Gynaecologist answers: Why millennials, Gen Z are freezing fertility options in their 20s

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New Delhi: Fertility preservation has become more common now, and many Millennials and Gen Z are freezing their eggs and sperm in their 20s. The main reason is that young people want to focus on their careers, build financial stability, and complete their personal goals before starting their own family. Fertility preservation is helping them to plan for children when the time is perfect.

In an interview with News9Live, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior Gynecologist and Co-Founder of RISAA IVF, explained how the younger generation is becoming more aware of their fertility and future choices. Freezing eggs or sperm offers security and freedom to those who don’t want to have children now but later in their lives. The expert went on to talk about the shift wherein younger people are turning to options like egg freezing.

Why Fertility Preservation Is Becoming Popular in the 20s?

There are many young people today who are choosing to freeze their eggs or sperm in their 20s. Fertility preservation gives them more time and freedom to plan their life in the way they want.

Here are some simple reasons, including:

  1. Better fertility at a young age – Eggs and sperm are healthiest in the 20s.
  2. Career is first – Many people want to focus on their studies and jobs before growing a family.
  3. Late marriage – People are getting married later because of many other reasons.
  4. Lifestyle choices – Travel, hobbies, and personal goals are also important.
  5. Health reasons – Some may have health issues or a family history of infertility.

Career Goals and Late Marriages: A Big Reason

There are many young people today who want to focus on their career before starting a family. They put their focus on education, jobs, and creating a secure future. Because of this, they are not in a hurry to get married or have children. Freezing eggs or sperm gives them the chance to focus on their career. And they can still have the chance to become parents later in their lives. Late marriages are becoming common, and fertility preservation has become a smart option for those who don’t want to have children now.

How Egg and Sperm Freezing Works?

Egg and sperm freezing is a medical process that helps people save their fertility for the future. The steps are different for women and men, but are done safely under proper medical care.

For women (Egg Freezing):

  1. Medicines are given to help the ovaries make more eggs.
  2. Eggs are collected by doing a small medical procedure.
  3. Collected eggs are frozen and stored in special freezing tanks.

For men (Sperm Freezing):

  1. A sperm sample is collected, and this is usually done through ejaculation.
  2. Healthy sperm are separated from the sample.
  3. Sperms are frozen and stored in special freezing tanks.

Benefits of Freezing Fertility Early

Freezing fertility in the 20s has many advantages because eggs and sperm are healthiest at a younger age. This gives people more options about their future. Here are some simple benefits, including the following:

  1. Eggs and sperm are healthier at a young age.
  2. It gives better chances of pregnancy later.
  3. People can focus on their career first.
  4. No need to rush into marriage or parenthood.
  5. It reduces stress about age and fertility.
  6. It is helpful for those who have health issues that may affect their fertility.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Deciding

Freezing fertility is a good option, but it is important to think carefully before making any decision. There are a few things that you should keep in mind, including the following:

  1. It’s important to plan your budget because the process can be costly.
  2. Egg freezing for women includes medicines and a medical procedure.
  3. Success is not 100% guaranteed, but chances are higher with younger eggs or sperm.
  4. You will need proper storage, and you have to pay yearly for keeping eggs or sperm frozen.
  5. It’s important to always talk to a fertility specialist to understand what is best for you.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fertility Preservation

Fertility preservation is becoming more common and will grow even more in the future. There are many people who will choose this option to secure their future to become parents.

Here are some things that we can expect in the future are as follows:

  1. More young people will know about fertility freezing.
  2. The process will become simpler and safer.
  3. Costs may come down in the future.
  4. Offices and insurance may start giving support for it.
  5. People will accept it more as a normal choice.