Women say choosing to freeze their eggs is liberating
IT’S NO LONGER ABOUT A TICKING BIOLOGICAL CLOCK; IT’S ABOUT THE FRAME OF MIND
More and more working women these days are warming up to the idea of freezing their eggs to postpone motherhood to a time when they are in a better state of mind to start families.
Fertility experts explain that the number of eggs women have are limited and their quality deteriorates with age. The best eggs are produced between 20 and 28 years of age after which their quality registers a decline, making conception difficult. That is why egg freezing is catching on with most citybred women these days. And Dubai’s residents are no different. A meet organised on egg freezing in the city by the Bourn Hall Fertility Centre met with an enthusiastic response from many.
Take the case of Ellicia Saffron, a British expatriate. Saffron felt empowered and liberated when she decided to freeze her eggs a year ago. Saffron, a businesswoman from Abu Dhabi, felt her decision gave her more control of her life. “I haven’t found the right person to settle down with and would like to start a family someday. I took this step with Bourn Hall Fertility Centre last year and think it is not just an assurance, it is an insurance and so empowering.”
Saffron feels that with more and more women working longer on their careers, the opportunity egg freezing offers is freeing. “While we are all living and working longer, our biological clocks are not extending and, in many cases, [they are] shortening. This [choice to freeze eggs] removes the anxiety. I feel empowered.”
Saffron was initially worried that her friends and community would not support her decision, but was surprised at their reactions. “I feel privileged that I was able to do this. It did seem a bit Bridget Joneseque to talk about this [egg freezing], but all my friends I confided in, I found overwhelming support and was inspired to do the same. I feel this is a gift to myself.”
No rush
Blanche Usher, a South African expatriate who also chose to freeze her eggs, is happy with her decision. “I wish I had known [about] this [process] earlier when I tried unsuccessfully to conceive with IVF. My husband and I have separated and now that I have frozen my eggs, I feel relieved that I can take my time to find my life partner before I choose to become a mother,” she said.
Usher thinks the option to put off motherhood to another time without any negative consequences is the most heartening reprieve for women. “While we’re trying to navigate tricky careers and managing our money for the betterment of our futures, it’s important to remember that time and ovarian reserve wait for no one. Don’t overthink; knowledge is power, and understanding your body is critical in making educated choices for your future,” said Usher.
Egg freezing gives women the option to preserve declining quality in case they want to delay motherhood but don’t want to risk complications in fertility. Moreover, egg freezing is particularly important for women who’re undergoing cancer treatment, are at risk of premature ovarian failure due to chromosomal abnormalities, early menopause, when undergoing surgery which can damage ovaries, ovarian disease or genetic mutation.
The procedure actually preserves the quality of the younger eggs. Research has also proved that babies born from embryos using frozen eggs are just as healthy and normal as those born through natural conception.
I haven’t found the right person to settle down with and would like to start a family someday. I took this step last year ... it is not just an assurance, it is an insurance.” Ellicia Saffron | Briton While we’re trying to navigate tricky careers and managing our money, it’s important to remember that time and ovarian reserve wait for no one. Don’t overthink.” Blanche Usher | South African