Rhea Chakraborty recently expressed her thoughts on the body clock (which is constantly ticking) and motherhood, calling it a responsibility that can be extremely daunting, yet necessary. “I’m 33, and I recently visited a gynaecologist for egg freezing. I am thinking of. It’s such a weird place to be because your body clock is telling you that you need to have children, but your mind is telling you, you already have a kid: your brand, business — which you need to nurture,” Chakraborty told Huma Qureshi on her YouTube podcast.
Taking a cue, we asked an expert about the conversations one must have when deciding to freeze their eggs.
Dr Gandhali Deorukhkar, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said women today are making life choices differently. “Building careers takes time, relationships do not follow fixed paths, and many want to feel financially or emotionally secure before having children. Egg freezing gives women a way to lessen biological pressures while focusing on other priorities,” said Dr Deorukhkar.
Is 33 a good age to consider egg freezing?
Yes, said Dr Deorukhkar. “Medically, egg quality is better in the early 30s compared to later years. Freezing can happen up to the late 30s, but success rates generally fall with age. Egg freezing is most effective as a preventive measure rather than a last-minute choice,” said Dr Deorukhkar.
What should a woman evaluate before deciding to freeze her eggs?
According to Dr Deorukhkar, the first step is to understand your ovarian reserve through blood tests and ultrasound. “After that, it’s important to reflect on your reasons. Egg freezing is not an insurance policy or a guarantee for pregnancy. It’s a supportive option that offers more possibilities for the future, but keep your expectations realistic,” said Dr Deorukhkar.
What does the process involve, and how disruptive is it to daily life?
The procedure typically takes about 10 to 12 days. It includes hormone injections, monitoring visits, and a short day-care procedure for egg retrieval. “Most women can continue working during this time. Some may experience temporary bloating or mood changes, but serious complications are rare when done under expert care,” said Dr Deorukhkar.
Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Costs vary based on the number of cycles needed and the medications used. “On average, one cycle can range from Rs 1.2 to Rs 2.5 lakh, not including annual storage fees. Some women may require more than one cycle to collect enough eggs, said Dr Deorukhkar.
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Many people think that freezing eggs guarantees motherhood later on. “This isn’t true,” asserted Dr Deorukhkar. “While it improves options, it does not replace natural fertility. The decision should be well-informed, calm, and personal, not driven by fear or social pressure.”
Are lifestyle changes needed before or after egg freezing?
Yes. Smoking, excessive alcohol, poor sleep, and unmanaged stress can negatively affect egg quality, said Dr Deorukhkar. “A balanced diet, regular exercise, and good mental health can support fertility outcomes, regardless of whether the frozen eggs are ever used,” said Dr Deorukhkar.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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