Actress Surabhi Lakshmi's decision to freeze her eggs: What's the cost, how many eggs should be frozen?
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is storing unfertilised eggs at subzero temperatures for future pregnancy. Indian law allows 5-10 years storage, with success rates peaking between 25-35 years old.
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is storing unfertilised eggs at subzero temperatures for future pregnancy. Indian law allows 5-10 years storage, with success rates peaking between 25-35 years old.
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is storing unfertilised eggs at subzero temperatures for future pregnancy. Indian law allows 5-10 years storage, with success rates peaking between 25-35 years old.
National Award winner Surabhi Lakshmi recently revealed that she has frozen her eggs for future use. Though still uncommon in our country, egg freezing can help women who want to delay childbearing until they are mentally ready to raise a child. Women often delay it till they get the right partner, are stable career-wise and protect their fertility before undergoing treatments for diseases like cancer. How to know whether it is the right option for a woman, when a person should consider it, how many eggs a person can freeze, and how it differs from embryo freezing.
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing, also known as 'oocyte cryopreservation,' is the process of saving unfertilised eggs at subzero temperatures, says the Cleveland Clinic. They can be used in the future to get pregnant or for a surrogate pregnancy. Actresses like Priyanka Chopra have revealed that they had frozen their eggs in their early 30s. Under Indian law, eggs can be stored for 5 years, with renewals extending the period to 10 years.
What is embryo freezing?
Unlike egg freezing, embryo freezing stores eggs fertilised in labs at ultra-low temperatures for future use. In India, embryos can be legally stored for 10 years. After that, they will have to either let the embryos perish or donate them to registered organisations.
Is egg freezing the right option?
This can be ascertained after discussing the following aspects with your doctor:
a) Your current age
b) Medical health
c) Relationship goals
d) Financial stability
e) Career goals
Generally, women between the ages of 25 and 35 are encouraged to freeze their eggs, as egg quality peaks during this window. Success rates can drop after this period.
How many eggs can a person freeze?
In India, egg freezing is regulated under the 'Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 '. Under this, there is no legal limit on the number of eggs a person can freeze and store. Still, people under 35 are encouraged to freeze up to 15 mature eggs. Those above this age category are recommended to freeze 30-plus mature eggs.
What is the cost of egg freezing?
The cost of egg freezing can vary by city, hospital, treatment needs, and egg storage duration. Regardless, in Kerala, it can cost around ₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000 for one to two years, says Mitera Hospital's Chief IVF specialist Dr Raju Nair.