Karishma Mehta, CEO and founder of Humans of Bombay, recently revealed on Instagram that she has decided to freeze her eggs in early 2025. Her decision is in line with a growing trend of women choosing fertility preservation as a way to control their reproductive decisions.
Egg freezing gives women the flexibility to plan for the future without the pressure of immediate parenthood. While many celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra, have spoken out about getting the procedure done in their 30s, the process comes with potential risks and uncertainties. Let’s take a closer look at egg freezing and the complications that can arise.
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing, medically known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation technique that allows women to store their eggs for future use. The procedure involves stimulating the ovaries with hormone injections to produce more eggs, which are then collected and frozen in a laboratory setting. These frozen eggs can be thawed and fertilized later when the woman decides to become pregnant.
While this procedure provides an option for women who may want to delay pregnancy for personal or health reasons, it is important to note that egg freezing does not guarantee a successful pregnancy in the future.
How does the egg freezing process work?
The egg freezing journey involves several steps:
- Hormonal stimulation – Women must take hormonal injections for about 10 to 14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. This ensures that a sufficient number of mature eggs can be retrieved.
- Egg retrieval : Once the eggs are mature, a minor surgical procedure is performed under sedation to extract them. This procedure is performed using a thin needle under ultrasound guidance.
- Freezing and Storage – The collected eggs are then quickly frozen using a process called cryopreservation and stored at sub-zero temperatures until needed for future fertilization.
Common side effects of egg freezing
While many women undergo egg freezing with minimal complications, some may experience mild to moderate side effects, including:
- Flatulence
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes or hot flushes
- Headache
These symptoms are usually temporary and will disappear after the hormonal stimulation phase ends.
Possible risks of egg freezing
Despite its growing popularity, egg freezing is not without risks. The most important concerns include:
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS occurs when the ovaries overreact to the hormone injections used in the stimulation process. In mild cases, women may experience bloating, nausea, and discomfort. However, in severe cases (about 1% of procedures), hospitalization may be necessary due to excessive fluid retention and abdominal swelling.
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Risk of infection and internal damage
The egg retrieval process, while minimally invasive, carries a small risk of infection. In rare cases, damage to nearby organs, such as the bladder or intestines, can occur.
Low egg survival rate after thawing
Not all frozen eggs will survive the thawing process. Some eggs may become non-viable, reducing the chances of successful fertilization if a woman decides to use them.
Unsuccessful fertilization
Even if the eggs survive the thawing process, there is no guarantee that they will be successfully fertilized by sperm. Approximately 5 percent of women who undergo egg freezing may find that none of their eggs are fertilized, making the procedure unsuccessful.
Emotional and financial considerations
In addition to the health risks, freezing eggs can be a demanding process, both emotionally and financially. The cost of an egg freezing cycle can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the clinic and country. In addition, there is an annual maintenance fee for storing frozen eggs.
Many women also experience emotional distress because the process does not guarantee pregnancy. It is very important to have realistic expectations and consult a fertility specialist before making a decision.
Bottom line
Egg freezing can be a valuable option for women who want to delay childbearing for personal or health reasons. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and its success depends on factors such as age, egg quality, and overall health.
As more women, including public figures like Karishma Mehta, openly discuss their fertility journeys, conversations about reproductive choices are becoming more common. While egg freezing offers hope for those looking to extend their fertility window, it’s essential to understand its risks and limitations before making an informed decision.
