For decades, family planning has been closely associated with marriage in India. However, due to changes in lifestyle, career opportunities, and a better understanding of medical issues, the question “Is egg freezing only for married women?” arises. Dr. Sreevani Kotha, Director, HOD 9M Fertility Center, Ankula Hospital, Hyderabad, said this situation is becoming increasingly common.The process of freezing a woman’s eggs is called oocyte cryopreservation or egg freezing. This is a medical procedure in which a woman’s eggs are collected, frozen, and stored for future use. Although the procedure was originally intended for women who were about to undergo chemotherapy for cancer or who had certain medical conditions that could affect their fertility, it has now evolved into a widely accepted fertility-preserving option for healthy women.fertility preservation It’s about choice, not marital statusEgg freezing is not determined by a woman’s marital status. Dr. Srivani explains that this is to preserve fertility while the eggs are healthy.Today, women are raising families, pursuing higher education, building careers, and often taking on multiple roles. As a result, many women choose to delay marriage or childbirth for personal or professional reasons. However, biology does not always align with life plans. Women’s fertility begins to decline in their early 30s, and the decline becomes more pronounced after the age of 35.A common misconception is that egg freezing is only suitable for women facing fertility issues. In fact, many women who choose to freeze their eggs have no fertility problems at all. More and more unmarried women in their late 20s and early 30s are actively choosing to freeze their eggs. This is a preventive measure and not a sign of infertility. Eggs at this age are healthier and more likely to lead to successful pregnancies in the future. Break social stigma and raise awarenessThere is still a social stigma around fertility treatment in India, especially for unmarried women. Many people still believe that egg freezing causes infertility or prompts women to postpone marriage indefinitely. This mentality needs to change.Egg freezing empowers women by providing them with the knowledge and choices to responsibly plan their reproductive futures without the pressure of age or social timelines.Many Indian women face social pressure to marry early and start a family, which can lead to stress and anxiety if they are not ready. One way to reduce fertility problems is to freeze your eggs. It gives women the flexibility to pursue their goals without having to worry about their biological clocks.Legally, adult women in India can freeze their eggs regardless of marital status, as long as proper consent is obtained and medical protocols are followed. “9M Fertility operates by following regulatory guidelines to ensure ethical practice and patient safety,” said Dr. Sreevani. As awareness increases, discussions about egg freezing become more open and informed. Women should seek medical advice early, understand the benefits and limitations, and make decisions based on science rather than social pressure.Dr. Srivani concluded: “Egg freezing is not about redefining marriage or motherhood. This is about giving women the freedom to make informed choices about their bodies and their futures on their own terms. “Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this story are the independent professional judgment of experts and we are not responsible for the accuracy of their opinions. This should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your primary care physician for more details. Ankura Hospital assumes full responsibility for the accuracy, reliability and/or compliance with applicable laws of the content. The above content is non-editorial and TIL does not guarantee, guarantee or endorse any of its content. Please take all necessary steps to ensure that any information and content provided is correct, updated and verified.
