Is it safe to freeze the eggs of a woman nearing 40 years of age and opt for in-vitro fertilization?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 39-year-old female. I have never tried to get pregnant, and I am recently divorced. I have a new partner, but we will not be able to start trying naturally for a baby for a year. So, I am thinking about opting for egg freezing and IVF. I went to find out about freezing my eggs, and my understanding is that freezing 30 eggs will result in a 75 % chance of having a baby (my tests showed normal FSH levels and ovarian reserve). However, freezing 30 eggs is costly, and I am waiting on test results from a hematologist because I had a DVT or blood clot four years ago; he thinks it will still be safe to freeze my eggs while on blood thinners.

If I try to have a baby naturally at 40, in about eight months, will freezing my eggs now be of any additional benefit? In addition, I am willing to do IVF later if need be and would even consider donor eggs, which have a higher success rate. Are the costs and risks of egg freezing right now worth it if I try to get pregnant soon and am willing to explore IVF or donor eggs in the future if needed?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I understand your concern.

Preservation of eggs and IVF (in vitro fertilization) is costly. Have you been on any treatment or any medication? If you conceive naturally or freeze your eggs, it has the added advantage of passing on your genes. If you do not freeze your eggs and cannot conceive later (due to various reasons, including advanced age or menopause), donor eggs can be used. In donor eggs, the child may have few characteristics of the donor. It is your decision to go for either egg freezing or donor eggs.

In addition, I suggest you to follow a few instructions mentioned below.

If you or your partner have any underlying conditions, consult a specialist to initiate treatment.
Quit smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
Start recreational activities such as swimming and painting.
Have a healthy diet and maintain a healthy BMI (body mass index)
Exercise, walk, and do yoga regularly.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.