The trend of egg freezing, popular in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, is now gaining traction in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This growing trend is particularly prevalent among women with successful careers abroad who are delaying marriage due to age and the search for a suitable partner. To safeguard their chances of becoming mothers later in life, many choose to freeze their eggs in cities like Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru rather than opting for facilities in Lucknow or Noida.
In recent years, Varanasi doctors have reported a noticeable increase in inquiries and consultations regarding egg freezing. Dr Ritu Garg, Director of Santushti Hospital, noted a dramatic shift over the past two years, with many women seeking information about the procedure – a stark contrast to previous years when interest was virtually nonexistent.
Dr Garg highlighted a case involving a woman from UP’s Sigra working for a multinational company in the US, who sought egg freezing six months ago to enhance her career prospects and ensure the future health of her potential children.
The financial aspect of egg freezing is significant. The procedure costs approximately Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh, with an additional annual storage fee of Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 to maintain the eggs in optimal conditions. These costs can escalate depending on individual circumstances and additional related expenses.
Egg freezing involves stimulating undeveloped eggs in the ovaries through injections. Once the eggs mature, they are retrieved via a minor surgical procedure, typically taking between three to six months. The mature eggs are then frozen and can be used for conception later, particularly for women who marry later in life (over 40). The technique, once popularised by celebrities, is now seeing increased adoption in smaller towns and cities.
This trend reflects broader societal changes and advancements in reproductive technology, offering women greater flexibility in planning their families while managing their careers.
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