Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has become an increasingly popular method for women looking to preserve their fertility. Whether due to personal choices, career planning, or medical reasons, this reproductive technology offers women greater control over their fertility timeline. In Singapore, legislative changes and advances in medical technology have made egg freezing more accessible.
Why Consider Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries, freezing them, and storing them for later use. These eggs can later be thawed, fertilised with sperm through IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), and implanted in the uterus.
Women might choose egg freezing for various reasons, including:
- Career and educational aspirations leading to delayed childbearing
- Health conditions or treatments like chemotherapy that can affect fertility
- Personal circumstances that necessitate postponing pregnancy
Egg freezing gives women the opportunity to delay motherhood without compromising their future fertility.
Egg Freezing Legislation in Singapore
Recent amendments to assisted reproduction regulations have expanded access for many women in Singapore. Effective July 1, 2023, women aged 21 to 37, regardless of marital status, are now allowed to undergo elective egg freezing for non-medical reasons. It is important to note, however, that only legally married couples will be allowed to use these frozen eggs to attempt conception through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
The Egg Freezing Process
The process of elective egg freezing is a well-established procedure involving various stages:
1. Ovarian Stimulation
This initial phase involves the administration of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries. These medications can help produce multiple mature eggs, rather than the single egg typically released during a natural cycle.
2. Egg Retrieval
Once the eggs have matured, they are collected through a minor surgical procedure. This is generally a short, outpatient procedure performed under sedation, where a thin needle is guided by ultrasound to gently retrieve the eggs from the ovaries.
4. Cryopreservation and Storage
Following retrieval, the eggs are meticulously examined for maturity and quality. Viable eggs are then flash-frozen using a process called vitrification, which rapidly preserves their quality and viability. These cryopreserved eggs are then securely stored in specialised facilities, remaining in this state until the woman decides she is ready to use them for future family planning.
Success Rates and Insights
The success rate of egg freezing largely depends on the woman's age at the time of freezing, egg quality, and freezing technology. Dr Kelly Loi, an experienced fertility specialist in Singapore, points out that younger women generally have higher success rates due to better egg quality, as elaborated in her Mount Elizabeth Health Plus article.
Dr Loi has actively participated in several public discussions and informative articles, highlighting her expertise in egg freezing and fertility preservation. Notably, she has contributed valuable insights to CNA Lifestyle, helping women understand the nuances and benefits of egg freezing and helping them make informed decisions.
