Hey there! So, egg freezing has become quite the hot topic, and with the upper age limit for elective egg freezing in Singapore now bumped up to 37 years, it’s a game-changer for many women.
But before you dive into this fertility-saving adventure, here are five crucial nuggets of wisdom to keep in mind, served up in a conversational style.
1. The Best Age to Freeze Your Eggs
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Picture this: You’re in your 20s or early 30s – that’s the sweet spot for egg freezing. Why? Well, because at this age, you’ve got a good stash of healthy eggs. But as the years roll by, your egg quantity and quality drop, and that can lower the odds of success when you eventually thaw those little eggies for fertilization.
2. How Long Can You Keep Those Eggs on Ice?
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Good news first – there’s no time limit imposed by the Ministry of Health on how long you can store your frozen eggs. But here’s the catch – only legally married couples can use them for IVF. So, if you’re thinking of going solo on this, it’s something to consider.
3. Do Frozen Eggs Have a “Best Before” Date?
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The good news is, frozen eggs don’t exactly turn into pumpkins at midnight. Research suggests they hold up well over time. Still, there’s not much data on what happens after a decade in the deep freeze. Just remember, while your eggs stay ageless in storage, your body keeps ticking, which can affect your pregnancy journey.
4. Get Your Body Egg-Freezing Ready
Egg freezing isn’t a walk in the park; it’s more like a two-week rollercoaster. So, prep your body by living healthy – eat well, quit smoking, and go easy on the booze. Also, don’t forget to get some exercise in. It helps with the procedure’s success. And don’t ignore your mental health; this process can be quite the emotional ride.
5. Realistic Expectations on Success Rates
Now, here’s the real talk – egg freezing doesn’t guarantee a baby. The chances of success depend on factors like the number of eggs retrieved, your age, and overall health. Typically, one cycle aims for 10 to 15 eggs, and around half of those can potentially lead to pregnancy. But remember, it’s a chance, not a sure thing.
In a nutshell, elective egg freezing is a fantastic option for women who want to take control of their fertility. Knowing when to freeze, understanding the storage rules, egg longevity, prepping your body, and being realistic about success rates are all key to making informed decisions.
With the age limit extension in Singapore, more women have the opportunity to explore this path and keep their fertility options open. So, go ahead, and freeze those eggs if it feels right for you!
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