Egg freezing as a means to preserve fertility is once again in the headlines. While for many egg freezing seems like new technology, fertility preservation and oocyte freezing have been of principal interest for many years now, with substantial investment in research and technology development. Developing treatment, like egg freezing, takes considerable time to transition from research to a clinical opportunity offered to patients – and importantly so.
An incredible amount of time and energy from laboratories and clinics across the globe were necessary to satisfy the requisite scrutiny of, and finally endorsement by, the greater medical community. Clinicians now turn to it as an intervention for those interested in preserving their fertility for medical and social reasons, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine lifted the experimental designation, and we have many conversations about it when we interact with other physicians and audiences. It is amazing how quickly the interest spread.
What is particularly refreshing is how a clinical opportunity can weave into the social fabric. Ms. Richards’ article in the Wall Street Journal offers a welcome introduction of the topic to the broader media, providing a social interpretation of a topic that was previously so singularly medical. I thought of the patients I have seen for fertility preservation, and how the discussions ultimately gravitate towards technicalities of the process, allowing substance to be applied to more abstract concepts. This article is a 10,000-foot view of the experience, covering many of the facets individuals recount having repeatedly mulled over by the time I get together with them. Ms. Richards was able to articulate how the institution of medicine intersects with the individual. Empowering, provocative, and individually illuminating, it is an article worthy of its prominence in the Wall Street Journal, and I look forward to reading the book.
There will always be naysayers with the introduction of any substantial shift in medicine, regardless of the field, but particularly so for those that receive so much social attention. However, there is no question that egg freezing is an incredible opportunity, and the success with current methods of fertility preservation will have an impact as prominent as IVF did for the infertile couple, and molecular genetics has had in preventing heritable disorders.
On social issues so fully obvious to us, Ms. Richards gives perspective on the individual front. Fortunately, on the medical front, we have accumulated the data and expertise to allow this shift in the discussion.
If you are interested in learning more about egg freezing, please call Shady Grove Fertility to schedule a consultation at 1-877-971-7755 or click here.
