Egg Freezing Sees Growing Demand Among Ambitious Women, Says Dr. Vidya Bhat

Egg Freezing Gains Ground Among Ambitious Women, Enquiries Rise by 25%: Dr. Vidya V Bhat

Bengaluru, July 21, 2025: Egg freezing, though still relatively new in India, is witnessing a significant rise in interest, especially in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Women are increasingly viewing it as an empowering option that allows them to take control of their reproductive future. Alongside career ambitions, the biological ticking clock continues to be a key factor influencing their decision to preserve fertility, says Dr. Vidya V Bhat, Medical Director of Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital & IVF Center in Bengaluru, ahead of World IVF Day.

Elective Egg Freezing: A Matter of Choice, Not Compulsion

Egg freezing, scientifically referred to as oocyte cryopreservation, involves harvesting a woman’s eggs, freezing them through vitrification, and storing them for use at a later stage. Dr. Bhat, a prominent Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon, and IVF Specialist, noted, “Over the past five years, we’ve seen a 20–25% increase in women either inquiring about or choosing to undergo elective egg freezing. In our hospital alone, consultations have nearly doubled.”

She explained that women opting for this procedure are doing so by choice, not out of medical necessity. “The main reasons are career priorities, delaying marriage, or waiting to find the right partner,” she added.

The Right Time is Crucial

Dr. Bhat advises women to consider freezing their eggs in their late 20s to early 30s, when egg quality and quantity are optimal. “Freezing before 35 offers the highest likelihood of future pregnancy success. After this age, egg quality tends to decline sharply, and while freezing is still possible, outcomes may be less favorable.”

While technological advancements have significantly improved success rates, Dr. Bhat cautioned that egg freezing is not a guaranteed solution. “Not all frozen eggs survive the thawing process, and even if they do, successful fertilization and implantation aren’t assured. It’s a method to increase chances, not a certainty.”

Success Rates and Common Misconceptions

According to Dr. Bhat, when eggs are frozen before the age of 35, the chances of achieving a live birth through IVF later can range between 40–60% per cycle. “Top IVF centers in India report over 90% egg survival rates post-thaw, and embryo development results are promising. However, success often requires multiple IVF cycles.”

She also highlighted widespread myths: “The biggest misconception is that freezing eggs ensures a future pregnancy. It doesn’t. Women must understand it’s a chance enhancer, not an absolute guarantee.”

Shifting Attitudes and Growing Awareness

Societal perception is slowly evolving, especially in urban areas. “In the past, egg freezing was surrounded by stigma and doubts about a woman’s life choices. Today, families and even partners are increasingly supportive. Still, some discomfort and misconceptions about fertility preservation persist,” Dr. Bhat observed.

She emphasized that more awareness is crucial to dispel fears and normalize the conversation around reproductive planning.

Affordability and the Road Ahead

While egg freezing currently remains a high-cost procedure accessible mainly to financially independent women, awareness is prompting many to seek early consultations, even if they don’t opt for immediate action.

“As the technology matures and becomes more widely available, costs will come down, making egg freezing a realistic option for many more women across the country,” said Dr. Bhat. “Ultimately, it’s about offering women more choices and control over their reproductive journey.”

City Today News 9341997936