Elective Egg Freezing

Egg freezing is a process allowing you to save your eggs for later use when you are ready to have a baby. It enables you to collect your eggs at a younger age, improving your chances of successfully giving birth in the future. There are different reasons why you would choose to freeze your eggs, including medical and personal reasons.

Elective egg freezing is chosen by women who are not yet prepared to have children or who are dealing with life circumstances that make it difficult to conceive during their optimal fertility years. These circumstances can include being suddenly single after a long-term relationship, facing financial uncertainty, or being at the start of a new relationship.

By freezing your eggs, you can delay starting a family while still having the option to use your younger, healthier eggs when you are ready to become a mother. This gives you more control over your reproductive plans and eases worries about declining fertility as you age.

In Singapore, egg freezing is allowed for medical reasons, and starting from 1st July 2023, elective egg freezing will also be allowed for women aged 21-37. It is important to consult with your doctor and a fertility counsellor to understand if egg freezing is a suitable option for you.

The egg freezing process involves a series of steps similar to those in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). The woman will receive hormone injections for about two weeks to stimulate egg production. Regular ultrasound scans and blood tests are conducted to monitor progress. Once the eggs are mature, a final injection is given, and the eggs are collected while under mild sedation (or general anaesthesia in exceptional cases). The eggs are then evaluated by an embryologist, and the mature ones are rapidly frozen using a technique called vitrification.

After talking to your doctor, you will have a clearer idea of how many eggs you should freeze to improve your chances of achieving a successful live birth to 80%.

1. Gather Information
Educate yourself as much as possible about elective egg freezing since it may still be a new concept in your country.

2. Consult a Fertility Specialist
Schedule an appointment to learn more about the procedure, potential health risks and associated short-term and long-term costs.

3. Take Your Time
If you have recently experienced major life changes such as a breakup, job loss, or health issues, consider taking a break to take care of yourself before making a decision.

4. Seek Support
Understand that elective egg freezing may be unfamiliar to your family and friends who may even judge you. Surround yourself with supportive people who are open to the idea and can provide emotional support.

5. Prepare Yourself
Although the procedure may not be highly invasive, it still involves tests, injections and a medical procedure. Prioritising your overall well-being through nutrition, exercise and mindful living goes a long way in optimising your health during this process.