Freezing eggs has recently become a popular option for those who are not ready to start a family, but wish to preserve their fertility. However, new research suggests that frozen eggs may lead to an increased cancer risk for offspring.

What is Egg Freezing?

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process that involves extracting a woman’s eggs and freezing them for later use.

This is typically done for those who wish to preserve their fertility, such as women who have received a cancer diagnosis or those who wish to postpone pregnancy until later in life.

How is it Done?

During the egg freezing process, a woman is required to undergo hormonal stimulation to increase the number of eggs that are produced.

Once a sufficient number of eggs are collected, they are then frozen and stored in a fertility clinic until they are needed. When a woman is ready to conceive, the eggs are thawed and fertilized with sperm in a lab, and then implanted into the uterus.

What Does the Research Say?

Recent research has suggested that freezing eggs can lead to an increased cancer risk for offspring.

In a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that mice born via frozen egg techniques had a higher incidence of breast and ovarian cancer compared to those born through traditional methods. The study also revealed that the number of chromosomes in eggs that had been frozen and thawed was abnormal, which can increase the risk of cancer.

Why Does This Happen?

When eggs are frozen, they undergo a process called vitrification, which involves using highly concentrated solutions of cryoprotectants to protect the eggs from extreme temperatures.

Researchers believe that this process may damage the egg cells in a way that increases the risk of cancer in offspring. Additionally, cryopreservation can cause damage to the chromosomes within the egg, which can lead to abnormalities and increase the risk of cancer.

What Does this Mean for Women Who Want to Freeze Their Eggs?

While the study does suggest a potential risk, it is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand the implications of freezing eggs.

It is also important to remember that every individual’s situation is unique, and the potential benefits of egg freezing may outweigh the potential risks for some.

If you are considering egg freezing, it is important to talk to your doctor about your individual risks and benefits.

Additionally, it may be helpful to consider alternative options, such as embryo freezing, which has been shown to be a more successful method of fertility preservation with a lower risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Conclusion

The growing popularity of egg freezing has prompted many questions about the potential risks and benefits of the process.

While current research suggests a potential increase in cancer risk for offspring, it is important to remember that this is still an emerging area of study. As further research is conducted, we will gain a greater understanding of the implications of egg freezing and its impact on future generations.