“Fertility preservation is no longer just an option for those facing medical challenges; it has become a powerful tool for individuals looking to take control of their reproductive futures. In India, a country where societal expectations often dictate the timing of family life, the rise of fertility preservation techniques like egg freezing and sperm banking is empowering people to make more informed decisions about their personal and professional goals.
Dr. Shivika Gupta, IVF Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Gurgaon, emphasizes, “”Fertility preservation is empowering individuals, especially women, to take control of their reproductive futures. In India, where societal pressures often dictate the timing of family life, egg freezing and sperm preservation offer a new sense of freedom. This journey allows people to pursue careers, education, or personal growth without the fear of losing fertility. By preserving eggs or sperm for the future, individuals can make informed choices, giving them the flexibility to start a family on their terms—when the time is right for them, not society.””
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, has become an increasingly popular choice for women who want to delay childbirth due to career ambitions, further education, or personal reasons. Women today are waiting longer to have children, and fertility naturally declines with age. Freezing eggs at a younger age, when egg quality is higher, offers the possibility of a future pregnancy without the age-related decline in fertility.
Similarly, sperm preservation is allowing men to bank their sperm for future use, offering a viable solution for those who may face fertility challenges later in life or for those delaying fatherhood due to similar personal reasons. Sperm banking also plays an important role for men undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, which may impact fertility.
In India, where fertility preservation is gaining traction, these options are allowing people to make autonomous decisions about family planning. As the stigma around delayed parenthood fades, fertility preservation is helping individuals align their reproductive goals with life choices, without the fear of biological limitations.”
