Lately, the public has been buzzing about freezing eggs, especially after renowned Indonesian actress Luna Maya revealed that she underwent the procedure back in 2021. This move is seen as a wise decision for future planning, particularly for women who want to preserve their chances of having children later in life.
What is Freezing eggs?
Egg freezing is a medical procedure that allows a woman to store her eggs in a frozen state for future use. These eggs can later be thawed, fertilized, and implanted into the uterus through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
How Does the Process Work?
- Ovarian Stimulation
The woman undergoes hormone therapy for 8–14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. - Egg Retrieval
The mature eggs are collected through a minor procedure using a needle guided by ultrasound. - Freezing
Healthy eggs are frozen using a rapid-freezing method called vitrification, which prevents ice crystal formation that could damage the cells. - Storage
The eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. At this temperature, eggs can be preserved for many years without losing quality.
Benefits of Freezing Eggs
- Preserving Future Fertility
A woman’s egg quality naturally declines with age. Freezing eggs while still young preserves higher-quality eggs for future use. - Career and Life Planning
Many women, including Luna Maya, choose to focus on their careers or haven’t yet found the right partner. Egg freezing offers time and flexibility. - Medical Reasons
For those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy that can affect fertility, egg freezing is a valuable fertility preservation option.
Potential Downsides and Considerations
- Cost
The procedure is expensive. Hormone therapy, egg retrieval, freezing, and annual storage can cost tens to hundreds of millions of rupiah (or thousands of dollars). - Medical Risks
Like any medical procedure, there are risks such as side effects from hormone therapy and minor complications during egg retrieval. - No Guarantee of Pregnancy
While freezing eggs can improve the chances, it doesn’t guarantee 100% success in achieving pregnancy.
Conclusion
Freezing eggs is not just a trend, it’s a powerful technology that offers hope and control over fertility. Just like Luna Maya’s decision, it reflects courage and conscious planning for the future. However, it’s crucial to consult a doctor and carefully consider the medical, financial, and emotional aspects before proceeding.
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