Social egg freezing, also known as elective or non-medical egg freezing is the process of cryopreserving a woman's eggs for future use. Unlike medical reasons for egg freezing, such as preserving fertility before cancer treatment or due to a medical condition, social egg freezing is typically done for non-medical reasons. The primary motivation behind social egg freezing is to allow women to preserve their fertility and extend their reproductive options. It has gained popularity in recent years due to societal shifts, including women focusing on their careers, delaying childbirth, and choosing to have children later in life. The process of social egg freezing involves several steps. 1.The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation through hormone injections to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the usual single egg that is released during a menstrual cycle. Regular monitoring and ultrasound scans are conducted to track follicle development. 2.Once the eggs reach maturity, they are retrieved using a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. 3.The eggs are then frozen using a technique called vitrification, which involves rapid cooling to prevent ice crystal formation and maintain the egg's viability. 4.When the woman is ready to use her frozen eggs, they are thawed, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) is performed. The eggs are fertilized with sperm, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus. If successful, the embryos implant, leading to pregnancy. It's important to note that the success rates of social egg freezing and subsequent IVF can vary depending on several factors, including the woman's age at the time of egg freezing and the number and quality of eggs retrieved. Generally, the earlier the procedure is done, the higher the chances of success. Social egg freezing can provide women with the option to pursue motherhood later in life when they may face age-related fertility challenges. However, it is crucial for women considering social egg freezing to have realistic expectations and understand the limitations and uncertainties associated with the procedure. It is recommended to consult with a fertility specialist to discuss individual circumstances, potential risks, and success rates before making a decision.