Fertility specialists in India report a significant rise in the number of women opting to freeze their eggs, a trend driven by delayed marriage and a growing focus on career advancement. According to Dr. Priya Sharma, a leading fertility expert at Bengaluru's Bloom Fertility Clinic, the clinic has seen a 40% increase in egg freezing procedures over the past two years, with most patients being women aged between 28 and 35.
Reasons Behind the Trend
Women are increasingly choosing to postpone childbearing to establish their careers or achieve financial stability. 'Many of my patients are single professionals who want to preserve their fertility options while they focus on their careers,' says Dr. Sharma. The procedure allows them to freeze eggs at a younger age, when egg quality is higher, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy later.
Procedure and Costs
Egg freezing involves hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries, followed by a minor surgical procedure to retrieve the eggs, which are then frozen and stored. In India, the cost ranges from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per cycle, with annual storage fees of about ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. Many clinics now offer financing options to make the procedure more accessible.
Social Stigma and Awareness
Despite growing acceptance, social stigma remains. 'There is still pressure from families to marry early, but women are becoming more empowered to make their own choices,' notes Dr. Sharma. Awareness campaigns and success stories have helped normalize the procedure. The Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction reports a 25% annual increase in egg freezing cycles across major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Impact on Fertility Outcomes
Freezing eggs before age 35 significantly improves the likelihood of a live birth. A study published in the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences found that women who freeze eggs at 30 have a 60% chance of a live birth per cycle, compared to 30% for those who wait until 40. Specialists advise women to consider the procedure early, as egg quality declines with age.
Future Outlook
As more women delay marriage, the trend is expected to grow. The government is also considering policies to support fertility preservation, such as tax benefits for medical expenses. 'Egg freezing gives women control over their reproductive timeline,' says Dr. Sharma, 'and that is a powerful thing.'
