The Truth About Freezing My Eggs: What I Wish I Knew
Mar 24, 2025
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Zack, Liz Moody’s husband, shares their candid journey through freezing embryos. They discuss their emotional rollercoaster, from the excitement and anxiety of the decision to the physical effects of hormone injections. Zack humorously tackles the egg retrieval process and reveals surprising post-procedure emotions. They candidly address the financial aspects and societal pressures tied to their choices, making the complexities of fertility preservation feel relatable and reassuring.
The decision to freeze embryos stemmed from a desire to prepare for parenthood while managing age-related fertility risks.
Preparing for embryo freezing highlighted emotional complexities, including anxiety, societal pressure, and the importance of open communication between partners.
Financial considerations were crucial in their journey, prompting a thorough evaluation of costs and societal factors influencing family planning.
Deep dives
Decision to Freeze Embryos
The decision to freeze embryos was primarily motivated by a desire for more time to prepare for parenthood. The couple wanted to ensure they could focus on their careers and personal goals before entering the new stage of parenthood. They acknowledged that with age, particularly at 38, comes increased risks associated with pregnancy, which made the thought of freezing embryos appealing for peace of mind. By delaying the decision to conceive, they could also mitigate potential fertility issues that could arise later.
Emotional Journey and Mixed Feelings
The process of preparing to freeze embryos brought up a complex mix of emotions for both individuals. Anxiety about hormonal treatments and bodily changes was prevalent, particularly for one partner who had a history of trauma related to bodily control. Additionally, feelings of societal pressure and personal shame related to not being on a certain life path by age 38 created internal conflict. They navigated these feelings through open discussions about expectations and recognizing the unique path they were creating for themselves.
Physical Experience of the Process
As the procedure approached, the couple detailed the steps they took to prepare their bodies for hormone injections and egg retrieval. Health-focused strategies, including a nutritious diet and specific supplements, were vital components of their preparation. Despite initial fears of discomfort from the injections and bloating, the physical experience turned out to be manageable, with minimal side effects reported during the hormone regimen. The retrieval was also described as a quick and efficient process, leading to optimism about the outcome.
Post-Procedure Recovery and Mental Health
After the egg retrieval, one partner experienced unexpected emotional challenges, specifically a deep sense of depression that persisted for a couple of weeks. This emotional state was attributed to hormonal shifts following the procedure, which was important for them to acknowledge as a possible outcome. The need for self-compassion and understanding of this temporary phase was emphasized, highlighting that such experiences are common and valid. They found support in acknowledging their feelings and the importance of seeking information on mental health during such transitions.
Financial Considerations and Transparency
The conversation about financial implications revealed that embryo freezing is a significant investment, prompting an analysis of long-term costs associated with parenthood. The couple conducted a thorough examination of their finances to understand the affordability of both freezing embryos and ultimately raising a child. They recognized the privilege involved in their ability to make such choices while also addressing the societal factors that can affect decisions about family planning. This financial discussion led to greater clarity and reassurances about their readiness for the next steps in their journey.
Are you considering freezing your eggs? Zack and I are diving into our experience freezing embryos with no details left out, from our decision-making process to preparation for the procedure through to post-procedure effects. We’ll get into the most difficult aspects of the process, the unexpected emotions that came up, and the actual retrieval procedure itself, and the one thing that everybody wants to know: just how much it cost.
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The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy.
Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast.
This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
