Q: How did you make up your mind on going for fertility preservation treatment?

At 30, I thought about the potential biological clock crisis and about egg freezing. I was in a stable relationship so I thought about maybe waiting for a few years but that previous relationship did not work out and I stayed focused on work. My job then in operations was a 24-7 kind of role. Egg freezing was still at the back of my mind as I heard more from my friends but one – I did not have time and two – I was wishing maybe my relationship would work out.

My parents are in the medical field but they are more on the traditional side. Although it involves a small operation, egg retrieval is still an operation and they wanted me to wait until 35. I held off on the research for a while but in April 2022, I quit my job and my younger sister was getting married. Finally, when I had the free time, I was struck by the thought that I don’t have the luxury to wait. Hence, I made the plan to do it in July 2022, two weeks before my sister’s wedding.

I decided to chat with my parents again because originally they were quite disapproving of it. My mom accompanied me to the initial consultation because she wanted to learn more, what is the process, how much weight i might gain, what are the ways we can lessen the weight gain, etc. What we learned is that the earlier I freeze my eggs, the higher likelihood that they are healthy. On the scientific side, at least I could do the blood test first and then decide. My parents also knew I was busy with work and I wouldn’t have the time for this after my next job begins.

Q: How did you decide on the location, clinic and doctor?

I chose Taipei because my family is there. A lot of my peers did it in Taiwan as well and at the time egg freezing for single women was not legal in Singapore. I went to the clinic where a lot of my friends were doing it at the time. The first visit at the facility made me feel that they are very experienced. Holistically, the ops room, the vibe, the doctor and the nurses. The staff were all very well versed on the topic and address questions.

Q: What preparation did you make before you began?

I didn’t do any prep for my body before the treatment. I usually try to be active as much as I can and exercise 2-3 times a week. During the treatment, the advice I got from the doctor was not to be so active and let the body rest. Any tiredness could affect how the overall body processes the hormones so I did not exercise too much and rested a lot during the process.

Q: What were your major concerns going in?

I actually didn’t have many major concerns except that it’s so close to my sister’s wedding. During the process, I had a few moments where I was concerned that my hormones would not reach the mark and I couldn’t hit my target egg retrieval number. I went into the clinic 3 times before the operation over the two weeks. The clinic had an app where you can contact the customer service 24/7. To be honest, I didn’t have much to ask about but it’s reassuring that they want the experience to be smooth.

Navigating the uncertainties in the process.‍

Q: What did you find surprising during your journey?

When I first got the AMH result, the results looked good so I thought it would be quite easy. However, there were still ups and downs during the treatment. The doctor at the beginning said everything should be ok but we found out in my second blood tests that my numbers were subpar in terms of my follicles reaction to the drugs. I felt a bit defeated but turns out I needed more dosage to have the impact we desire. I learned to accept some ups and downs and trust my body and the process. I cannot force anything.

In terms of the treatment itself, I didn’t have any bruising so the injections were fine. I think the only thing for me was that the trigger injection was really painful.

Also, I was surprised how fast I recovered. After the egg retrieval operation, I just got off the bed and went on with my life. It was not what I expected in the beginning.  It’s good to take reference from other people’s experiences but all our bodies are different and everyone goes through their own journey.

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

I gained 5 kg in the two weeks but after the egg retrieval I dropped it within a week, so it could be water weight. I felt a little bloated on the stomach area but other than that does not affect my day to day life. Now I think about it, I could have done it when I was working.

There is one thing that I did feel a little different after the treatment. I didn’t used to have much period pain. But, after egg retrieval I can feel some bloatedness and pain in the abdominal area about two days before my period, even up to now, a year later. My first cycle came earlier but the rest were back on regular cycle with some discomfort.

Q: How has the treatment impacted you?

For me, there is a reassurance knowing I have an option. I know I don’t need to rush into anything – it’s more an insurance that when I want to have a baby in the future I could.

I think I am still looking to find a potential life partner. While the pressure of having a baby should be taken off my shoulders, for some reason I am still eager to look for a life partner before 35.

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

Just take it easy. It is scarier than it sounds, it could be quite smooth and your worry before that is not necessary.

There really isn’t a start or cut off time. Some people say before 20 you don’t need to do it but your AMH level/ovarian reserve may not go with age. Some young people can get low scores. It’s good to know the healthiness of your eggs and fertility level before you decide when you do it.

Select a place that you feel like you can trust those around you. My mother realized the process is not as scary and she started sharing it with others that may have this need for them, that this could be an option.