Recently Bollywood actress Esha Gupta has made headlines with her revelation about freezing her eggs. In a recent interview, the actress shared that she underwent the procedure back in 2017, even before meeting her long-term partner Manuel McGuallar. It is safe to the say that the world is seeing a growing trend where women are taking control of their reproductive futures through procedures like egg freezing.
Esha Gupta's Journey with Egg Freezing
Esha Gupta's decision to freeze her eggs in 2017 was driven by both personal and professional considerations. She shared, "I did my freezing in 2017, before I met Manuel. I did the freezing at that time when in India it was really expensive." Esha's choice reflects a broader trend where women opt to freeze their eggs to extend their fertility window, allowing them to pursue careers or find the right partner without the pressure of a biological clock.
When asked about her plans for the future, she shared, "Marriage would happen anytime soon. I'm focusing more on just my health. Eventually, whenever down the line, I'll get married, and then down the line, I have kids. I've always dreamed of having kids. That's always been important. Kids and dogs are two aspects of my life that I can never think of living without."
Understanding Egg Freezing
The egg freezing process involves retreiving a woman's eggs and storing them at a low temperature for future use, typically through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or surrogacy. This method is particularly beneficial for women who wish to delay pregnancy until a later age when natural fertility might decline.
How Does Egg Freezing Work?
The procedure of egg freezing starts with ovarian stimulation, a process where hormonal medications are administered to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This stage typically lasts between 10-14 days. Throughout this period, women undergo several clinic visits for blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds to monitor the development of the eggs. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure under twilight anesthesia.
Side Effects and Risks of Egg Freezing
While egg freezing is generally considered safe, it is not without potential side effects and risks. As per Dr Sofia Rodrigues, Consultant – Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Goa, understanding these can help women make informed decisions about the procedure. Fertility drugs used in egg freezing can cause several side effects, including:
- Mild bruising and soreness at the injection site
- Nausea and vomiting
- Allergic reactions such a skin reddening and itching
- Breast tenderness and increased vaginal discharge
- Mood swings and fatigue
The most significant risk associated with these medications is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition where the ovaries become swollen and painful. Severe OHSS is rare, occurring in 0.1-2% of cycles, but it can be serious if not properly managed.
Bottomline
Esha Gupta’s decision to freeze her eggs in 2017 underscores a significant shift in how women are approaching their reproductive health. While the procedure offers many benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks. By understanding these, women can make more informed choices about their reproductive futures.