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Is it safe to freeze the eggs of a woman nearing 40 years of age and opt for in-vitro fertilization?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 39-year-old female. I have never tried to get pregnant, and I am recently divorced. I have a new partner, but we will not be able to start trying naturally for a baby for a year. So, I am thinking about opting for egg freezing and IVF. I went to find out about freezing my eggs, and my understanding is that freezing 30 eggs will result in a 75 % chance of having a baby (my tests showed normal FSH levels and ovarian reserve). However, freezing 30 eggs is costly, and I am waiting on test results from a hematologist because I had a DVT or blood clot four years ago; he thinks it will still be safe to freeze my eggs while on blood thinners.

If I try to have a baby naturally at 40, in about eight months, will freezing my eggs now be of any additional benefit? In addition, I am willing to do IVF later if need be and would even consider donor eggs, which have a higher success rate. Are the costs and risks of egg freezing right now worth it if I try to get pregnant soon and am willing to explore IVF or donor eggs in the future if needed?

Kindly help.
Answered by Dr. Uzma Arqam

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr Uzma Arqam is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with clinical experience of 21 years in handling patients. She completed her Diploma in Gynecology And Obstetrics at Royal College of Physicians, Ireland, University of Dublin, and MBBS at the University of Karachi. Currently, she is practicing in Rauha Consultant Clinics, in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. She is more interested in treating gynaecology cases of different ages of women to guide them have health precautions and daily life tips to prevent long-term effects developed with or without ageing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I understand your concern.

Preservation of eggs and IVF (in vitro fertilization) is costly. Have you been on any treatment or any medication? If you conceive naturally or freeze your eggs, it has the added advantage of passing on your genes. If you do not freeze your eggs and cannot conceive later (due to various reasons, including advanced age or menopause), donor eggs can be used. In donor eggs, the child may have few characteristics of the donor. It is your decision to go for either egg freezing or donor eggs.

In addition, I suggest you to follow a few instructions mentioned below.

  1. If you or your partner have any underlying conditions, consult a specialist to initiate treatment.
  2. Quit smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
  3. Start recreational activities such as swimming and painting.
  4. Have a healthy diet and maintain a healthy BMI (body mass index)
  5. Exercise, walk, and do yoga regularly.

    6. I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Uzma Arqam
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At December 23, 2022
Reviewed At December 12, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr Uzma Arqam is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with clinical experience of 21 years in handling patients. She completed her Diploma in Gynecology And Obstetrics at Royal College of Physicians, Ireland, University of Dublin, and MBBS at the University of Karachi. Currently, she is practicing in Rauha Consultant Clinics, in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. She is more interested in treating gynaecology cases of different ages of women to guide them have health precautions and daily life tips to prevent long-term effects developed with or without ageing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Uzma Arqam
Dr. Uzma Arqam

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr Uzma Arqam is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with clinical experience of 21 years in handling patients. She completed her Diploma in Gynecology And Obstetrics at Royal College of Physicians, Ireland, University of Dublin, and MBBS at the University of Karachi. Currently, she is practicing in Rauha Consultant Clinics, in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. She is more interested in treating gynaecology cases of different ages of women to guide them have health precautions and daily life tips to prevent long-term effects developed with or without ageing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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