In today’s rapidly evolving society, the pressure on women to balance a career with family planning is more palpable than ever. It’s a dilemma that leaves many pondering their future, especially when faced with the uncertainty of fertility. One woman’s journey reflects this inner conflict as she asks herself, “If my fertility is uncertain now, what will it look like in a decade?”

After much contemplation, she reached a decision, one that highlighted the societal pressures women often face. She realized the complex expectations placed upon women: to excel professionally without delaying motherhood, to assert independence while adhering to traditional timelines.

Despite these societal pressures, her resolve remained firm. She continually reminded herself of the reasons behind her choice: the future she envisioned for herself and her potential children. This journey underscores the critical balance many women strive to maintain in their personal and professional lives.

Understanding the costs

After weighing it up carefully, I made up my mind.

It made me realise how much pressure society still puts on women: have a career, but don’t wait too long to have kids; be independent, but don’t stray from the ‘normal timeline’.

A lonely process

But I kept reminding myself why I was doing it: for my future and my potential kids.

Libby says the process of freezing her eggs was a lonelier experience than she expected. Source: Supplied

The week of the egg collection was especially tough.

When I started the process, I never thought I’d hear those words. I went in with so much hope, but I was reminded of the reality that nothing is guaranteed.

Libby had to give herself multiple hormone injections in the lead-up to the collection. Source: Supplied

I cried for hours on the day my eggs were collected.

After all the injections, the hormones, the loneliness of doing it on my own, I finally felt like it had been worth it.

Not a guarantee

But to me, these collected eggs are a safety net.

Libby’s stomach showed signs of the multiple hormone injections she was required to give herself in the lead-up to the collection of her eggs. Source: Supplied

I didn’t have a partner when I made the decision to freeze my eggs, and I didn’t want to rush into a relationship just because of my ‘biological clock’.

I felt like freezing my eggs took the pressure out of dating. It also gave me peace of mind that, if I never found that person, I would still have options — like becoming a mother on my own.

Thinking ahead

I see it as the best investment I’ve ever made.

If I hadn’t had a gynaecologist who mentioned egg freezing and compassionate super release, I might never have considered it at all.