Imagine facing the daunting diagnosis of cancer, and amidst the whirlwind of emotions and medical decisions, you also need to consider your future fertility. Freezing your eggs before undergoing cancer treatment can be a lifeline to preserving your dream of having children with your own egg.

Let’s discuss everything you need to know about the egg-freezing procedure, the associated costs, and finding the right IVF doctor in Delhi.

Why Consider Egg Freezing Before Cancer Treatment?

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and ovarian surgery can significantly affect your fertility. These treatments can damage your ovaries and diminish your egg reserve, sometimes leading to premature menopause. By opting for egg freezing before starting your cancer treatment, you can preserve your eggs at their current quality and quantity. This proactive step provides you with the possibility of having biological children in the future, even if your fertility is compromised by the treatment.

The Impact of Cancer Treatments on Fertility

Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be particularly harsh on the ovaries. These treatments can lead to a significant reduction in the number of eggs and can even cause premature menopause. The damage to the ovarian reserve can be permanent, making it crucial to consider fertility preservation before starting cancer treatment.

Ovarian Surgery

Surgical procedures involving the ovaries can also negatively impact fertility. Ovarian surgery might be necessary to remove cancerous tissue, but it can also reduce the ovarian reserve, making it harder to conceive naturally in the future.

Advances in Cancer Treatment

Thanks to advances in cancer treatment, many patients now enjoy longer, healthier lives post-treatment. Once a woman has achieved cancer-free survival, she may wish to realize her dreams of becoming a mother or having her own genetic child. Egg freezing or embryo freezing offers a way to preserve this possibility for the future.

The Egg Freezing Procedure

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step in the egg-freezing process is consulting with a fertility specialist or an IVF doctor in Delhi. The doctor will assess your overall health, ovarian reserve, medical history, and future fertility goals. Blood tests and an ultrasound will be conducted to evaluate your hormone levels and the health of your ovaries.

Hormonal Stimulation and Egg Development

Over a period of approximately two weeks, you will receive hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This process can begin at any point in your cycle, not just on the second day as usually done. The progress of your egg development will be closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds.

Egg Retrieval

When your eggs have matured, a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval is performed. Under sedation, a fine needle is used to extract the eggs from your ovaries. The procedure is typically quick, lasting about 15-20 minutes, and you can usually go home the same day.

Freezing and Storage

After retrieval, the eggs are evaluated, and the mature ones are frozen using a process called vitrification. Vitrification is a rapid freezing technique that prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can damage the eggs. These frozen eggs are then stored in a specialized facility until you are ready to use them.

Timing of Egg Freezing Procedure in Cancer Treatment

For breast cancer patients, an ideal time for egg freezing is between breast surgery and the start of chemotherapy, typically a 4-6 week window. This timing ensures that the eggs are retrieved before exposure to chemotherapy, preserving their health and quality. However, even if you have already started chemotherapy, it is still beneficial to consider egg freezing as soon as possible.

Egg Freezing and Breast Cancer

Modified Hormonal Protocols

Hormonal injections are used for ovarian stimulation, but the protocols are modified for breast cancer patients. Combining hormonal injections with specific tablets keeps estrogen levels low, preventing any flare-up of breast cancer.

Using Your Frozen Eggs

Once you are given the “all-clear” signal by your oncologist, usually 3-5 years after cancer treatment, you can try for a natural pregnancy. If unsuccessful, you can utilize the frozen eggs or embryos through IVF. If you face challenges, options like donor eggs or ovulation suppression injections may be considered. It’s important to discuss the timing and safety of pregnancy post-cancer treatment with your oncologist and fertility specialist.

Egg Freezing Cost and Success Rate

The cost of a single cycle of egg freezing in Delhi ranges from INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,00,000, covering consultation, medications, monitoring, egg retrieval, and the first year of storage. Additional egg-freezing costs apply for long-term storage and future IVF procedures.

The Success rates of egg freezing and subsequent IVF treatments depend on various factors, including the age at which the eggs were frozen and the overall health of the eggs. Generally, younger women have a higher success rate due to better egg quality and quantity. For example, freezing 10 eggs can result in 90-100% retrieval rate when thawed, but the actual number of viable embryos and successful pregnancies can vary.

Finding the Best IVF Doctor in Delhi

Choosing the right IVF doctor is crucial for a successful egg-freezing procedure. Here are some tips:

Research and Reviews

Research online and read reviews of fertility clinics and doctors in Delhi. Look for clinics with high success rates and positive patient testimonials.

