Why I Chose Egg Freezing

🥚 Why I Chose Egg-Freezing and Encourage Other Women to Do the Same

A friend recently sent me a note on Facebook that said, “Please tell all the younger women about egg freezing; it’s imperative.” I agree with this statement, but egg freezing has become controversial recently. I read an article in Bloomberg that stated that although egg freezing was supposed to revolutionize women’s lifestyles, it has become a way of putting pressure on young girls and is sold as an “Insurance policy” even though it’s not a guarantee. I also learned a stunning statistic that with millions of eggs stored worldwide, only about 12% of patients return to use their frozen eggs while others decide not to, especially if they froze their eggs when they were under 34.

So why did I choose egg freezing and encourage friends and other women to do the same? When I hit my 30s, I started feeling the pressure—career ambitions, personal goals, and the ever-ticking biological clock. I wasn't ready to start a family yet, but I also didn't want to lose my chance of having one. That's when egg freezing caught my attention. If you don’t want to have kids, egg freezing is nothing for you; if you know you want to or think you might want to someday, then it’s worth looking into. The decision to freeze my eggs was a powerful act of taking control of my future, and I want other women to feel this same sense of empowerment.

Honestly, the decision was overwhelming. I felt a mix of hope, fear, shame, and empowerment. The idea of taking control of my fertility was liberating, but the uncertainties and what-ifs kept me up at night. It was also confirmed that I didn’t know many women like me who had undergone this journey. As a woman of color, I felt tremendous shame for having to take this route; other people that I knew got married and started families the traditional way. I was single and confused about how I would build a family in time before my biological clock hit. I recall going to an egg-freezing seminar sponsored by a leading fertility clinic on New York’s Upper East Side with a friend; we were the only two in a room of about 40 women with no family support and financial backing to undertake egg-freezing. This lack of support and financial resources is a significant barrier for many women considering egg freezing, which we must address as a society.

Many of us face these questions: What if I don't find the right partner in time? What if my career skyrockets, and I miss the boat? These thoughts are more common than you'd think and can weigh heavy on the heart.

Egg-freezing isn't just about science; it's about giving yourself options and peace of mind. It’s a journey filled with emotional highs and lows, but knowing you have choices can make all the difference.

🧬 The Science Behind Egg-Freezing

Ever wonder how egg freezing works? Let's break it down.

First, it's a pretty straightforward process. It starts with hormonal stimulation to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved via a minor surgical procedure. Once collected, the eggs are frozen using vitrification—a flash-freezing technique that prevents ice crystals from forming and damaging the eggs.

Here are some stats to put things into perspective. According to recent studies, the survival rate of eggs after thawing can be as high as 90%. About 30-60% of those eggs can lead to successful pregnancies, depending on factors like age and health. Freezing your eggs in the right window - in your 20s or early 30s can be a game-changer. The younger you are, the healthier and more viable your eggs will be.

This could mean fewer cycles needed and more peace of mind. Imagine not having to rush the baby-making decision!

But don’t just take my word for it. Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned fertility expert, says, “Egg-freezing has become a game-changer for women who want to preserve their fertility. It offers a reliable option for those who want to delay motherhood without compromising their chances.”

So, there you have it! Egg-freezing is more than just a trend; it's a scientifically backed, effective way to take control of your reproductive future.

Have you considered egg freezing? Please don't hesitate to let us know today if you have more questions or if you want to connect with a community of women who have walked this journey.