In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the priorities of many women. The focus on career and personal development has led to a delay in marriage, and as a result, the average age of first-time mothers has steadily increased. While this trend may have its benefits, it has also brought about some concerns for women who wish to have children in the future. As a solution, many women are now considering preserving their fertility through egg freezing.
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a medical procedure that involves extracting a woman’s eggs and freezing them for future use. This technology has been around for decades, but it has gained popularity in recent years due to advancements in the process and the increasing awareness of its benefits. By preserving their eggs, women can have the option to have biological children later in life when they are ready.
One of the main reasons behind the rise in popularity of egg freezing is the shift in societal norms. In the past, women were expected to get married and have children at a young age. However, today, more and more women are focused on building their careers and personal lives before starting a family. This shift has led to a growing number of women who are single and in their 30s, with no immediate plans of getting married or having children. For these women, egg freezing offers a sense of security and control over their reproductive future.
But despite its benefits, the steep cost of the procedure has become a significant barrier for many women. The estimated cost of egg freezing ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 per attempt, making it unaffordable for most women during their most fertile years – their 20s and early 30s. This financial burden has led to the exclusion of many women who could benefit from this technology.
However, a startup called Cofertility is on a mission to change that. Founded by two women, Cofertility aims to make egg freezing more accessible and affordable for women. The company offers a unique financing model that allows women to pay for the procedure in installments, making it more manageable and affordable. This approach has made egg freezing a viable option for many women who were previously unable to consider it due to financial constraints.
Apart from the financial aspect, Cofertility also provides a supportive community and resources for women who are considering egg freezing. The company’s website offers a wealth of information about the process, success rates, and potential risks. It also has a blog section that features personal stories of women who have undergone the procedure, providing a sense of camaraderie and support for those considering it.
The founders of Cofertility, Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh and Deborah Anderson-Bialis, are passionate about empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. They believe that every woman should have the option to preserve their fertility and have control over their reproductive future. Through their startup, they are not only making egg freezing more accessible but also breaking the stigma surrounding it.
It is essential to note that egg freezing is not a foolproof solution for fertility. The success rates of the procedure vary depending on a woman’s age and the quality of her eggs. It is also not a guarantee of future pregnancy, as many other factors can affect a woman’s ability to conceive. However, it does offer women the option to preserve their fertility and have a chance at having biological children in the future.
In conclusion, the increasing focus on career and delayed marriage age has led to a growing interest in egg freezing among women. This technology offers a sense of control and security over their reproductive future, but the steep cost has made it inaccessible for many. However, with the emergence of startups like Cofertility, egg freezing is becoming more affordable and accessible. It is a step towards empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and take charge of their lives.
