JAKARTA - The decision to have children is a big step that involves many considerations, ranging from mental, emotional readiness to financial stability.
However, apart from these factors, there is one important aspect that often escapes attention, namely the quality and quantity of eggs which naturally decreases with age.
According todr. Febriyan Nicolas Sembungsiswoyo, SpOG, MKes, Obstetric & Gynecology Specialist from Eka Hospital PIK, many women have just felt ready to plan pregnancy after the age of 35.
Unfortunately, at that age, egg reserves have decreased quite drastically, both in terms of numbers and quality. This decrease has a direct impact on the opportunity to get pregnant naturally.
"In practice, I often meet patients who are only ready to have children at the age of 35 years and over, when their egg reserves have decreased significantly," said dr. Febriyan, when met in the Kebayoran Baru area, South Jakarta on Friday, June 20.
However, technological advances in the field of reproductive medicine have paved the way for alternative solutions. One of them is the freezing of egg (egg freezing) or medically known as the cryptopreservationoocyte. This technology allows a woman to keep her fertility when her egg is still in the best condition.
Frozen egg or egg freezing is a medical procedure that allows women to pick up and store their eggs in frozen condition. Later, when the woman is ready to get pregnant, frozen egg cells can be melted, fertilized, and implanted into the uterus through IVF In Vitro Fertilization method.
Oocyte cryptopreservation is carried out by taking eggs from the ovarian, then freezing them instantly using avitrification technique. These eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C, "explained dr. Febriyan.
Vitrification is a fast freezing method that prevents the formation of ice crystals that can damage the structure of egg cells. This procedure is considered more effective and secure compared to traditional freezing methods.
The procedure for freezing eggs is not only for those who want to postpone pregnancy for personal reasons. According to dr. Febriyan, some groups are strongly advised to consider this option include:
- Woman of fertile age (ideal under 35 years old) who wants to postpone pregnancy in order to pursue a career, education, or because she has not found a partner.
- Patients with medical conditions, such as endometrosis, premature ovarian insufficiency, or autoimmune disorders that can affect fertility.
- Oncology patients who will undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or pelvic surgery, all procedures that can permanently damage the function of the ovarian.
"By freezing eggs while still healthy and young, we give ourselves the best opportunity to get pregnant in the future," added dr. Febriyan.
The egg freezing procedure consists of several medical stages that have proven safe and effective:
1. Stimulation of Ovarium
Patients are given hormone injections to stimulate the growth of many follicles (cags containing eggs) in one menstrual cycle.
2. Collecting Egg Cells (Oocyte Retrieva)
After the egg is cooked, the doctor will take it from the ovarian using a fine needle with an ultrasound guide. This procedure is done with light anesthesia.
3. Freeze (Vitrification)
The eggs that have been taken are frozen quickly to maintain their quality and avoid cell damage.
4. Storage
Egg cells are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at extreme temperatures, and can last for years without experiencing a decline in quality.
5 Future Uses
When a woman is ready to get pregnant, the egg is disbursed, seeded with sperm (usually through the ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) procedure, and the fertilized embryo is implanted into the uterus.
Like all medical procedures, egg freezing has various aspects that need to be understood properly:
- Age is key. The younger the age when the eggs are frozen, the higher the quality of the cells and the greater the chance of pregnancy in the future.
- Does not guarantee 100% pregnancy, but this procedure significantly increases opportunities, especially for women who face the risk of decreased fertility.
- Minimum side effects, usually in the form of bloating, mild pain after the procedure, and mood swings during the hormone stimulation period.
- Procedural costs cover various stages, namely hormone stimulation, egg collection, freezing and storage, and IVF during use later.
dr. Febriyan emphasized that egg freezing is not a procedure that can be carried out without a thorough medical evaluation. Each patient has a unique reproductive condition and health.
"Consultation with a fertility specialist is highly recommended. We usually do AMH (Anti-M\"ullerian Hormone) and transvaginal ultrasound examinations to assess the patient's ovarian reserves and body readiness," he said.
In a modern world full of pressure and increasingly complex life choices, egg freezing gives women control, namely control over their future time, hope, and planning. While not a guarantee of pregnancy, this is a form of biological investment that is increasingly being selected by intelligent and self-aware women.
With the support of technology and proper information, women no longer have to choose between pursuing a career or being a mother. They can now plan both of them, with wiser and more preparedness.
If you consider this option, consult as early as possible with a fertility specialist to evaluate your condition and determine the best steps. Your future, including as a prospective mother, deserves to be prepared with full consideration.
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