Egg freezing is a revolutionary process that has given women the power to plan their families on their terms. Whether you’re looking to focus on your career, waiting for the right partner, or simply not yet ready for motherhood, egg freezing provides you with an option to preserve your fertility. However, if you’re considering this procedure in India but are unsure where to begin, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through every step of the egg-freezing process in India and provide all the information and guidance necessary for a successful outcome. So let’s dive into everything there’s to know about egg freezing in India!
Introduction to Egg Freezing Procedure in India
Egg freezing is a process in which a woman’s eggs are harvested, frozen, and stored for future use. The procedure is also known as oocyte cryopreservation.
Egg freezing is done using a method called vitrification. Vitrification is a process of flash-freezing the eggs so that they can be stored for a longer period without damaging them.
The first step of the egg-freezing procedure is to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This is done by giving the patient fertility drugs such as gonadotropins or clomiphene citrate.
Once the ovaries have produced multiple eggs, they are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called ovarian drilling or follicle puncture. During this procedure, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the ovaries. The needle is then used to puncture each follicle and release the egg inside.
The next step is to prepare the eggs for freezing. This involves adding a solution of cryoprotectants to the eggs so that they can be safely stored in liquid nitrogen.
The eggs are frozen using either slow freezing or vitrification methods. Slow freezing involves slowly cooling the eggs down to -196°C over several hours. Vitrification, on the other hand, involves flash-freezing the eggs so that they can be stored at -196°C without damaging them.
Types of Egg Freezing Techniques in India
Two main types of egg-freezing techniques are used in India: the slow freeze and the vitrification method.
The slow freeze is the more traditional egg freezing method and involves slowly lowering the temperature of the eggs over several days. This method is less effective than vitrification, but it is still used by some clinics in India.
Vitrification is a newer egg-freezing technique that involves rapidly cooling the eggs so that they turn into a glass-like state. This method is much more effective than the slow freeze method and is now the preferred method for egg freezing in India.
Step-by-Step Egg Freezing Procedure
The egg-freezing procedure in India is a simple process that can be completed in a few short steps. The first step is to consult with a fertility specialist to determine if egg freezing is the right option for you. If you are a good candidate for egg freezing, the next step is to undergo an initial screening process to check for any underlying health conditions that could affect your fertility. Once you have been cleared for egg freezing, you will need to take medication to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This medication will be injected daily over several weeks. You will then need to undergo a minor surgical procedure called ovarian puncture to retrieve the eggs from your ovaries. The eggs will be immediately frozen and stored in a cryogenic tank until you are ready to use them.
Freezing Sperm
When it comes to fertility preservation, freezing sperm is often the first step that couples take. Sperm freezing is a simple and effective way to preserve your fertility and ensure that you can have children later in life. Here is a step-by-step guide to freezing sperm in India:
1. The first step is to consult with a fertility specialist to discuss your options and determine if sperm freezing is right for you.
2. Once you have decided to freeze your sperm, the next step is to gather the necessary samples. This can be done through at-home collection kits or at a fertility clinic.
3. Once the samples are collected, they will be sent to a laboratory for processing.
4. The processed sperm will then be cryopreserved or frozen using state-of-the-art technology.
5. The sperm will be stored in a special tank called a cryobank until you are ready to use them.
Sperm freezing is an effective way to preserve your fertility and have children later in life. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your sperm will be safely stored and ready for use when you’re ready to start a family.
Sperm Donor
When you opt for egg freezing, the first thing you need to do is find a sperm donor. If you don’t have a partner or your partner is not willing to be a part of the process, you can choose to use a sperm donor. Many sperm banks in India can help you with this. The process of finding a sperm donor is simple. All you need to do is find a reputable sperm bank and make an appointment.
Once you have found a sperm donor, the next step is to schedule an appointment for the egg-freezing procedure. This will be done at a fertility clinic. At the appointment, the doctor will perform some tests to determine if you are a good candidate for egg freezing. If everything looks good, they will move forward with the procedure.
The egg-freezing procedure itself is fairly simple and quick. It involves retrieving eggs from your ovaries and then freezing them. The eggs can be stored for years and then thawed when you are ready to use them.
If you are considering egg freezing, it is important to understand all of the steps involved. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process, from finding a sperm donor to scheduling your procedure.
Costs & Risks Associated with the Procedure
There are a few costs and risks associated with the egg-freezing procedure in India. The cost of the procedure itself is relatively affordable when compared to other countries, but there are still some costs associated with it. The first cost is the initial consultation fee, which is typically around Rs. 2000. This consultation will help you determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and will also give you an estimate of the total cost.
The next cost is the actual egg-freezing procedure, which can range from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 1,50,000, depending on the clinic you choose and the number of eggs you wish to freeze. There are also some additional costs associated with the procedure, such as medication costs and storage fees. The medication costs can range from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 10,000 depending on the type of medication used and the length of time it is needed. Storage fees can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5000 per year, depending on the clinic you choose and how many eggs you have stored.
There are also some risks associated with egg freezing, although they are relatively rare. These risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can occur when too many eggs are produced during the stimulation phase of the procedure. OHSS can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath and can be serious in some cases requiring hospitalization. Other risks include infection, bleeding, or damage to the ovaries during the Egg retrieval process. These risks are typically very rare, and most clinics take great care to ensure that the procedure is done properly.
Questions to Ask a Fertility Specialist
1. How many years of experience do you have in fertility treatment?
2. What is your success rate with fertility treatments?
3. What are the risks and side effects associated with the fertility treatments you offer?
4. What are the costs of your fertility treatments?
5. Do you offer any discounts or financing options for fertility treatments?
6. Are you affiliated with any hospitals or clinics in the area?
7. Do you have any experience treating patients with my medical condition?
8. What are your thoughts on my current treatment plan?
9. Would you recommend any changes to my current treatment plan?
Conclusion
Egg freezing is a great option for women who want to take charge of their fertility and preserve their eggs for future use. We hope that this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to understand the step-by-step egg-freezing procedure in India.
If you are interested and willing to consult a doctor, Vardaan is the leading center that can answer all your questions. We are here to assist you in egg freezing, sperm donation, and more. Get in touch with us today.
