Aug 12, 2025

Egg freezing in India: myths, facts & what doctors won’t always tell you

Egg freezing is one of those things that everyone’s heard about, but few people fully understand. Between well - meaning aunties, half- read headlines, and rushed clinic conversations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed- or worse, misinformed.

So here’s a clear, culturally relevant, and medically honest breakdown of what egg freezing really involves in India - myths, facts, and the things unfortunately many doctors don’t take the time to explain effectively. 

Egg freezing in India: myths, facts & what doctors won’t always tell you

Let’s start with the basics: What is egg freezing?

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where your eggs are stimulated, retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use - so you can try to get pregnant later, using the biological eggs you froze earlier.

In India, egg freezing is no longer just a medical intervention; it’s increasingly becoming a proactive step in fertility planning. Often called social egg freezing, this procedure is gaining popularity among Indian women who want to preserve their fertility while life unfolds at its own pace.

 


 

MYTH 1: “Egg freezing guarantees you’ll have a baby later.”

✅ THE TRUTH:
Egg freezing is a backup, not a guarantee. Even high - quality frozen eggs may not fertilize or result in a healthy pregnancy.

Here’s how the reality stacks up:

  • Not every egg will survive the thaw

  • Not every thawed egg will fertilize

  • Not every fertilized egg will become a healthy embryo

This is why doctors usually recommend freezing more eggs than you think you’ll need. When it comes to egg quality vs egg quantity, both matter.

👉 So, does egg freezing guarantee pregnancy? No. But it does give you a better chance than doing nothing - and helps reduce the pressure of age on your fertility.

 


 

MYTH 2: “You should do it between 35 - 38. There’s no need before that ”

TRUTH:
You can freeze eggs at 35 or older, but age significantly affects egg freezing outcomes. The quality and quantity of your eggs drop faster than most people realise after 30 - and even more steeply after 35.

  • Younger eggs = better outcomes, fewer cycles, lower cost

  • Egg freezing at 28 or 30 is more cost- effective and has a higher success rate

Freezing younger eggs leads to better long - term outcomes. So if you're wondering about the ideal age for egg freezing in India, most fertility experts suggest the late 20s to early 30s.

 


 

MYTH 3: “You can just test your AMH and know if you'll need to freeze.”

TRUTH:
Your AMH level is just one piece of the puzzle. It reflects egg reserve, not egg quality.

  • A high AMH doesn’t guarantee healthy, chromosomally normal eggs

  • A low AMH doesn’t mean you must freeze - but it’s a sign to explore options

A complete fertility workup in India should include:

  • AMH + FSH, LH, and Estradiol blood tests

  • AFC ultrasound to count your resting follicles

  • Cycle tracking, especially for women with PCOS or irregular periods

Don’t freeze based on AMH alone - base it on your goals, age, and full hormone profile.

 


 

MYTH 4: “Egg freezing is only for older women or those doing IVF.”

TRUTH:
Egg freezing is no longer reserved for IVF patients or women in their late 30s. It’s increasingly chosen by Indian women in their late 20s and early 30s -  especially in urban cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi -  who are:

  • Focused on career or studies, or personal goals

  • Waiting to find the right partner

  • Managing PCOS or endometriosis

  • Planning ahead before medical treatments like chemotherapy

This is a key part of the rising awareness around fertility preservation myths in India. It’s about giving yourself a choice - not committing to a baby right now.

 


 

MYTH 5: “It’s way too expensive in India.”

TRUTH:
It’s not cheap - but it’s more accessible than most people think.
Here’s a general cost breakdown for egg freezing in India:

  • One cycle: ₹1.2 to ₹2.5 lakhs

  • Medication: ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakhs, depending on response

  • Storage: ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year

Some Indian clinics offer EMI options or freeze - now - pay - later models. And the number of cycles needed is often lower if you freeze earlier, which makes it more affordable overall.

You may not hear this in every consultation, but egg storage cost in India is manageable - especially compared to the financial and emotional toll of fertility treatments later in life.

 


 

What doctors won’t always tell you

Not because they’re hiding anything - but because clinic visits are short, and there’s often too much ground to cover. Here’s what many Indian women wish they knew earlier:

  1. You might need more than one cycle.
    Especially if you're freezing eggs after 34, success rates drop and multiple cycles may be required. Many Indian women aren’t emotionally or financially prepared for this.

  2. Egg freezing can help with emotional clarity.
    Less pressure to “settle down soon.” Less panic. More peace of mind. This emotional impact of egg freezing is one of its biggest (and least talked about) benefits.

  3. Eggs don’t age in storage -  but your body still will.
    Even if you use 28 year old eggs at 39, your body may need additional support to carry a pregnancy. This includes hormone support or possibly IVF.

  4. Egg freezing doesn’t eliminate risks.
    There are mild risks in India, including:

  • Ovarian hyperstimulation

  • Injection site reactions

  • Emotional stress during the process
    But serious complications are rare.

  1. Fertility clinics in India vary.
    Not all provide the same level of egg freezing counselling, support, or transparency. Choose one that helps you understand your goals- not just their success rates.


Final Word from Arva

Egg freezing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a science - backed, emotionally empowering option for Indian women who want more time and more choice.

It doesn’t mean you’ll never conceive naturally. It doesn’t mean you’re committing to IVF. It just means you’re choosing to stay in control of your fertility, instead of being surprised by it later.

Whether you’re in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore - or anywhere in India - don’t wait for a crisis to ask the right questions.

Start with clarity.
Start with your numbers.
Start with yourself.

We’re here to support you, whenever you're ready.



Updated August 12, 2025