4 Things to Consider Before Freezing Your Eggs
You’re born with a finite number of eggs. As you age, the amount of eggs you have — and their quality — decreases. Therefore, if you don’t want kids now but hope to have them in the future, egg freezing may be a suitable option for you. The younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the better chances you have of using them to successfully become pregnant later. Before you freeze your eggs, however, there are some factors you should take into consideration.
1. Egg Freezing Costs
Before you freeze your eggs, it’s important to understand the costs associated with the process. Not only do you have to pay for the procedure, but you also have to consider the cost of storing your eggs. Some insurance plans provide coverage for egg freezing, but because it’s considered an elective procedure, many don’t. You should speak with your insurance provider and consider all associated costs of egg freezing before making your decision.
2. Egg Freezing Side Effects
The egg freezing process involves taking fertility medications to help your ovaries produce the optimal number of mature eggs for the retrieval procedure to be successful. Side effects of these medications include nausea and vomiting, headaches, cramps, and mood changes.
Eggs are then retrieved via a transvaginal ultrasound aspiration, which uses an aspiration needle. While complications from this procedure are rare, they can happen and include bleeding, infection, and even damage to the bladder or bowel.
3. A Successful Pregnancy Is Not Guaranteed
While freezing your eggs gives you the opportunity to have children on your own terms, there is no guarantee that you’ll actually have a successful pregnancy. The success rate of egg freezing depends on various factors, including your age. Not all eggs will survive the retrieval or thawing process. Additionally, not all eggs will get successfully fertilized by sperm.
4. The Eggs You Don’t Use
It’s also important to consider what you want to do with any leftover eggs that you don’t end up using. You have several options when it comes to disposing of them, including:
- Donating them to another person or couple
- Donating them to science
- Keeping them frozen in case you change your mind and want to use them later
Learn More About Freezing Your Eggs
Freezing your eggs is a big decision, but the process allows you to take control of your fertility and start your family on your own terms, and in your own time. At New York Reproductive Wellness, our expert reproductive specialists provide top-rated fertility care, including egg freezing services. For more information or to ask any questions, contact us today.
