Egg Freezing: Liberating Working Women

A top woman MNC executive faced a dilemma: should she get married and settle in India, or seize the job offer of her life in Canada? Her senior colleague’s advice to consider egg freezing allowed her to pursue her career and delay motherhood. Three years on, she works in Canada and stays in touch with her fertility facility in Gurugram, ensuring her future motherhood remains an option.

Dr. Puneet Rana Arora on Egg Freezing

“Social egg-freezing is part of assisted reproductive technology (ART). As the world observes World Fertility Day on July 25, more single working women are opting for egg freezing to delay motherhood,” said Dr. Puneet Rana Arora, Gynaecologist & fertility specialist (IVF) at the Centre for Infertility & Assisted Reproduction (CIFAR), Gurugram.

Rising Trend Among Indian Women

The number of Indian women freezing their eggs has increased significantly, with a 25% rise in procedures at various centers last year. Factors include career focus, delayed marriages, and societal pressures. “Egg freezing is becoming more accepted in Indian society, offering women reproductive freedom and control over family planning,” said Dr. Arora.

Expertise and Quality of Care

Egg freezing requires high-level expertise. Women should consult experienced, licensed consultants and fertility centers to avoid inferior facilities that can damage eggs or ovaries, Dr. Arora warned. Indian IVF experts are globally renowned, offering international quality at competitive prices. In India, the procedure costs between Rs 150,000 to Rs 200,000, compared to $12,000-$15,000 (Rs 1,200,000) abroad.

Dispelling Myths

Dr. Arora addressed common myths about egg freezing:

• Myth: It’s a painful, long procedure.
• Fact: The 3-4 hour process is safe and well-managed by trained experts.
• Myth: It’s a high-risk procedure that may damage ovaries.
• Fact: When performed well, no damage to ovaries occurs.
• Myth: It hinders future pregnancies.
• Fact: Women can have natural pregnancies and normal deliveries later.
• Myth: Only for women in their late 30s.
• Fact: Ideal to not delay beyond age 36.

Psychological Freedom

Dr. Arora highlighted the psychological benefits: “Women can focus on their careers or wait for the right moment to embrace motherhood without compromising on the joys of nature’s biggest gift.” Egg freezing provides social and emotional satisfaction, empowering women to control their reproductive journey.