Increasing Number of Women Opting to Freeze Their Eggs for Future Fertility Preservation
At 32, Sabrina Kamer felt the pressure of her biological clock ticking. As an OB/GYN resident at WellSpan York Hospital, her demanding career and single status left her pondering her future motherhood plans.
Facing the dilemma, Kamer joined the growing trend among women of her generation: egg freezing.
“I decided to freeze my eggs to alleviate the stress of childbearing while focusing on my career and personal life,” Kamer shared.
Under the guidance of Shady Grove Fertility in York, Kamer underwent rigorous testing, bloodwork, and injections before undergoing a successful egg retrieval procedure. Thirty-six of her eggs were preserved for future use.
“It provided me peace of mind, allowing me to concentrate on my studies and career without fretting about my fertility,” Kamer remarked.
Dr. Kara Nguyen from Shady Grove noted the surge in women, particularly in their 30s, opting for egg freezing to prioritize their careers or search for a life partner.
“Women are increasingly embracing this empowering option,” Dr. Nguyen observed, highlighting a staggering 387% increase in the procedure’s uptake over the past eight years.
Egg freezing, termed “locking in reproductive potential,” offers a lifeline for women with health concerns like cancer. The frozen eggs can be thawed, fertilized, and implanted when ready to start a family, with no adverse impact on future fertility.
Kamer’s journey took an unexpected turn when she conceived her daughter, Addison Rose, naturally after the egg retrieval process. Graduating in July, Kamer feels reassured by her frozen eggs as she approaches 35, contemplating expanding her family in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Ideal Age for Egg Freezing: Shady Grove suggests ages 30 to 40 as ideal, advising against freezing eggs after 41 due to diminishing success rates.
- Cost: Egg freezing costs around $8,700 per cycle, with some insurance plans offering coverage or financing options available.
- Success Rate: While success rates vary based on the number of eggs frozen, Shady Grove cites rates between 65% and 80%.
