25% annual increase in Indian women opting for egg freezing over the past five years

Bhopal/New Delhi: According to experts there is a 25% annual increase in Indian women opting for Egg-freezing over the past five years. With career goals, financial planning and changing family priorities influencing reproductive decisions, more working women are considering egg freezing as an option to preserve their fertility for the future.

Advisor, National Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Programme, Dr Naresh Purohit while addressing a workshop on “Rise in Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART) in Modern Era ‘ organised by the People’s College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bhopal, said that Ionger education, demanding careers, financial responsibilities and the desire to find the right time or partner can lead some women to consider delaying pregnancy. As fertility naturally declines with age, egg freezing has emerged as one option that women may discuss with fertility specialists when they want to preserve their reproductive choices.

Executive Member of the Federation for Reproductive Health Service India (FRHS) Dr Purohit explained that egg freezing is not just for celebrities. Egg freezing is sometimes portrayed as an option mainly chosen by celebrities or high-profile professionals.

“It is not about following a trend, but about understanding whether fertility preservation may be a suitable option for an individual. It can be considered for medical reasons too. Egg freezing is not only related to career or personal planning. Women who are expected to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy or certain medical procedures that may affect ovarian function may also be advised to consider fertility preservation.”he averred

“Egg freezing involves ovarian stimulation with medicines, monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds, and egg-retrieval through a medical procedure. The mature eggs are then frozen using a technique called –VItrification. The process usually requires careful planning and medical supervision.” noted medic explained

He cautioned that egg freezing is not a guarantee of a future pregnancy, and the decision should be based on individual age, reproductive health and future family plans rather than social pressure.

He further adds, “Age is an important factor. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and both egg quantity and quality decline with age. The decline becomes more noticeable as women move through their 30s. This is one reason some women consider egg freezing at a younger age, when the eggs may have a better chance of resulting in a healthy pregnancy in the future.

He pointed that egg freezing allows mature eggs to be collected and stored for possible future use. It gives women an additional reproductive option, if they are not ready to have children now. However, it does not guarantee that the frozen eggs will eventually result in a pregnancy or live birth.

“A fertility specialist may recommend tests such as AMH and an ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve before discussing the process.”he added.  “Age is an important factor, as both egg number and quality gradually decline with time, particularly through the 30s.” he emphasised

Experts said that in reality, fertility preservation can be considered by any woman who may wish to delay pregnancy for personal, professional, financial or other reasons

Experts concluded that egg freezing is an individual decision and is not necessary for every working woman. Women should not feel pressured to undergo fertility preservation simply because they are pursuing a demanding career. A consultation can help them understand their ovarian reserve, age-related fertility changes, personal goals and realistic options.

“Frozen eggs can provide an  additional option for future family planning, but success depends on several factors, including the woman’s age when the eggs were frozen, the number and quality of eggs stored, and future reproductive health. Women should discuss realistic expectations with a fertility specialist.”they averred

Experts pointed out that the growing interest in egg freezing reflects how women’s reproductive choices are changing alongside careers, relationships and personal priorities. For some working women, freezing eggs at a younger age may provide an additional option for future family planning. However, it should be viewed as a fertility-preservation option rather than a guarantee of pregnancy. Understanding age-related fertility changes, undergoing appropriate medical evaluation and discussing individual circumstances with a fertility specialist can help women make informed decisions without fear or unnecessary pressure, at a time when more men are also freezing their sperm due to health challenges or future fatherhood.

*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations).  He’s  Advisor, National Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Programme.

Dr.  Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care.