Overview of Egg Freezing in India
Cryopreservation, often known as egg freezing, is the method of storing mature eggs (oocytes) for later use, most commonly as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This enables women to preserve their fertility for the future, especially if they are delaying starting a family or are undergoing medical procedures that can affect their fertility. The eggs are immediately frozen (vitrified) and preserved in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures, thereby halting biological activity until they are thawed and utilized for fertilization.
Protocol: Ovarian Stimulation & Egg Retrieval
The protocol for freezing eggs follows the steps below:
Initial Screening: The initial medical checkup evaluates the woman's overall health. A medical history is also obtained to better understand her ovarian health. Doctors use ultrasound scans to determine the quality of the remaining eggs in the ovary. They also educate patients on the stimulation and medicine used to produce the highest quality eggs.
Stimulating and Monitoring Ovaries: Hormonal injections of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones cause the ovaries to generate numerous eggs during the menstrual cycle. These are available for about 10-12 days, with constant monitoring via scans and blood testing. Your doctor may advise you to avoid vigorous activity during this time. Following this, a trigger shot is administered to continue the process.
Egg Retrieval Procedure: At this stage, mature eggs are retrieved utilizing transvaginal ultrasonographic guidance and a needle. The patient is anesthetized throughout the process, which makes it painless.
Egg Freezing: After retrieval, the eggs are taken for cryopreservation via vitrification, which allows them to be preserved for an extended duration. Bloating, bleeding, constipation, sore breasts, and cramping are some of the negative symptoms the woman may encounter. Although women might experience these side effects, skilled health consultants work together to reduce them.
Also Read: Did you know these facts before freezing your eggs?
Cryopreservation Method & Initial Storage
Cryopreservation, which preserves living cells and tissues at extremely low temperatures, employs procedures such as slow freezing and vitrification to reduce harm during freezing and thawing.
Initial storage, especially for long-term preservation, usually requires liquid nitrogen at -196°C.
Cost Breakdown per Cycle
In India, egg freezing is less expensive than in other countries. The cost is determined based on your reproductive health examination. If the findings demonstrate that you are healthy, you may be able to save money on medication, hormone tests, and consultations.
Here's the full breakdown of the average estimated egg freezing costs in India:
Initial Cycle Costs:
Consultation and Fertility Assessment: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
Ovarian Stimulation Medications: ₹40,000 - ₹1,50,000.
Egg Retrieval Procedure: ₹64,000 - ₹96,000.
Freezing and initial storage costs: ₹24,000 - ₹40,000.
First year storage costs: ₹25,000 to ₹50,000.
Additional Costs to Consider:
Pre-treatment examinations and tests can cost an additional ₹10,000 to ₹25,000.
Storage rates range from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 annually.
Using frozen eggs for IVF can result in additional costs ranging from ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 every cycle.
Annual Storage Fees & Long-Term Cost
In India, egg freezing costs between ₹1,00,000 and ₹2,00,000 for the initial operation and ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 for annual storage. These expenses fund the eggs' preservation and storage in specialized cryopreservation tanks.
Also Read: Ways to improve egg quality for IVF
Success Rates by Age & Number of Eggs Frozen
- Women aged 18 to 25 have a 90–99% likelihood of having at least one live birth.
- Women aged 25 to 30 have an 80% to 90% likelihood of giving birth to at least one child.
- Women aged 30 to 35 are 75% to 85% likely to have at least one live birth.
- Women aged 35 to 40 have a 60–65% likelihood of having at least one live birth.
- Women between the ages of 40 and 45 have a 50-60% probability of having at least one live birth.
Who Should Consider Egg Freezing?
The reasons why women opt for egg freezing are:
- Women who are scheduled for chemotherapy or pelvic radiation owing to cancer.
- Women who have scheduled operations that could cause damage to the ovaries.
- Women with a family history of early ovarian failure.
- Women with chromosomal abnormalities such as Tuer's syndrome or Fragile X syndrome are at risk for early ovarian failure.
- Women with genetic mutations (such as the BRCA mutation) who may require the removal of their ovaries at an earlier age.
- Women wishing to postpone motherhood owing to job obligations.
- Women seeking fertility preservation and biological security.
- Women whose partners are receiving treatment for male factor infertility.
Also Read: 10 surprising facts about fertility that you may not know
Recovery, Side Effects & Emotional Considerations
Common side effects, risks and recovery time of egg retrieval include :
Common Side Effects: Hormonal stimulation may induce shifts in mood, bloating, and headaches. Mild cramping, spotting, and abdominal discomfort are frequent symptoms after egg retrieval.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): It is a rare but significant condition that causes enlarged ovaries, resulting in severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
Egg Retrieval Risks: While the egg retrieval method is less invasive, it can still result in infection or bleeding if not done correctly.
Recovery Timeline: After retrieval, most women can resume normal activities within a day or two. However, vigorous exercise should be avoided for one week. Bloating usually lessens as the ovaries recover to normal size.
Emotional considerations after egg freezing include:
Anxiety and Stress: Egg freezing can cause emotional stress due to the technique, outcome, and hormonal shifts.
Coping with Uncertainty: Egg freezing does not ensure future pregnancy, so consider the emotional impact of a possible disappointment.
Need for Support: Emotional support, including counseling and support systems, is essential for the egg freezing process.
Also Read: Age and Infertility: How Age Can Affect Fertility
Clinics, Insurance & Employer Coverage
In India, most insurance plans do not cover egg freezing because it is considered an optional operation. However, some businesses are starting to provide fertility benefits, which may include coverage for egg freezing. To explore your coverage possibilities, contact your specific insurance provider and employer.
Coverage Details:
Insurance: Standard health insurance coverage in India does not cover egg freezing for non-medical reasons, such as delaying pregnancy for professional or personal reasons.
Employer Coverage: Some organizations, especially in tech and other areas, are offering fertility benefits, such as egg freezing.
Employer Benefits: These may include covering procedure costs or offering financial support for egg freezing and preservation.
Seeking information: It is critical to speak directly with your employer and insurance provider to learn the specifics of your policy.
Financial Options:
EMI Plans: Many clinics in India provide EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) or financing solutions to make the surgery more accessible for patients.
Package Deals: Some clinics offer package deals or discounts to help cover the cost of egg freezing.
Alteatives:
Egg Donation: For women who are not eligible for egg freezing, egg donation can be a viable choice for motherhood.
Consulting Clinics: Consult local fertility clinics for information on egg freezing methods, expenses, and financial aid.
