Why Indian millennials are turning to egg freezing for reproductive freedom

Dr Kajal Singh

Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is an exciting option for women wanting to preserve their fertility. Over the past 10 years, with women reclaiming control of their reproductive clock this method has skyrocketed worldwide.

According to research from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG), the number of egg freezing cycles in the UK increased from 363 in 2010 to over 4,000 in 2020. In the US, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that the number of egg freezing cycles performed annually exceeds 10,000.

In India, we are also witnessing an increasing demand for this method, with a predicted 15 per cent CAGR growth rate between 2020 and 2025, driven by enhanced awareness and advances in medicine.

Why Millennials Are Driving the Trend

For Indian millennials, social or medical or social-medical reasons can drive egg-freezing options. Women may delay marriage and/or kids for career choices or money, or because a suitable partner is unavailable. Medical reasons may include cancer, endometriosis, or early ovarian failure. There are medical reasons for considering egg preservation, even though the majority of public interest seems to focus on social reasons.

Benefits 

• Preserves reproductive potential
• Provides flexibility in family planning
• Relieves social pressure to rush into marriage or motherhood

Limitations 

Despite its potential benefits, it has are many limitations. To begin with the success rates vary; there is no guarantee that pregnancy will occur with frozen eggs once they thaw. Age matters. Egg quality and quantity decline with age, so the medically optimal time to freeze eggs is far less than optimal in life. Egg freezing costs can be staggering. Expenses in India are ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs per cycle. Any extra fees, particularly for long-term storage fees, should be anticipated and planned for accordingly. There may also be varying levels of emotional stress and/or anxiety or regret for women, as well as the potential for medical complications/side effects from the fertility drugs, procedures, and egg retrieval.

An Informed Choice for the Future

An increase in egg freezing can be seen in India, but experts are encouraging informed decision-making. This procedure can give individuals some flexibility and peace of mind in their efforts to make decisions about their reproductive future; however, egg freezing is not a guarantee. Fertility specialists encourage patients to discuss with providers and consider the advantages and disadvantages before proceeding to egg freezing.

Egg freezing may not stop the biological clock, but for many Indian millennials, it is turning out to be a very effective option for making important decisions in their future.

Dr. Kajal Singh is Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department
at NIIMS Medical College and Hospital