Catherine Siachoque Shares Her Experience with Ovule Freezing: A Leap in Personal Fertility Choices

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Published: 2025/08/26 06:36:19 | Website: archyde.com | Author: Dr. Priya Deshmukh

Understanding Ovule (egg) Freezing & Catherine Siachoque‘s Journey

Catherine Siachoque, a prominent figure known for her advocacy in women’s health, recently shared her personal experience with egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation. Her story is resonating with many women considering proactive fertility preservation options. This article delves into the details of her journey, the science behind ovule freezing, and what it means for individuals navigating their reproductive timelines. Siachoque’s openness is contributing to the destigmatization of elective egg freezing and empowering women to take control of their future family planning.

The Science Behind Oocyte Cryopreservation

Egg freezing isn’t a new technology, but advancements in vitrification – a rapid freezing process – have dramatically improved success rates. Historically, slow freezing methods caused ice crystals to form within the eggs, damaging them.Vitrification minimizes ice crystal formation, preserving the egg’s cellular structure.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: Women undergo hormone injections (typically fertility drugs like FSH and LH) to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, not just the single egg released during a natural cycle. This usually takes 10-14 days.
2. Egg Retrieval: A minor surgical procedure, usually performed under sedation, retrieves the eggs from the ovaries using an ultrasound-guided needle.
3. Vitrification: The retrieved eggs are rapidly frozen using liquid nitrogen.
4. Storage: Frozen eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks untill needed.
5. Thawing & Fertilization: When a woman is ready to use her eggs, they are thawed, fertilized with sperm (typically through IVF – In Vitro Fertilization), and transferred to the uterus.

Catherine Siachoque’s Motivations for Egg Freezing

Siachoque has publicly discussed her decision to freeze her eggs as a proactive step, independent of a partner or immediate plans for motherhood.Her reasoning highlights a growing trend: fertility planning is increasingly viewed as a form of self-care and empowerment. She emphasized the desire to have options and to safeguard her reproductive health against the natural decline in egg quality and quantity that occurs with age.This aligns with the increasing awareness of the impact of age on fertility.

who is Considering Egg Freezing?

While once primarily considered by women facing medical treatments that could impact fertility (like cancer therapy – fertility preservation for cancer patients), egg freezing is now increasingly popular among:

Women in their 30s: This is frequently enough considered the optimal age for egg freezing, as egg quality is generally still good.

women prioritizing career goals: Delaying childbearing to focus on education or career advancement.

Women without a current partner: Taking control of their fertility options irrespective of relationship status.

Women with diminished ovarian reserve: Those diagnosed with a lower egg count.

LGBTQ+ individuals: Planning for future families.

Benefits of Proactive Egg Freezing

Beyond the emotional peace of mind, ovule freezing offers several potential benefits:

Increased chances of future pregnancy: Freezing eggs at a younger age increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy later in life.

Versatility in family planning: Provides options for women who aren’t ready to have children now but may want them in the future.

Reduced anxiety about age-related fertility decline: Offers a sense of control and reduces the pressure of a ticking biological clock.

potential for genetic screening: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can be performed on embryos created from frozen eggs to screen for genetic disorders.

Costs & Considerations

Egg freezing costs can vary significantly depending on location, clinic, and the number of eggs frozen. Typically, a single cycle can range from $10,000 to $15,000, including medication and storage fees. Ongoing annual storage fees also apply.

Vital considerations include:

Success rates: Success rates depend on the woman’s age at the time of freezing and the number of eggs frozen. Live birth rates per egg frozen decline with age.

Number of eggs to freeze: Experts reccommend freezing 15-20 eggs for a reasonable chance of success.

Clinic selection: Choosing a reputable clinic with experienced reproductive endocrinologists is crucial. Look for clinics with high IVF success rates.

Emotional support: The process can be emotionally demanding, so seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist is critically important.

Real-World Data & Success Rates

According to the American Society for Reproductive medicine (ASRM), live birth rates using frozen eggs are steadily improving. While data varies, generally:

Women freezing eggs in their early 30s: Have a significantly higher chance of live birth per egg frozen compared to those freezing in their late 30s or 40s.

The number of eggs retrieved and frozen is a key factor: More eggs generally translate to a higher probability of success.

Vitrification has significantly improved egg survival rates: Over 90% of eggs survive the thawing process.

Finding a Fertility Specialist & Resources

If you’re considering egg freezing, it’s essential to consult with a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. Resources include:

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): https://www.asrm.org/

Resolve: The National Infertility association: https://www.resolve.org/

Your insurance provider: Check if your insurance covers any portion of the costs. Some employers are beginning to offer fertility benefits that include egg freezing.

Fertility Clinics: Research clinics in your area and compare their success rates and services. Look for clinics specializing in egg freezing procedures.

Catherine Siachoque’s Impact on the Conversation

Catherine Siachoque’s willingness to share her story is a powerful example of how open conversations about fertility options can empower women. By normalizing egg freezing, she’s helping to break down barriers and encourage women to proactively consider their reproductive health. Her advocacy contributes to a future where fertility preservation is viewed as a standard part of women’s healthcare. The increasing visibility of stories like hers is driving demand for egg freezing services and fostering a more informed and empowered generation of women.