In today’s society, women are more empowered and gender equality is widely embraced. Modern women often delay marriage and starting a family due to increasing responsibilities. However, research shows that women aged 35 and older face a decreased chance of pregnancy and a higher risk of infertility. As women age, their ovarian reserve diminishes, and the quality of their eggs declines. Hence, to tackle these challenges, many women turn to Egg Freezing in Thailand as a widely accessible method for preserving healthy eggs for future use. With the rising demand for fertility preservation, women are exploring options like egg freezing in Bangkok Thailand.
Thailand has become a popular destination due to its affordable and advanced medical services. The total estimated cost of egg freezing in Thailand ranges from USD 6,000 to USD 10,000 for the initial process, excluding medication and future IVF costs.
What is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing is also known as oocyte cryopreservation. It is a fertility preservation technique where a woman’s eggs are harvested, frozen, and stored for future use. It involves extracting eggs from a woman’s ovaries and freezing them in a controlled laboratory setting. The eggs can be thawed later, fertilized with sperm, and implanted into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
This allows women to postpone pregnancy until a later stage of their lives. Thus, providing options for those who may not be ready to conceive due to personal, medical, or career-related reasons.
The Egg Freezing Process In Thailand
The process of egg-freezing process typically involves several steps, which can take around two to three weeks:
Ovarian Stimulation
The woman is prescribed hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This step mimics the natural menstrual cycle but increases egg production.
Monitoring
During this phase, regular ultrasounds and blood tests are conducted to monitor the growth of the follicles (which contain the eggs). The goal is to harvest mature eggs at the right time.
Egg Retrieval
Once the eggs are deemed mature, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. This is done under sedation, and the process takes about 20 minutes.
Freezing
The harvested eggs are frozen by vitrification, which rapidly cools the eggs to subzero temperatures, minimizing the formation of ice crystals. This method ensures the integrity of the eggs for future use.
Why Consider Egg Freezing?
Women opt for egg freezing for several reasons:
- Career or Education: Women may delay motherhood to focus on career goals, education, or finding the right partner.
- Medical Conditions: Women diagnosed with conditions like cancer freeze their eggs before treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, which may affect fertility.
- Aging Concerns: As fertility declines with age, women freeze their eggs during their prime reproductive years for future use.
- Genetic Factors:Women with a family history of early menopause or fertility issues freeze their eggs as a precaution.
What is the Cost of Egg Freezing in Thailand?
Thailand is known for its well-regulated medical tourism industry, modern fertility clinics, and experienced specialists. The total estimated cost of egg freezing in Thailand is USD 6,000 to USD 10,000 for the initial egg freezing process, excluding medication and future IVF costs.The costs are generally lower compared to countries like the USA or the UK, making it a popular destination for women seeking affordable fertility preservation.
It’s important to factor in travel, accommodation, and potential multiple cycles depending on the number of eggs desired for freezing. Some women may require more than one cycle to retrieve an optimal number of eggs.
The cost of egg freezing in Bangkok Thailand compared to other Western nations is mentioned below:
| Thailand | United Kingdom (UK) | United States (USA) | Germany | |
| Initial egg freezing process | USD 6,000 – USD 10,000 | USD 4,500 – USD 6,500 | USD 6,000 – USD 15,000 | USD 3,500 – USD 6,500 |
| Medications | USD 2,000 – USD 3,500 | USD 1,000 – USD 1,500 | USD 2,000 – USD 5,000 | USD 1,000 – USD 2,000 |
| Annual storage fee | USD 300 – USD 600 | USD 350 – 750 | USD 500 – USD 1,000 | USD 500 – 1,000 |
For a more personalized cost estimate, contact EdhaCare and we will get you directly in touch with clinics in Thailand.
What are the Legal Considerations of Egg Freezing in Bangkok Thailand?
Egg freezing in Thailand comes with several legal considerations that are important for individuals to understand before proceeding. Here are the key legal factors to keep in mind:
Eligibility for Egg Freezing
In Thailand, egg freezing is generally allowed for medical reasons (such as cancer treatment or other fertility-affecting conditions) and social reasons (to delay pregnancy for career or personal reasons). However, egg freezing for commercial surrogacy or other purposes that violate Thai laws on reproductive health is strictly prohibited. Surrogacy is only allowed for married Thai couples under very specific circumstances, as per the 2015 Surrogacy Act.
Age Limits
While there are no strict legal age limits for egg freezing in Thailand, most clinics have their own policies. Typically, women under the age of 40 are encouraged to freeze their eggs, as egg quality diminishes with age. Each clinic may have different guidelines regarding age restrictions.
Storage Time Limitations
In Thailand, clinics typically offer long-term egg storage, but it is important to discuss how long the eggs can be stored with the chosen clinic. The storage period may vary by facility, and there may be legal limits or practical guidelines around storage beyond a certain number of years. In some countries, there are legal limits on how long eggs can be stored (e.g., 10-20 years), but this is not a stringent rule in Thailand.
