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Some individuals may never have to consider their fertility journey. When the process of building a family feels like it’s running smoothly, it’s easy to overlook the complexities involved. For those who need to think ahead and rely on medical advancements, fertility is a constant consideration.
When you’re not quite ready to start a family but want to preserve that option for the future, fertility becomes a focal point. Intentional choices are necessary to navigate this path.
Lila Grant, a body-positive influencer from Chicago and co-host of the popular podcast Swipefat, has decided to freeze her eggs as a birthday present to herself for her 36th year. Although it may not seem like the traditional gift, for Lila, it represents a crucial step in safeguarding her future fertility.
Lila shared her experience with us, revealing that the idea of freezing her eggs only crossed her mind when she turned 35, but she wishes she had considered it earlier. “I wish my doctor had mentioned this option sooner. It often feels like doctors wait until you’re a certain age to bring it up. I was told I didn’t need to think about it until I was 35, and by then, I was starting to worry,” she explains. “I wish someone had suggested getting my fertility health checked sooner. You really don’t know what you’re up against until you do.”
As she approached 35, Lila felt the urgency to understand her fertility status. “I had focused on my personal and professional life, and finding a partner wasn’t on my radar. But as I neared 35, I realized I needed to assess my options. So, I decided to get my fertility health checked, although my OB/GYN hadn’t brought it up,” she said.
Lila discovered that as she aged, her egg quality was declining. She managed to retrieve 15 eggs, but only 8 were mature and usable. “If I had done this at 28, I might have had a much better chance for the future. Now, I’m only equipped for possibly one child. They recommend at least 22 eggs for a decent shot at a live birth,” she noted.
Following fertility testing, Lila transitioned smoothly into the egg-freezing process. “When I got my fertility test results, I hoped for reassurance, but no one explained how egg quantity decreases with age. After learning my egg count was good, I decided to preserve some for later,” she said, emphasizing that her clinic had a candid discussion about her fertility goals, which she found invaluable.
The egg-freezing process was straightforward but not without challenges. “The first step is fertility health testing, which includes an ultrasound and blood work to assess your follicles. Mine actually decreased from 20 to 8 over a few months, which can vary widely,” Lila explained.
Once testing was complete, she met with a team to outline her plan, including medication schedules and monitoring procedures. “It’s about a two-week journey from injections to retrieval, followed by a recovery phase,” she said. “The retrieval itself was quick, taking about 20 minutes under anesthesia, and I learned how many viable eggs I had the next day.”
Recovery wasn’t too troublesome for Lila, although she did experience some bleeding initially. “I felt back to normal within three days, but it’s important to take it easy during recovery. You can’t do much until your body resets,” she laughed, recalling the discomfort of swollen ovaries.
However, the egg-freezing journey is not without its hurdles, particularly financial ones. “Costs can range from $8,000 to over $20,000, depending on the medications required. I faced unexpected expenses, but there are financing options out there for those who need support,” Lila shared. She also acknowledged that using the eggs later would involve additional costs for in-vitro fertilization.
While Lila felt emotionally stable during the process, she did confront unexpected feelings about her situation. “The experience forced me to reflect on my life choices, including the absence of a partner during this journey. I didn’t anticipate feeling so alone,” she said.
Dr. Sarah Larkin, an OB/GYN and reproductive health specialist, offered insight on the topic. “Freezing eggs is a valid choice, though it’s costly and doesn’t guarantee success. I caution women to consider their hopes sensibly,” she stated. However, she also noted that while fertility decreases with age, it is not impossible to conceive later on.
For Lila Grant, the decision to freeze her eggs brings her a sense of agency regarding her future. “This gives me a bit of control over my reproductive choices. I might want to try naturally with a partner if I meet someone, or I could choose to go it alone later on. Having this backup plan offers peace of mind,” she concluded.
If you’re interested in more about fertility options and home insemination, check out this informative post on home insemination kits or visit Make a Mom for expert resources.
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In summary, Lila Grant’s decision to freeze her eggs for her 36th birthday is a proactive step towards preserving her fertility. While the process can be challenging both emotionally and financially, it offers a sense of control over her future family planning.
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