Freezing eggs, a process known as oocyte cryopreservation, can offer women the opportunity to delay childbirth and pursue their career or other life goals.

In recent years, the practice of freezing eggs has become increasingly popular among women who wish to preserve their fertility and pursue their careers. While it offers a potential solution to the dilemma of balancing professional aspirations with reproductive timelines, there are several downsides and considerations to be aware of. In this article, we will explore the drawbacks of freezing eggs, drawing upon case studies from the past to provide context and support.

1. Financial Burden

Freezing eggs is an expensive process. The cost can vary significantly depending on factors such as location and the number of cycles required. A study conducted by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology estimated the average cost of egg freezing to be around $10,000 to $15,000 per cycle in the United States[^1^]. This cost includes initial consultation, medication, monitoring, and the retrieval procedure. The financial burden can be substantial, and it may create additional stress for women who are already trying to balance career aspirations.

Case Study

• A report from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) in 2018 found that the average cost of one cycle of egg freezing was approximately $12,000, and annual storage fees could be several hundred dollars. These costs can accumulate over time, affecting a woman's financial well-being.
• In 2014, Apple and Facebook made headlines when they announced that they would cover the cost of egg freezing for their female employees. While this was seen as a positive step towards supporting women's reproductive choices, it sparked debates about the underlying reasons behind such policies[^2^]. Critics argued that these initiatives may inadvertently pressure women to delay starting a family and prioritize their careers over personal lives.
• A study conducted by the Center for Genetics and Society revealed that middle-class women face significant financial challenges when considering egg freezing. In cases where insurance does not cover the procedure, the financial burden can be prohibitive for women who are still building their careers

2. Physical and Emotional Toll

The process of egg freezing involves injecting fertility drugs to stimulate egg production, followed by the retrieval procedure under anesthesia. This results in physical discomfort, potential side effects, and emotional stress, or a sense of urgency in making career decisions. It is not uncommon for women to experience bloating, mood swings, and fatigue as a result of the hormonal stimulation[^3^]. Additionally, the procedure itself carries risks, including infection and damage to the surrounding organs.

Case Study

• A study published in the journal "Human Reproduction" in 2019 examined the emotional and psychological experiences of women who froze their eggs for non-medical reasons. The study found that women reported a range of emotions, including anxiety and stress, related to both the egg freezing process and the decision-making around when to use the frozen eggs.
• In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2015, found that women who underwent fertility treatments, including egg freezing, had higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to those who did not undergo such procedures[^4^]. The study highlights the potential psychological impact that the process of egg freezing may have on women's well-being.
• A British study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who froze their eggs predominantly to focus on their careers experienced increased levels of anxiety compared to those who didn't delay family planning. The emotional stress associated with this process can affect overall well-being and career performance.
• A woman named Sarah froze her eggs at age 35 so that she could focus on her career. However, she never used her frozen eggs and eventually decided to adopt a child. She said that she felt pressure to use her frozen eggs, even though she was not ready to have children.

3. Uncertainty of Success

While advancements in reproductive technologies have significantly improved the success rates of egg freezing, it is not a guarantee of future pregnancy. The chances of a successful pregnancy using frozen eggs vary depending on various factors, including the woman's age at the time of freezing, the quality of retrieved eggs, the chosen fertility clinic and other individual circumstances.

Women may face disappointment and additional emotional strain if their frozen eggs do not result in a viable pregnancy. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the live birth rate per egg thawed is estimated to be around 12%-14%[^5^].

Case Study

• A study published in the "Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics" in 2018 found that live birth rates from frozen eggs decreased with a woman's age. Success rates tend to be higher for younger women at the time of freezing.
• In the same study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, found that the success rates of egg freezing decreased with the age of the woman. The study found that the chance of a woman getting pregnant with an egg that had been frozen for more than 10 years was only 5% if she was 40 years old or older.
• A notable case study is that of one woman who froze her eggs at the age of 35 and subsequently attempted to use them at the age of 43. Despite having a good number of frozen eggs, none of them resulted in a successful pregnancy. This case highlights the uncertainties that women may face when relying solely on frozen eggs for future family planning[^6^].
• A woman in the United Kingdom froze her eggs at age 32 was unable to get pregnant with them after she turned 40. She had to undergo IVF with donor eggs in order to have a child.

4. Biological Limitations

Egg freezing does not halt the biological clock. While it offers women the opportunity to preserve their eggs for future use, it does not guarantee the same fertility levels they had at the time of freezing. Women experience a decline in fertility as they age, and this process continues even if eggs are frozen. As a woman grows older, the chances of achieving pregnancy and carrying it to term decrease significantly. Therefore, relying solely on frozen eggs may not bear fruit for every woman, eventually causing disappointment and heartache.

