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As she celebrates her 36th birthday, influencer Mia Larson has decided to freeze her eggs. While some individuals may never need to think about their fertility, for others, like Mia, family planning involves careful thought and scientific intervention.
Mia, a body-positive influencer from Chicago and co-host of the podcast Swipefat, had never considered egg freezing until recently. “I wish I had thought about it sooner,” she admits. “My doctor mentioned it when I was around 32 but said I didn’t need to worry until I was 35. I wish someone had suggested I at least check my fertility health earlier.”
Turning 35 made Mia anxious about her future. She had prioritized her career and personal life, but family planning felt urgent. “I decided to take charge and get my fertility health checked, as my OB/GYN didn’t recommend it,” she shares.
Mia’s experience reveals that as women age, the health of their eggs can decline. After testing, she learned she had 15 eggs, but only 8 were mature and viable. “If I had done this at 28, I could have had a better chance for multiple children. Now, I’m set up for maybe one,” she explains.
After receiving her test results, Mia opted to freeze her eggs, motivated by the advice from her clinic that fertility declines with age. “They had a real conversation with me about my goals and the importance of considering egg freezing if I wanted children in the future,” she recalls.
The egg-freezing process was straightforward, albeit challenging. “The first step involves fertility testing, including ultrasounds and bloodwork to determine egg count. I had fluctuating results; in November, I had twenty follicles, but by April, it dropped to eight,” Mia explains.
Once she began the egg-freezing process, Mia followed a regimented plan involving medication and regular check-ins with her clinic. “It’s about two weeks from injections to retrieval, followed by a recovery period,” she notes.
Mia found the retrieval process to be relatively quick and efficient. “It took about 20 minutes, and I was under anesthesia,” she says. “The next day, I learned how many of my eggs were viable.”
Recovery was manageable for Mia, with some initial discomfort. “I felt a bit off for a few days, but I was back to normal shortly after,” she shares.
However, the financial aspect of egg freezing can be daunting. “Costs range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on the necessary medications,” Mia explains. She found that organizations like EmBorrow can help finance fertility treatments. Plus, she acknowledges that the future use of her frozen eggs will involve additional expenses, such as in vitro fertilization.
The emotional side effects of the process can also be significant. “While the medications didn’t make me overly emotional, I found myself reflecting on my life choices and feeling the weight of going through this alone,” Mia admits.
Dr. Sarah Jenkins, an OB/GYN and clinical professor at a well-known university, emphasizes that egg freezing is a valid option, though it comes with no guarantees. “Fertility does decline with age, but it’s not impossible to conceive later,” she explains.
For Mia, the peace of mind that comes with preserving her eggs is invaluable. “This process gives me a sense of control over my future fertility,” she expresses. “I may want to wait for a partner, or I may choose to go it alone. At least now I have a backup plan.”
If you’re interested in exploring fertility options, you can find more information in our other blog post here. For those considering at-home insemination, check out the resources available at Make a Mom. Additionally, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers excellent insights on fertility treatments here.
Summary:
Mia Larson, a Chicago-based influencer, is freezing her eggs for her 36th birthday as a proactive approach to family planning. After realizing the importance of checking her fertility health, she decided to take charge and preserve her options for the future. The egg-freezing process, while straightforward, involves significant financial and emotional considerations. With the help of professionals, Mia feels empowered to control her reproductive future.