Q: How did you come across the idea of fertility preservation treatment?

I wanted to have a choice to have a baby perhaps with or without a partner when I am older. Preserve a choice is important to me and this is the only way I know I could have a choice. I found out about fertility preservation because my VC invested in fertility clinics and I got a referral.

Q: How did you feel going into the treatment?

I was quite open minded about the idea and felt more casual and relaxed about the treatment to begin with. Frankly, there was not a lot of information to help with the decision. While the clinic I consulted with was famous for egg freezing, I didn’t get much information from the clinic and they just said the pain and time period depend on the individual. I just researched on the internet. I was determined to do this even though I felt lonely when I decided to go for it.

Q: What were your major concerns going in and how did you overcome/manage them?

• COST: I could get a discount from my referral so that helped.

• RECOVERY AND PAIN: The treatment overall was not so painful for me but I was so worried that I needed to take an extended time off after retrieval.

• LONG TERM IMPACT ON THE BODY: I didn’t notice any long term side effects.

• DISRUPTION TO WORK: I was also uncertain how the scheduling of the treatment plan may disrupt my work and if I could go to the office right after egg retrieval.

A journey worth facing your fears for.

Q: What did you find surprising or unexpected during your journey?

The shots. I didn’t know I needed to inject myself so many times and of course they hurt. Though, the shots were less painful than expected. Doing it on my own was not too hard and I learned to do it by watching Youtube.

Sometimes, the clinic was in touch with me at times that were out of my expectations, there was not a fixed schedule given to me beforehand. I did blood work every 3-4 days. It was quite disruptive to my personal time but luckily they had time slots in the morning so that I could go in around 7 or 8 in the morning.

Q: What side effects did you experience (if any) and how did you manage them?

I didn’t have side effects before egg retrieval and after retrieval, only a little stomach ache for 2-3 days. I got prescribed medication to reduce hormone levels after retrieval and it was not bad.

Q: How has the treatment impacted you?

It was much easier than expected. I feel like I’m getting stronger. There are choices for me; I can have children maybe in the future over 35+ or even now. I feel like I can do more with what I want to do. I feel liberated.

Q: How have you plans on family building evolved (or not evolved) since the treatment?

I was really anxious and in a hurry before egg freezing, now I am not rushed and can take my time. I thought it would be hard to have a child after 30. Now, I am not worried and I do not think about it. I am flexible with my future plans because anything is possible for me and that is really good for me.

Q: What advice do you have for women who are thinking of fertility preservation treatment for elective reasons?

Firstly, do it as fast as you can. I have no reason not to do it, if you can, just do it.