezing has become more accessible and widely accepted, it's crucial to approach the process with an open mind and a clear understanding of what lies ahead. By doing your research, choosing the right clinic, and being prepared for the emotional ups and downs that come with it, you can make informed decisions about this uncharted territory of modern fertility.
So I read this article about freezing eggs at 36 and I gotta say its wild how much it's changed since the 80s lol 
. I mean, who knew we'd be talking about storing a few scoops of Häagen-Dazs in the freezer like that 
. But seriously, the whole thing is so complex and there are so many factors to consider.
. And companies like Meta and Spotify are subsidizing it for employees which is just amazing 
. But at the same time, I can see why some people might be hesitant or unsure about the whole process.
, but what about the quality of your eggs too? 
And what about the emotional ups and downs that come with it? Building a support network is literally key to navigating this journey 
. 
gotta say though, i'm a bit concerned that ppl are just gonna start buying eggs online or something lol. 
"storing a few scoops of Häagen-Dazs" was actually kinda funny tho... 
. But for real though, it's not just about the benjamins - it's about having control over your own fertility and future plans 
.
.
. Hormone injections, clinic visits... it's not just about popping some pills and voilà! You're done 
. But if you do your research, find a good clinic, and prep yourself mentally, egg freezing might just become an option for you 
.
. There are risks involved, emotional ups and downs... it's not all sunshine and rainbows 
. But if you're ready for that, then egg freezing might just be the right choice for you 
like what's next? people gonna be cryo freezing their kids' organs too 
gotta be prepared for anything when it comes to this kind of thing 
i think its great that companies are subsidizing the procedure for employees, it's one less financial burden on people trying to start a family 
. What I do find interesting is how companies like Meta and Spotify are supporting egg freezing for their employees 
.
I'm worried that the focus might shift from actually taking care of our bodies to just playing the numbers game... 15 eggs for a 70% chance at life... sounds like a whole lot of risk and uncertainty 
I mean, I've heard of people freezing eggs, but I never thought about the emotional aspect of it... like, how do you talk to your partner about that kind of thing? 
Shouldn't we just focus on other ways to preserve our fertility, like taking care of our bodies and eating well? 
- what's their thought process behind it? Is it just to have a safety net or is there something else going on? 
.
. I mean we’re basically talking about playing with human biology here 
. Don’t go in blind like my mom did 
. And also try not to put too much pressure on yourself, because let’s be real, its not a guarantee that you’ll actually have kids 
. Just take things one step at a time and enjoy the journey 
.
is kinda crazy! But seriously, 170% increase in egg freezing cycles? That's wild! My mom was right, though - "storing a few scoops of Häagen-Dazs" is a pretty apt analogy... just don't expect it to give you a free lifetime supply of ice cream 
. And omg, who needs that kind of pressure with all the hormone injections? "Just follow the meds schedule, duh" - like we've got nothing better to do than inject ourselves daily