More women in Singapore are turning to elective egg freezing to preserve their fertility amid changing life priorities. This option is available for women aged 21 to 37, regardless of marital status who wish to delay childbearing for personal or medical reasons. While this article provides an overview, it is important to consult your doctor for a more detailed understanding and personalised advice.
The Egg Freezing Process
The overall process may take three to four months, and may vary depending on individuals.
- Consultation and Counselling: The process begins with fertility assessments such as blood tests and pelvic ultrasounds. Your doctor will discuss available options tailored to your medical condition. If you choose to proceed with elective egg freezing, you will undergo mandatory counselling to ensure you fully understand the process and potential challenges.
- Hormonal Stimulation: This involves self-administered injections to stimulate the ovaries, producing multiple eggs to increase the chances of successful retrieval.
- Egg Retrieval: Eggs are monitored via ultrasound and blood tests. When ready, a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval is performed, during which a needle draws out fluid containing your eggs.
- Cryopreservation: After retrieval, the eggs are frozen and stored.
Why should you choose elective egg freezing?
- Age related fertility decline: While frozen eggs do not age, a woman’s body does. Overtime, the quantity and quality of eggs decline. Egg freezing allows one to preserve the quality of their eggs for future uses.
- Medical conditions: Some women may need treatments like chemotherapy for medical conditions such as cancer, which can affect their fertility. Egg freezing offers a way to preserve fertility and ensure future reproductive choices are still possible.
- Family planning flexibility: Egg freezing allows women to focus on their careers, personal goals, or wait for a suitable partner, while also providing assurance for delayed family planning.
Risks of Egg Freezing
Egg freezing is generally safe, but there are potential risks. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur, causing enlarged ovaries and fluid buildup in the abdomen. However, proper monitoring and dosage adjustments minimize this risk.
The decision to freeze eggs can also be emotionally challenging, evoking feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, or sadness.
Success Rate of Egg Freezing
Success rates depend on factors such as age, the number of eggs frozen, and cryopreservation methods. Typically, the target is to retrieve 10-15 eggs in each cycle. About 90% surviving the freeze-thaw process. Of these, 50–70% fertilize, and 40–50% become good-quality embryos. Around 50% of these embryos result in pregnancy eventually, so multiple cycles may be needed for a good chance of pregnancy.
However, egg freezing does not guarantee pregnancy. Success also depends on egg quality, male fertility, and the woman’s health when using the eggs.
Cost Considerations
The cost of elective egg freezing in Singapore varies widely, typically ranging from S$10,000 to S$15,000 per cycle, including medications, consultations and surgery fees, with the exception of long-term storage fees. Currently, Medisave cannot be used for elective egg freezing unless it is done for medical reasons, such as cancer treatment.
Our egg freezing programme
We understand that planning for the future involves many considerations, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our egg freezing programme offers a comprehensive package for an unlimited number of eggs at $4,200.
Includes:
- Anaesthetist Fee
- Oocyte Retrieval
- Operating Theatre
- Laboratory Charges
- Recovery Room
- Egg Freezing Charges
- Egg Storage 2 years
- Surgeon Fee
Terms and conditions:
- Price is exclusive of GST.
- For women who are at least 21 years old and below 38 years old.
- This programme covers collection and freezing of eggs in one cycle.
- This programme excludes ultrasound scan, counselling and medications.
- Clinic reserves the right to amend, vary or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time, without giving prior notice.
Egg freezing offers women a flexible path to preserve fertility while pursuing personal and professional goals. Though not without challenges, advancements in medical technology have made it a viable option for many. If you’re considering this journey, book a consultation with us today to learn more about your options and make an informed decision.
