Press Pause on the Biological Clock: How Egg Freezing Helps Women Plan Ahead

Add as a preferred source on Google

For most women, life does not follow a predetermined timeline. Careers, health issues, relationships, and personal ambitions take precedence over having children. However, while life plans may change, nature does not always wait. This is where egg freezing becomes an option, giving women the solace of choice and the freedom to consider motherhood on their own terms, and not on the terms of time.

We spoke to Dr Neha Tripathi, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Indirapuram, who told us how egg freezing can help women plan pregnancy when they want.

What Is Egg Freezing?

Photo Credit: Freepik

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte freezing, is a process in which a woman's eggs are collected from the ovaries and stored in an unfertilised state for future use.

"When she decides to conceive later, the eggs are thawed and fertilised through an IVF cycle. This allows women to pause their biological clock and try for pregnancy at a time that feels right for them," explained Dr Tripathi.

Why More Women Are Choosing Egg Freezing

Not everyone wants to have a child before 35. Many women are focused on building their careers, managing personal responsibilities, or dealing with health issues that may delay pregnancy.

Egg freezing offers reassurance in such situations by keeping the option of biological motherhood open. It can be especially helpful for:

• Women prioritising career or education
• Those not ready for parenthood yet
• Women undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation
• Couples planning IVF when sperm may not be available immediately

How Does the Process Work?

Once eggs are collected from the ovaries, they are placed in a sub-zero environment. This freezes all biological processes in the eggs. The eggs are then frozen using cryoprotectants in either of the following methods:

• Slow-freeze method: This method involves the use of low concentrations of cryoprotectants to freeze the eggs slowly. As the temperature drops, the rate of metabolism in the egg also slows down. The concentration of cryoprotectants in the egg also increases. This helps to minimise the eggs' exposure to toxins in the cryoprotectants.
• Vitrification: This process involves the use of high concentrations of cryoprotectants to freeze the eggs quickly. The temperature of the eggs is reduced so that there is no time for intracellular ice crystals to form.

When Is the Right Time to Freeze Eggs?

Photo Credit: Freepik

Age plays a major role in egg quality and quantity. As women grow older, both naturally decline.

Doctors generally recommend freezing eggs:

• Ideally before 35
• Preferably in the late 20s or early 30s
• Before any medical treatments that may affect fertility
• Freezing at a younger age improves success rates later.

When Is the Right Time to Freeze Eggs?

"A woman can choose to freeze her eggs if she does not want to have children right now but wants to ensure that the option to have a biological child is available to her at a later date. Since the egg is frozen in its unfertilised state, sperm is not required at this point. However, the woman will have to take some hormonal medication to stimulate the development of eggs in the ovaries," explained Dr Tripathi.

A Step Toward Choice and Flexibility

Dr Tripathi concluded, "Egg freezing isn't just a medical procedure; it's about giving women more control over their future. It offers peace of mind, reduces pressure, and allows decisions about motherhood to happen when the time feels right emotionally and practically. With the right guidance and timely planning, egg freezing can become a valuable option for women who want flexibility without compromising their dreams."