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Freezing my Ovum?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/26/2007 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
My parents sat me down today to propose the idea of freezing my ovum. I guess they really want grandkids and are afraid all the drugs I take for my Crohn's and will take in the future will have a detrimental effect on my ability to reproduce and perhaps even on the eggs themselves.

Honestly, I've never even thought about this. I'm 17, I'm a highschool senior! I'm a little freaked out.

Anybody have any ideas? Is this worth pursuing? I'll do it, I guess there's no reason not to, it's just really strange.

Yeah, what do you guys think?
Posted 9/26/2007 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Wow.  I would do a lot of research and discuss with your doctors (both GI and GYN) before doing this.  I believe that the harvesting process is invasive, and involves messing with your hormone levels to get your body to release multiple eggs, so it's not something to do lightly.  Also, insurance might not want to cover it, considering it's for possible future pregnancy and not current infertility.  So it's going to be expensive.

It all depends on the severity of your disease, but women with Crohn's have healthy babies.  I can understand the concern, the meds can really mess with our bodies.  It wouldn't hurt to consider your options.  But you're only 17.  Don't let them push you into doing something you don't want to do.  It's your body and any elective treatment like this should be entirely your decision.

Posted 9/26/2007 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
I think that is a little excessive.  I have 3 grown daughters all conceived and born after my Crohns diagnosis.  All healthy!  Also, there are many women on this board who have conceived and given birth to healthy babies while still taking Remicade and 6mp and Imuran. 
Posted 9/26/2007 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds excessive to me too. I haven't really heard or read much about anyone having fertility problems with these disease, even in people who have had major surgery. Plus, the most common concern is staying healthy throughout a pregnancy, not getting pregnant. This would still be an issue even if you do this.

I understand your parents looking out for your future wishes. I'm sure they are just thinking they want to make sure that in the future you have the option of having children if you want. I don't see why there should be a rush since you are only 17. Take your time and do a lot of research of your own. Good luck.
Posted 9/26/2007 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
if you ask me that is totally ridiculous. You are 17! Your parents should be focusing on taking care of you, not wondering if you'll have babies someday. I am 22 and my mom and dad have both said the most important thing is to get me feeling better and then I can decided if Id like to have a baby or not.

I wouldn't do this just because your parents asked. Just because you are on medication doesn't mean you can't have a perfectly healthy baby someday.

Posted 9/26/2007 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
I have never come across that and surprised they would even mention that at your age. I have had CD for 20 yrs (I am 28 now) and would love a baby. However I need to heal still from my surgeries and fistulas. My GI is a CD specialist and does many studies and lectures on CD and pregnancy and no GI or GYN that I have had has ever mentioned freezing my eggs for the future. Most people are able to have children it is just best to do it while feeling well
Posted 9/26/2007 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
That would have blown my mind as well and it really blew my mind when I seen how old you are.Maybe you can get your GI to give you something that shows your parents that there are many women that has had a healthy pregancy and healthy baby's.Let us know what you choose to do.
Posted 9/27/2007 6:02 AM (GMT 0)
There is no way I would do esp just because my parents want Grandkids. Unless your CD is that severe I wouldn't even think about doing anything that drastic. You are 17 y/o. You need to focus on being a teenager. Not worrying about having babies. Talk to your doctor if you want. But do it because you are concerned, not your parents wanting Grandkids.
Posted 9/29/2007 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed w/ CD a few years after having my kids, but I am pretty sure I've had it undiagnosed for a long time. I'd ask my gastroenterologist and gynocologist about this before taking that step. I haven't heard of CD medications causing infertility myself.
Posted 9/30/2007 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
i would not worrie about anything. I was DX with crohns when i was about 8-9 and have been on just about every medication around. Now in my 30's i have 2 healthy kids and had no proplems with conceiving them or with the pregancy
Posted 9/30/2007 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
My Goodness!

No do not do this. You are young and that should be the last thing on yours or your parents mind. You are 27 for crying out loud. Worry about getting better and taking care of yourself! Babies come in about 10 years! Wait, Relax!

Good Luck!
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