The Complexities of Egg Freezing and Fertility Care in India
A recent discussion sparked by actress Upasana konidela has brought the topic of egg freezing into the spotlight in India, prompting a much-needed conversation about fertility, choice, and reproductive autonomy. However, experts caution that framing egg freezing as a simple “insurance policy” overlooks the important financial, emotional, and practical realities for many women.
Egg freezing is a personal decision, best made after careful consideration of individual circumstances. Factors like age, ovarian reserve, future family plans, and financial capabilities all play a crucial role. As Dr. Gita Arora, a fertility specialist, emphasizes, “Patients should feel informed and empowered, not pushed into expensive procedures.The decision should be based on individual choice,age,ovarian reserve,future plans,and finances.” ItS not a “must do,” but a choice dependent on timing, resources, emotional preparedness, and long-term goals.
The proliferation of simplified messaging on social media, such as equating egg freezing to financial security, can create undue pressure, particularly for young women who may not be able to afford the procedure and may feel inadequate for not proactively planning.
The Hidden Emotional Burden
Beyond the financial barriers, fertility treatments like IVF and egg freezing carry a considerable emotional weight. The potential for IVF failure is deeply distressing for many couples. Studies demonstrate a significant correlation between IVF failure and increased rates of depression and anxiety. Before undergoing IVF, approximately 25% of women report experiencing depression, a figure that can climb to nearly 50% following unsuccessful treatment. Anxiety rates can affect up to two-thirds of women after unsuccessful cycles.
couples frequently enough grapple with feelings of grief, guilt, exhaustion, and shame, feelings that are amplified in a society like India were parenthood is often considered a fundamental aspect of adulthood. Dr. Vaishali Sharma notes the cyclical nature of hope and disappointment inherent in the process: “Emotionally,IVF can be really exhausting. I’ve seen many patients describe a cycle of hope and disappointment: injections, tests, two-week waits, and sometimes repeated failures. Anxiety, sadness, and guilt are common.The pressure of family expectations, sexual strain in relationships, and significant financial stress really add to the burden.” For some, the emotional toll outweighs the financial one.
Dr. Shivika Gupta from Birla Fertility & IVF highlights a critical need for better patient support and data. “I have met so many patients who come to me not just for an IVF procedure but who are looking for a ray of hope.They have unanswered questions as no one has properly given them any answers.” She stresses that IVF is not merely a medical procedure,but a deeply emotional journey requiring compassion and realistic expectations. “Patients should feel light, emotionally strengthened and need to be told that there’s no 100% guarantee.” The emotional repercussions can linger long after treatment concludes, leading to prolonged grief or the acceptance of unattainable dreams.
A Broader Vision for Fertility Support
Upasana Konidela’s initiative has successfully opened a vital dialog about fertility in India. Though, the framing of this conversation is crucial. Egg freezing is an expensive, emotionally demanding procedure with modest success rates, and remains inaccessible to many women.
True “insurance” for women isn’t solely egg freezing, but rather a thorough approach encompassing affordable fertility care, thorough reproductive health education, government support for treatments, improved insurance coverage, supportive workplace policies balancing career and family planning, and a cultural shift away from societal pressures surrounding women’s reproductive timelines. While Upasana Konidela brought attention to the concept of egg freezing, the reality for moast Indian women is the struggle to afford it.
(Published By: Daphne Clarance, published On: Nov 19, 2025)
