Freezing your eggs has become a popular option for women wanting to preserve their fertility for the future. Whether it’s for medical reasons or personal choice, it’s a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Before you move forward, here are some key things to keep in mind.
Freezing Your Eggs is Not a Guarantee
Freezing your eggs is often thought of as an “insurance policy,” but it’s important to know it doesn’t always guarantee pregnancy. The quality of the eggs, the fertilization process, and embryo implantation all play crucial roles in whether or not it will lead to a successful pregnancy.
How Many Eggs Should You Freeze?
The number of eggs needed varies based on your age and personal health. For women under 35, freezing 20 eggs may provide a 90% chance of at least one live birth. If you’re over 35, more eggs may be required to achieve similar success rates.
Age Matters
Egg freezing is most effective when done in your 20s or early 30s. While many women choose to freeze their eggs later, the quality of eggs declines as you age. Egg freezing may not be as effective after age 38.
Costs Involved in Canada
The cost of egg freezing can range from $8,500 to $15,000 per cycle. This typically includes the consultations, medications, egg retrieval, and freezing, but keep in mind that additional costs may arise for storage and future embryo transfers.
Emotional Considerations of Freezing Your Eggs
The decision to freeze your eggs can come with emotional challenges. From the initial uncertainty to managing your expectations for the future, it’s a journey that may benefit from emotional support or counseling.
The AMH Test Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
While Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) tests are used to assess your ovarian reserve, they don’t paint the full picture of your fertility. A low AMH level doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to conceive naturally.
Freezing your eggs is a personal decision with many factors to consider. Understanding the process, managing expectations, and being prepared for both the physical and emotional aspects are crucial steps. If you’re thinking about egg freezing, it’s best to consult with a fertility specialist to guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision.
For more information, reach out to TRIO Fertility Mississauga at:
Tel: (905) 581-5505
Fax: (905) 581-4471
170 Queensway West, Suite 202
Mississauga, ON L5B 3A8
References:
- Heathline – Egg Freezing: What To Expect From The Egg Freezing Process
- Canadian Fertility And Andrology Society (CFAS) – Current Status of Oocyte Freezing
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) – PLANNED OOCYTE CRYOPRESERVATION TO PRESERVE FUTURE REPRODUCTIVETENTIAL: AN ETHICS COMMITTEE OPINION (2023)