Staying Sane When Considering Making an Appointment to Freeze Your Eggs

In today’s world, It may seem like everyone is freezing their eggs - celebrities, co-workers, relatives, friends, and even neighbors.  They appear to be effortlessly making the decision to put motherhood on hold while they pursue their careers, search for Right partner, or waiting for the perfect time. 

But how do you know if freezing your eggs is the right decision for you? 

To find out if the egg freezing is the right choice  for you, the best step is to sit down with an infertility doctor and learn more about the process. You might discover that you are a great candidate and that this is perfect time to proceed. Alternatively, you may find out that for various reasons, you are not an ideal candidate or that you have ample time to consider the decision without urgency. Gathering information from a specialist is crucial before making any decisions. Several factors can make the prospect of scheduling an appointment daunting. One major consideration is financial. That first visit isn’t free, but many companies now cover the cost of egg freezing. It is important to check with your HR representative to understand what is and isn’t covered, as coverage details can change frequently. And to be honest, since so many organizations are only recently covering it, make sure that whomever you speak with, or the online health insurance coverage section of your company, is very current. If you don’t have any coverage, there are other ways to cover the cost. Many clinics have financing plans, and sometimes family members are willing to help. Additionally, some insurance companies may cover the cost of medications even if they don’t cover the procedure itself, or vice versa. 

Another common hesitation is a fear of seeing an infertility doctor, especially if you don’t have infertility issues. However, egg freezing has become one of the most common reasons why women visit infertility center. Rest assured, you are not alone. Any physician you see has a lot of experience with egg freezing and can explain everything to you in detail.

A third concern is the worry that freezing your eggs is a significant step that might lead to regret.However, recent research indicates the opposite- women who consult with an infertility specialist and then make the decision to go ahead and freeze their eggs generally do not regret their decision. In contrast, the majority of women who have a consult and then decide not to do it do have regret. 

Some women feel uncomfortable freezing their eggs because it may seem like an admission that they won’t find the right partner to build their family with. In reality, many women find that egg freezing provides a sense of relief—it alleviates the pressure of the biological clock and makes dating more enjoyable. 

Lastly, concerns about the actual egg-freezing cycle, particularly for those who are nervous about needles, can be a barrier. Most infertility centers have a mental health professional on staff or affiliated with the clinic, who can address every aspects of the emotional side of an egg freezing cycle. Even one appointment can serve to put your mind at ease, and treating needle phobias is easy and quick. 

To help you decide whether to make an appointment, consider writing a pro/con list. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of scheduling  consultation, of doing an egg freezing cycle or not doing it. Seeing things in writing can often make one feel more definitive about a potential action. Journaling about your feelings can also put your mind more at ease. And if you know anyone who has done it, think about asking them about their experience. 

This is not a decision you need to make today, but in general, when it comes to fertility, time is not on your side. So think carefully, follow some of the suggestions above, and consider what feels right for you. And remember that making an appointment and seeing an infertility doctor doesn’t commit you to anything, it can simply be a fact-finding mission.