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February 11, 2013

The latest buzz in the field of fertility treatment is frozen embryo transfer (FET) for safer and more successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Studies have found that by transferring a thawed embryo in a subsequent cycle, the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is minimized and the uterine lining has time to recover from the harsh effects of fertility drugs. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), in particular Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS), performed in conjunction with FET maximizes the fertility patient's chance of successful pregnancy. The benefits of safer and more successful cycles are obvious for all patients, but perhaps the greatest benefit is to women over the age of 40.

Contribute more to IRA? Check.
Look for less expensive car insurance? Check.
Get more organized? Check.
Freeze my eggs? Consider it.

In today's society, at least one in five women waits to begin their families until after age 35. In theory, this is a smart choice — women are typically mature at age 35; they are likely to be established in their careers; and they have had time to find the right partner and strengthen their partnership.

The problem is, if you are thinking of waiting until after 35, your eggs will be more mature, too. And older eggs simply don't make it easy to become a parent. Infertility rates are higher, as are the rates of miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage. So if you are putting off childbirth for career reasons, or you haven't found the right partner, or you simply don't feel ready for parenting, egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) may be one investment you should explore.