Dr. Emma Thompson, who sees patients in our locations in Springfield and Arlington, recently chatted with Parent’s Digest about the societal pressures women face regarding pregnancy and how egg freezing can alleviate the stress of the relentless “biological clock.”
Why Consider Egg Freezing?
More and more young women are opting for egg freezing for various reasons, including education, career, travel, or personal relationships. This choice allows them to extend their fertility and preserve their family planning options for when the time feels right.
As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decline, especially after 35. This often creates pressure to find the right partner or put their careers on hold just to start a family. Egg freezing offers a way to take control of this timeline without sacrificing personal goals.
How Does Egg Freezing Work?
Dr. Thompson explains, “The process begins with hormonal injections that encourage the growth of multiple eggs.” Once the eggs mature, they are retrieved during a quick 15-20 minute procedure and undergo a freezing process known as vitrification.
Whenever a woman decides she’s ready to conceive, her doctor will thaw the eggs, inseminate them with sperm, and transfer the resulting embryos back into her uterus. Typically, around 20 eggs are retrieved, with older women needing to collect even more to improve their chances of a healthy pregnancy.
This way, the pressure to conceive is lifted, allowing women to focus on their lives instead.
But what happens to the eggs if she changes her mind about having children? Most commonly, women opt to discard them, but they can also choose to donate them, either anonymously to an infertile couple or through directed donation.
Is Egg Freezing Right for Me?
Dr. Sarah Lee, who practices at our facility in Lakeside, notes that many women are surprised at how manageable the egg freezing process is. “A common misconception is that it disrupts your everyday life,” she says. “In truth, it’s minimally invasive. The entire process takes about two weeks, with morning appointments that are easy to fit into a busy schedule.”
This approach empowers women to delay motherhood until they feel ready, whether that means becoming more serious with a partner or advancing in their careers. They can also choose to help others by donating their eggs. The ticking clock on their reproductive health becomes less of a concern, allowing them to truly enjoy their lives.
For more information on egg freezing, check out our comprehensive guide here. Also, if you’re curious about early pregnancy signs, you might find this post helpful—did you know that not experiencing breast growth early on is common?
Summary
Egg freezing offers a practical solution for women wanting to extend their fertility without feeling rushed. With a straightforward process and options for donation, it’s an empowering choice for many. As women navigate their personal and professional lives, egg freezing provides peace of mind, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.