As an increasing number of women take a shot at exploring the world of possibilities to live an uncompromised life, egg freezing has come to the fore. We have seen a significant rise in women booking a consultation with gynaecologists to understand the aspects of the procedure. But is it enough? While women are expeditious in understanding the concept and its impact on their health, they tend to neglect, or ratherare unaware, of the need to be psychologically and financially prepared to go for Egg Freezing.
Just like any crucial life decision, egg-freezing has various components, procedures and implications attached to itincluding hormonal changes alongside concerns around what and how to communicate the decision to the family and friends and body insecurities. Some international papers have already stressed on the necessity for research on emotional needs and distress among women in addition to prevailing safety and treatment protocols for fertility preservation. Mental preparedness, stability, and satisfaction are crucial when taking life-changing decisions. Another crucial aspect for egg freezing is finances. Many women hesitate to go for egg freezing because they are not aware about the finances involved in the procedure. Most women successfully take the first step of consultation with Gynaecologist, however, the second step of understanding the finances may shake their intentions. Planning aheadfinancially can help cater to any cost and make expenses more bearable.
Hence, booking a financial and psychological consultation is equally necessary to take the final decision. Dr. Nisha Bhatnagar, Medical Director at Infinite Fertility Wellness Centre shares details how financial and psychological consultation can influence your decisions for egg freezing:
Understanding the components of the procedure: Egg freezing procedure is a multi-stage process that includes assessment of the current fertility status, USGs for follicle monitoring, blood tests for hormone tracking, monitoring, oral medication, injections for stimulation, egg retrieval, and freezing, specialized tools for cryopreservation, and long-term storage.
Understanding the cost: The cost of egg freezing can vary significantly, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 lac. The variation is influenced by factors like location and the services offered. Individuals must understand the cost breakdown and which components are included in the quoted price to make informed financial decisions. The difference in quality and price type of injections creates an enormous change in the cost.
Investing in the future of your fertility: Egg freezing is an investment that will secure your tomorrow and give you mental peace from bolting after the biological clock. It is like the savings that you use in an uncertain situation to be financially secure. If you end up using those eggs in the future, it will save you from shelling money on other treatments which are mentally and financially exhausting.
Psychologically Prepared: It is essential to delve into the reasons behind the decision to freeze eggs or any hesitation in proceeding with the procedure. Everyone’s journey is unique and the emotional aspect is a significant factor. Personal or professional, whatever reason you have, identify the roots of the decision. Egg freezing intends to empower you with more time and opportunity to experience and explore more in your life without compromising on a chance to embrace motherhood. Some individuals may face family and social pressures to start a family, while others struggle to find a life partner or experience uncertainty about their plans. Psychological consultation can help identify these underlying factors and provide valuable support for your decision.
It is crucial to acknowledge the diverse range of emotions individuals may experience when considering egg freezing. Some may feel that freezing their eggs is a surrender, while others find empowerment in taking control of their future reproductive choices. Each perspective is valid, and it is essential to work through any conflicting feelings with a professional to make a well-informed decision. By combining both financial and psychological consultations, individuals can make well-informed decisions about their egg freezing journey. These consultations provide a holistic approach, addressing the physical, emotional, and financial aspects involved. They ensure that individuals are mentally prepared, have the necessary coping strategies, and understand the financial implications of egg freezing.
