Egg freezing options
Dear Dr Mitchell,
Is egg freezing done in Jamaica? I am a 35 year old professional who would like children in the future, and wish to know my options.
Freezing of eggs is definitely done in Jamaica. The Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit headed by Professor Joseph Frederick is located at the University Hospital of the West Indies and operates a well-equipped unit that offers invitro-fertilisation to women from all over the globe.
Egg freezing can be done in the event that you plan to delay pregnancy until you are much older since the quality of the eggs decline dramatically after age 40. The problem with egg freezing is that when you are ready to use the eggs they may not survive on thawing. This leaves you with only a few options at this point, and you may then have to resort to using donor eggs from a younger woman.
Freezing embryos is always a better option. The outcome is usually better on thawing the embryos. If you do not have a partner you can buy sperm from a suitable donor based on your personal profile. There is also the risk of the embryos not surviving on thawing but this risk is less than with the frozen eggs.
The best option at age 35 years is to find a suitable donor and have a baby as soon as possible. As you get older pregnancy becomes high risk because of medical complications such as diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, increased risk of spontaneous abortions and also premature deliveries. Women over 35 also have a significantly higher risk of having offsprings with birth defects. It would be in your best interest to consider having the baby now instead of waiting until you are much older when your egg quality declines and your chance of producing eggs also declines significantly.
The Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit can help you to obtain a suitable sperm donor and you can also do artificial insemination if you so desire. The unit has a large complement of fully trained doctors, embryologists and nurses who can provide you with the counselling that you need so that you can make an informed decision about your fertility options.
Consult the University Hospital of the West Indies and you will be given the guidance that you need.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver. com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5; or fax 968-2025. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
