As more women choose to delay parenthood due to personal and professional reasons, fertility preservation has become a significant topic of conversation. The once-taboo subject of freezing eggs or embryos is now more accessible, and many women are considering it as part of their family planning strategy. Recently, Oxford-trained embryologist Dr. Tanaya Narendra Read More
In this article, we break down the key differences between egg and embryo freezing, the costs, success rates, and some of the most common myths surrounding these options. Egg Freezing vs. Embryo Freezing: What’s the Difference? The primary distinction between egg freezing and embryo freezing lies in the process and its intended use. Egg Freezing involves retrieving a woman’s eggs when they are still unfertilised and freezing them at sub-zero temperatures. This process gives women the opportunity to preserve their fertility without needing to decide on a partner or donor sperm immediately. Senior IVF specialist Dr. Vaishali Sharma explains, “Egg freezing allows women time to preserve their fertility and keep their options regarding a partner open.” On the other hand, Embryo Freezing goes a step further. After egg retrieval, the eggs are fertilised with sperm from a partner or a donor, creating embryos that can be stored for future use. This process is commonly chosen by couples undergoing IVF who want to store fertilised embryos for later implantation. Dr. Priti Arora Dhamija, a renowned gynaecologist, highlights that embryo freezing is often the route taken by couples who have already made decisions about sperm and are ready to proceed with IVF. Costs of Egg vs Embryo Freezing When it comes to costs, egg freezing and embryo freezing are not identical. Egg Freezing generally costs between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2 lakh, covering medications and the egg retrieval process. In addition, there are annual storage fees ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 to maintain the frozen eggs. Embryo Freezing, however, involves additional procedures such as sperm injection and embryo culture. As a result, the total cost typically ranges between ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh. The extra steps make embryo freezing a more expensive option, but for couples who are already set on using sperm to create embryos, this process offers a more straightforward approach. Success Rates: Which is More Effective? Success rates play a crucial role in deciding between egg and embryo freezing. Generally, Embryo Freezing offers higher success rates compared to egg freezing. Dr. Dhamija explains, “Embryos are more stable, and we can evaluate their development before transferring them to the uterus.” This ability to assess embryo development increases the chances of a successful pregnancy when using frozen embryos. However, Egg Freezing has evolved with newer techniques like vitrification, which have significantly improved success rates over the years. Although egg freezing may have a slightly lower success rate than embryo freezing, it provides a viable option for women who want to preserve their eggs without committing to fertilisation. The woman’s age, egg quality, and the sperm used will ultimately determine the success rate for both processes. Myths Surrounding Fertility Preservation One common myth that persists about egg and embryo freezing is the belief that freezing guarantees pregnancy. Dr. Dhamija sets the record straight, stating, “Egg freezing improves the chance of a future pregnancy, but it is not a promise.” Many women believe that freezing their eggs or embryos will automatically result in pregnancy later on, but fertility preservation simply increases the odds—it does not guarantee success. Another widespread misconception is that frozen embryos are less effective than fresh ones. This idea is also untrue. “Frozen embryos are just as viable. In fact, one baby was recently born from an embryo that had been frozen for almost thirty years,” says Dr. Sharma. This myth can deter women from considering frozen embryos, but the reality is that these embryos can be just as successful as those transferred fresh. When is the Best Time to Freeze Eggs? Many people believe that age 35 is the ideal time to freeze eggs, but experts suggest that earlier is better. Dr. Dhamija advises, “The best time to freeze eggs for non-medical reasons is between the ages of 30 and 34.” Freezing eggs at a younger age offers a higher chance of success, as egg quality tends to decline with age. However, for medical reasons, egg freezing can be done at any age after puberty. Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice Egg and embryo freezing both offer women valuable options for preserving fertility, but choosing the right path depends on individual circumstances. For women who are not yet ready to decide on a partner or sperm donor, egg freezing can provide flexibility. For those already in a relationship or undergoing IVF, embryo freezing may be the more practical and effective option. Regardless of which route you choose, it’s essential to have an open conversation with your fertility specialist about the process, costs, and success rates. The decision to preserve your fertility is personal, and understanding the differences between egg and embryo freezing will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your future family planning goals.
Egg vs Embryo Freezing: Key Insights for Women Considering Fertility Preservation
As more women choose to delay parenthood due to personal and professional reasons, fertility preservation has become a significant topic of conversation. The once-taboo subject of freezing eggs or embryos is now more accessible, and many women are considering it as part of their family planning strategy. Recently, Oxford-trained embryologist Dr. Tanaya Narendra Read More