Experience and Expertise

Select a doctor who specializes in fertility preservation and has extensive experience in performing egg-freezing procedures.

Personalized Care

Opt for a doctor who provides personalized care, understands your unique situation, and offers emotional and psychological support throughout the process.

Emotional and Psychological Support

Freezing your eggs before cancer treatment is not just a medical decision but also an emotional one. It’s important to have a support system in place to help you navigate this journey. Seek out counselling services and support groups, or speak to a mental health professional who can provide you with the necessary emotional support. Talking to others who have gone through similar experiences can also offer valuable insights and comfort.

Addressing Common Concerns About Egg Freezing Before Cancer Treatment

Will Freezing Eggs Delay My Cancer Treatment?

One common concern is whether the egg-freezing procedure will delay the start of cancer treatment. While the process does take a few weeks, many oncologists and fertility specialists work together to ensure that there is minimal delay in starting your cancer treatment. The priority is to balance fertility preservation with timely cancer care.

Is the Procedure Painful?

Egg freezing involves hormone injections and a minor surgical procedure for egg retrieval, which can cause some discomfort. However, the process is generally well-tolerated, and pain management options are available to ensure your comfort throughout.

Are There Risks Involved?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved in egg freezing, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), infection, or bleeding. However, these risks are relatively low, and your fertility specialist will monitor you closely to minimize any potential complications.

Myths and Facts About Egg Freezing

Myth 1: Egg Freezing is Only for Women in Their 20s

Fact: While it’s true that younger women tend to have a higher quantity and quality of eggs, egg freezing can be beneficial for women of various ages. Many women in their 30s and even early 40s opt for egg freezing, especially when faced with a cancer diagnosis. It is important to have a thorough assessment with a fertility specialist to understand your individual circumstances.

Myth 2: Frozen Eggs are Not as Effective as Fresh Eggs

Fact: Advances in egg-freezing technology, particularly vitrification, have significantly improved the survival rates of frozen eggs. Studies have shown that the success rates of IVF using frozen eggs are comparable to those using fresh eggs. This means you can have a similar chance of achieving a successful pregnancy with frozen eggs as you would with fresh ones.

Myth 3: Egg Freezing Guarantees Future Pregnancy

Fact: While egg freezing greatly increases the chances of having biological children in the future, it does not guarantee pregnancy. Success rates depend on various factors, including the age at which the eggs were frozen and the overall health of the eggs. Having realistic expectations and discussing potential outcomes with your fertility specialist will help greatly.

Unique Considerations for Cancer Patients

Tailored Fertility Preservation Plans

Each cancer patient’s situation is unique, and the fertility preservation plan should be tailored to your specific needs. Your IVF doctor in Delhi will collaborate with your oncologist to create a personalized plan that aligns with your cancer treatment and fertility goals.

Long-Term Storage Options

For cancer patients, long-term storage of frozen eggs is often necessary. It’s important to choose a fertility clinic that offers secure and reliable long-term storage options. Discuss the storage duration, egg-freezing cost, and protocols with your clinic to ensure your eggs are safely preserved for as long as you need.

Additional Options for Fertility Preservation

In some cases, egg freezing alone may not be sufficient. Depending on the age and ovarian reserve, multiple cycles of egg retrieval and freezing may be required to ensure an adequate number of eggs are preserved. Additionally, embryo freezing can be considered as an alternative, where eggs are fertilized with sperm before freezing.

Final Thoughts

Freezing your eggs before undergoing cancer treatment is a proactive and empowering step to preserve your fertility and keep the dream of parenthood alive. Understanding the egg-freezing procedure, the associated costs, and finding the right IVF doctor in Delhi are crucial aspects of this journey. With the right support and information, you can make informed decisions that prioritize both your health and your future family plans. Don’t let cancer take away your hope – consider egg freezing as a viable option to safeguard your fertility.

If you are considering egg freezing before starting your cancer treatment, it’s essential to have an experienced and compassionate specialist by your side. Dr. Rhythm Gupta, an acclaimed IVF specialist in Delhi, offers personalized fertility preservation plans tailored to your unique needs. With extensive expertise in egg-freezing procedures and a commitment to providing top-notch care, Dr. Gupta and her team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you feel supported and informed.

Don’t let cancer treatment stand in the way of your dream of becoming a parent. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rhythm Gupta today and take the first step towards preserving your fertility and securing your future family. Your future starts now!