Consent and Ownership of Eggs
Informed consent is a major legal requirement. Before undergoing egg freezing, women are required to sign consent forms that explain the process, risks, and potential future uses of the eggs. This ensures that the woman fully understands her rights and obligations concerning her frozen eggs. The ownership of frozen eggs typically remains with the woman who undergoes the procedure. However, if eggs are frozen for shared use (e.g., within a couple), the clinic may require clear legal documentation on ownership and usage rights, especially in cases of future divorce or separation.
Egg Thawing and Usage
In Thailand, thawing and using frozen eggs for fertility treatment (such as in vitro fertilization or IVF) is legal, but it must be done according to specific ethical guidelines. If a woman decides to use her frozen eggs for IVF, she may need to follow certain requirements, such as proving that she is using the eggs for her own reproductive purposes and not for third-party commercial surrogacy.
Donor Eggs and Surrogacy Laws
While egg freezing for personal use is allowed, the use of donor eggs or surrogacy for commercial purposes is illegal in Thailand. The 2015 Surrogacy Law prohibits commercial surrogacy and restricts surrogacy services to married Thai couples. Egg freezing in Thailand for surrogacy purposes must adhere to this legal framework, and foreigners are not permitted to engage in commercial surrogacy in Thailand.
Exporting and Importing Frozen Eggs
For women considering freezing eggs in Thailand and later using them in a different country, the legal aspect of exporting or importing eggs needs to be explored. Different countries have different regulations regarding the transfer of human reproductive materials, and clinics may require specific documentation for cross-border transportation.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Thai clinics are required to maintain confidentiality regarding patients’ personal and medical information. Data protection laws ensure that information about egg freezing procedures, the identity of individuals undergoing fertility preservation, and the eggs themselves are kept confidential unless legal circumstances require otherwise.
While egg freezing is legally permissible in Thailand for personal fertility preservation, it is important to understand the regulations surrounding storage, usage, and consent. Egg freezing is not allowed for commercial surrogacy purposes, and any reproductive assistance must follow Thailand’s strict laws. Consulting with a fertility clinic and possibly legal professionals are advised to fully understand the personal implications and responsibilities when choosing to freeze eggs in Thailand.
What are the Success Rates of Egg Freezing in Thailand?
The success of egg freezing depends on several factors, primarily the age at which the eggs are frozen. Women who freeze their eggs before the age of 35 often have greater chances of becoming pregnant in the future. However, the quality of the eggs and the effectiveness of the freezing and thawing processes also play a role.
Success rates for pregnancy using frozen eggs vary but are generally lower than using fresh eggs. On average, the chance of a live birth from a frozen egg ranges between 4% and 12% per egg, depending on the woman’s age and health condition at the time of freezing.
What are the Risks and Considerations of Egg Freezing?
While egg freezing is considered safe, there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): A rare but serious condition where the ovaries become swollen due to overstimulation during the hormonal treatment phase.
- Egg Quality: Not all eggs will survive the freezing and thawing process, and not all of those that do survive will be suitable for fertilization.
- Cost: Egg freezing can be expensive, with costs ranging between USD 6,000 and USD 15,000 per cycle in many countries, excluding medication, storage, and eventual thawing and IVF procedures.
- Emotional Considerations: The process can be emotionally taxing, especially if multiple cycles are required to retrieve a sufficient number of eggs.
Conclusion
Egg freezing in Thailand offers women flexibility and control over their reproductive choices. While it is not a guaranteed solution to infertility, it provides an opportunity for women to preserve their fertility. It gives them more time to consider motherhood on their own terms. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs, risks, and success rates before deciding to pursue this option.
For those considering egg freezing in Thaildand, consulting with a fertility specialist is a crucial step to evaluate personal circumstances and understand the process thoroughly. Contact EdhaCare, and we will get you directly in touch with fertility experts and clinics in Thailand.
FAQs
Is egg freezing legal in Thailand?
Yes, egg freezing is legal in Thailand. However, there may be specific regulations and requirements that need to be met, such as marriage certificates or consent letters. It’s important to check with local fertility clinics or authorities for the exact guidelines.
What is the best time to freeze eggs?
The best time to freeze eggs is in a woman’s late 20s to early 30s when egg quality and quantity are highest. Freezing eggs at an earlier age increases the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy later on, as the eggs will be more viable compared to those collected after 35.
At what age should I freeze my eggs?
The ideal age for freezing eggs varies, but generally, between 25 and 35 is considered optimal. This is when egg quality and quantity are typically at their peak. However, individual circumstances may influence the decision. Consulting with a fertility specialist can help determine the best timing for you.
Is 38 too late to freeze eggs?
While it’s generally recommended to freeze eggs earlier, it’s not too late at 38. However, the success rate may be lower compared to freezing eggs at a younger age. The quality of eggs tends to decline with age. It’s advisable to consult with a fertility specialist for a personalized assessment.
How many frozen eggs for one baby?
The number of frozen eggs needed for one baby can vary depending on factors like egg quality, age, and individual response to fertility treatments. On average, freezing 10-15 eggs may provide a reasonable chance of having one baby. However, this is not a guarantee, and more eggs might be required for some individuals. It’s best to discuss your specific goals with a fertility specialist.