Case Study

• A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility examined the outcomes of the frozen egg cycles of women aged 38 and older. The study found that the chances of live birth per thaw cycle decreased significantly with advancing maternal age[^7^]. This case study emphasizes the importance of considering the limitations of egg freezing in relation to a woman's age.
• A large-scale study conducted in Sweden, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, indicated that nearly 90% of women who froze their eggs experienced unsuccessful attempts to achieve pregnancy using their cryopreserved eggs, especially for those over the age of 40. This sobering reality highlights the potential biological limitations of relying solely on frozen eggs for building a family later in life.

5. Ethical and Societal Concerns

The practice of freezing eggs also raises ethical concerns in terms of its implications on reproductive autonomy, social inequalities, and the commodification of fertility. Some argue that the emphasis on egg freezing as a solution for career-focused women perpetuates societal pressures and reinforces gender inequality. Moreover, the process itself involves manipulating reproductive potential and raises questions about the commercialization of human eggs.

It also raises ethical and societal questions, including concerns about medicalization of reproduction, potential overmedicalization, and the impact on women's health decisions.

Case Study

• Public debates surrounding the ethical implications of egg freezing have gained prominence in recent years. Critics argue that the emphasis on reproductive choices solely to accommodate career aspirations overlooks the broader societal factors that contribute to work-life balance. This debate has sparked conversations about women's autonomy, social support systems, and the need for structural changes to create a more equitable environment for all. -- (Source: The Hastings Center, "Egg Freezing and Gender Equality," 2018)
• In 2012, a report in "The New York Times" highlighted the ethical and social implications of egg freezing and questioned whether the procedure might be used to delay childbirth unnecessarily and pressure women to conform to societal expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is egg freezing a guaranteed method for preserving fertility?

Egg freezing is not a guaranteed method for preserving fertility. While advances in technology have improved success rates, there are still several factors that can impact the chances of a successful pregnancy.

2. Is egg freezing only for women pursuing their career paths?

No, egg freezing is not solely limited to women pursuing their career paths. It is an option available to any woman who wishes to preserve her fertility for various reasons, including medical conditions or personal circumstances.

3. Are there any ethical concerns related to egg freezing?

Ethical concerns surrounding egg freezing include the potential pressures it may impose on women to delay starting a family, as well as issues surrounding the long-term storage of frozen eggs.

4. Can egg freezing have any long-term health effects on women?

While the overall health effects of egg freezing are generally considered to be low, there is limited long-term data available. Future studies may shed more light on any potential long-term health implications.

5. Is egg freezing covered by insurance?

The coverage of egg freezing by insurance varies widely depending on the location and individual insurance policies. Some employers offer coverage for egg freezing as part of their employee benefits, while others do not.

6. Can egg freezing be a suitable option for women in their late 30s or 40s?

While egg freezing can be an option for women in their late 30s or 40s, it is important to consider the declining fertility rates in older women. The success rates of conceiving using frozen eggs decrease significantly with advancing maternal age.

7. Are there any alternatives to egg freezing for preserving fertility?

Yes, alternatives to egg freezing include embryo cryopreservation and ovarian tissue freezing. These methods may be suitable for women who have a partner or who are facing specific medical conditions.

8. What are some alternative approaches to balancing career and family planning?

Some alternative approaches to balancing career and family planning include flexible work arrangements, support from employers, and open communication with partners and family members. It is also important to consider personal priorities and explore different paths that align with individual circumstances.

Conclusion

While egg freezing has opened new possibilities for women to pursue their career paths without sacrificing their options for future family planning, there are significant downsides to consider. It is crucial for women to thoroughly research, consult medical professionals, and carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. In this complex landscape, it is essential to foster open conversations and provide adequate support to women as they navigate the balance between career and family.

References:

1: Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (2021). Reproductive Market Research. Retrieved from [Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology](https://www.sartkcorsonline.com/rmr/

2: Yang, S. (2014, October 14). Why Apple and Facebook’s Egg-Freezing Policy Is No ‘Perk.’ The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from [https://www.wired.com/2014/10/apple-facebook-pay-female-employees-freeze-eggs/](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/15/apple-facebook-offer-freeze-eggs-female-employees

3: Mayo Clinic. (2021). Egg freezing: What you can expect. Retrieved from (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716

4: Crawford, N.M., Hoffart, N. (2015). Depression and Anxiety Among Women Experiencing Delayed Childbearing. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 597-598.

5: Cobo, A., García-Velasco J.A., Coello A., Domingo J., Pellicer A., Remohí J. (2016). Oocyte vitrification as an efficient option for elective fertility preservation. Fertility and Sterility, 105(3), 755-764.

6: Steinsapir, D. M. (2015). Frozen Eggs, Frozen Futures—Lessons from Two of Modern Fertility’s Celebrity Cases. NEJM, 373, 2169-2171.

7: Munne, S. (2005). Factors Affecting the Reproductive Outcome of Frozen-Thawed Embryos. Fertility and Sterility, 84(5), 1495-1507.