Top Questions Women Should Ask a Fertility Specialist Before Freezing Their Eggs

For many women today, life has changed and is no longer always following the traditional ‘marriage and then child’ timeline. Careers are demanding, the right partner might not have come yet, health issues might need to be prioritised or maybe you simply want to have the freedom to decide when becoming a mother will be right for you. Amidst all this, egg freezing has turned out to be a viable and strong alternative. Not as a backup plan but as a way of having control over one's reproductive life, a way of saying to the rest of the world, "I want to have time; I am entitled to have a choice.”

Nevertheless, let us also recognise the fact: egg freezing is not a casual or easy-going decision. This study, published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology shows psychological predictors, reasons and potential outcomes of social egg freezing.

Egg freezing is simultaneously a medical procedure, an emotional rollercoaster, a financial responsibility, and a leap of trust. The patient in the process experiences excitement, but also anxiety. She may have hope, but, at the same time, she may also be afraid of the ‘what if it doesn't work’ question. So prior to embarking, you not only require information but also need to feel clear, confident, and honest. The surest way to achieve that is by asking the appropriate questions.

Questions Women Should Ask a Fertility Specialist Before Egg Freezing

In an exclusive conversation with Onlymyhealth, Dr Apurva Satish Amarnath, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Bengaluru shares some of the most important questions every woman should ask her fertility specialist before freezing her eggs.

What am I really, really, truly fertility-wise?

Do not blindly rely on age. Get a true picture of your fertility through testing like AMH, antral follicle count, and hormone profile. These tests will let you know how many eggs your ovaries currently hold and how soon you should act. There is no such thing as a generic female fertility clock-get the one tailored for you.

Also Read: Turning 30 and Not Ready for Pregnancy? THIS Simple Blood Test Can Help You Plan Your Fertility

How many eggs do I really have to bank to have a decent shot at conceiving later on?

“That's a question of likelihood rather than jolly guesses,” quotes Dr Amarnath.
“A woman who is almost 30 might require freezing fewer eggs than a woman who is already 35. At times, one cycle suffices, and at times, two or three might be necessary. That knowledge is beneficial for scheduling, money management, and emotional preparation,” he explains.

What are the success rates of live births achieved from frozen eggs in your clinic?

Neither the success of retrieval nor the success of fertilisation, but live birth. That is the real success. Dr Amarnath suggests making sure you get data for your age group and this specific clinic when asking.

Also Read: How To Know If You Have A Good Ovarian Reserve

Can egg freezing be a process of risk or side effects?

Hormone shots, swelling, changes in mood, minor interventions - more often than not, it is safe; nevertheless, you should be given full disclosure. The almost zero rate of ovarian hyperstimulation accompanied by symptoms should also be informed in a very clear manner. For better understanding, here is a clinical report of 4894 consecutive assisted reproductive treatment cycles to analyse the major risk factors of Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

What is the total price of the process, from the beginning to the end?

Fees for each cycle, medicines, ultrasounds, anaesthesia, storage fee per year, and the future IVF programme. Get a complete listing breaking down all the costs. Where there are hidden prices, there will also be hidden worries.

How will this affect my body and mental health?

As per Dr Amarnath, “Some women experience a smooth journey; others feel they are overwhelmed by the situation. Find out from your doctor if there is any kind of personal therapy or emotional support made available during the treatment. It involves not only the body but also the soul, which is very intimate.”

Also Read: How To Prepare Body For Pregnancy After 35?

If I decide to freeze my eggs in this clinic, will I still be able to take them with me to any other place in the future when I want to use them?

Transferring may be hard in some clinics where the frozen eggs are kept. Enquire about the legality and rights of movements, including portability and long-term flexibility; your eggs should be under your control.

What will happen if I do not use the eggs at all?

Are they allowed to be kept without any time limitation? Can they be given to someone? Are they destroyed? Although these things might seem very far away from us right now, it will still be quite helpful to be aware of the options we have.

Also Read: Fertility Expert Sheds Light On The Success Rates of Frozen Eggs and Sperm Cryopreservation

Is egg freezing the most advisable thing for me to do- or are there better ways to go?

“If you have a partner, freezing embryos may have a higher percentage of success. The necessity to freeze might not be there for a woman at the moment. Truthful doctors never fight to have a procedure done; rather, they guide you honestly,” shares Dr Amarnath.

Final Word

Egg freezing is not merely a function of science; it is also an emotional insurance, a faint voice of hope, and a symbol of one’s self. So question them directly. Don't just sigh with the depth of your thoughts. Weigh the options wisely. Apart from just answers, the right fertility doctor would also lend your own journey his confidence.