Deferred motherhood

Modern technology allows women to choose the moment they want to have a child through deferred motherhood. This method of assisted reproductive medicine offers the possibility of cryopreserving (freezing) eggs (oocytes) for later use in the context of an IVF program.

Why is deferred motherhood being discussed?

Every woman is born with a certain stock of oocytes (ovarian reserve), about 1 to 2 million cells at birth. By puberty, around 300,000 to 400,000 remain, and with the onset of the first menstruation, this reserve gradually decreases. After the age of 35, the ovarian reserve decreases particularly rapidly, reducing the chances of becoming a mother.

Today, most women start thinking about motherhood around 30-35 years of age. During this time, they have the opportunity to pursue education, build a career, or succeed in other areas. However, at this age, the ovarian reserve can be significantly reduced, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus increases. This can lead to the absence of pregnancy with their own eggs.

Deferred motherhood allows for the freezing of eggs at a time when their quality and quantity are most appropriate. The quality of the eggs is assessed using morphological analysis techniques and genetic tests to determine their fertilization potential. Frozen oocytes are stored in a cryobank, allowing the woman to focus on her career, education, or other life goals.

This technology is also aimed at women suffering from ovarian-related diseases (such as PCOS or endometriosis), as well as those at risk of premature depletion of their ovarian reserve due to autoimmune diseases or genetic predispositions. The procedure is particularly recommended for patients who need to undergo cancer treatment to preserve the possibility of motherhood in the future.

How to take advantage of the possibility of deferred motherhood?

To freeze eggs, it is necessary to consult a specialized medical institution. The Natuvitro Clinic offers a deferred motherhood program, including an individualized approach, the use of modern vitrification methods, and long-term storage of oocytes in a cryobank.

Procedure:

1. Consultation with a gynecologist specialized in assisted reproductive technology: the doctor conducts an examination, performs an ultrasound, and prescribes the necessary tests.
2. Ovarian stimulation: this allows for obtaining multiple oocytes.
3. Monitoring of follicle maturation: performed through ultrasound and laboratory tests.
4. Follicular puncture: a minimally invasive procedure to collect mature eggs.
5. Freezing of oocytes: the oocytes are vitrified and placed in a cryobank for long-term storage.

Frozen eggs can be stored for decades. When a woman decides to become a mother, she goes to a clinic to undergo an IVF program (in vitro fertilization) using her previously frozen eggs.

Advantages of deferred motherhood

• Preservation of oocytes at their maximum quality stage.
• Reduction of risks associated with age-related changes in the reproductive system.
• Flexibility in family and career planning.
• Support for women facing treatment for serious medical conditions.

With deferred motherhood, every woman can choose the ideal moment to have a child. For example, a patient who froze her eggs at the age of 30 was able to give birth to a healthy child in her forties after an IVF program with her own eggs. This technology opens new possibilities for balancing personal and professional life. If a woman does not have her own eggs, she can use the IVF service with egg donation. In cases where donor eggs and sperm are needed, it is possible to resort to IVF with double donation.