Karishma Mehta, the CEO of Humans of Bombay, recently shared a personal milestone that has garnered attention across social media platforms. At 32, she decided to freeze her eggs, a procedure known as oocyte cryopreservation, which allows women to preserve their fertility for the future. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she revealed that she had been contemplating egg freezing for a while but finally took the plunge at the beginning of January 2025. “Been meaning to do this for a while and finally got around to it. I froze my eggs at the beginning of the month,” Mehta wrote, alongside an image of her hand held gently by another person. The post not only reflected her personal journey but also highlighted her professional milestones for the month.
For many women today, the decision to freeze eggs has become an empowering choice. Oocyte cryopreservation, as it is technically known, allows women to preserve their eggs at a time when they are at their healthiest, so they can consider parenthood later in life, without the biological clock becoming an obstacle. As women are increasingly focused on building careers, achieving personal goals, or finding the right partner, egg freezing offers an option to delay parenthood without the worry of infertility that can come with age.
In her post, Karishma Mehta mentioned how she has always been busy with her career and other personal milestones, and the decision to freeze her eggs was an important one for her peace of mind. It’s a choice that many women are increasingly considering, as they realize that fertility can decline as they get older. Mehta’s candidness has opened up the conversation around egg freezing, giving voice to a topic that has often been met with hesitation or judgment. The procedure, while not without its challenges and costs, has become an empowering way for women to take control of their reproductive health.
For women considering freezing their eggs, one of the most common questions is: what is the right age to do it? Medical experts generally suggest that the best time to freeze eggs is in a woman’s late 20s or early 30s. The earlier, the better, as the quality and quantity of eggs begin to decline as women age. In a woman’s early 30s, the number of eggs may still be high, but their quality is gradually decreasing, which is why many opt to freeze eggs between the ages of 32 and 35. However, Mehta’s choice to freeze her eggs at 32 falls right into this ideal window, and many women are opting to do so when they feel ready to make the decision, whether that be for career reasons, personal growth, or simply waiting for the right time.
The egg freezing process involves hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved in a minor surgical procedure. The eggs are frozen and stored for future use, giving women the option to thaw and fertilize them when they are ready to become mothers, often years later. While it doesn’t guarantee a successful pregnancy, egg freezing provides a safety net for women who want to preserve their fertility for when they are prepared to start a family.
While some women may feel pressured by society to start a family before they feel ready, egg freezing provides a liberating option. It allows women like Mehta to focus on their careers and personal aspirations without the looming concern of losing their fertility. For women who choose to freeze their eggs, the process can be a deeply personal and empowering choice, one that enables them to take control of their reproductive health and future.
In a broader context, the rise in egg freezing is also a reflection of changing societal norms around women, careers, and family life. The freedom to make such decisions is indicative of the growing support for women’s rights to choose when and how to become parents. The conversation around egg freezing, sparked by public figures like Karishma Mehta, is helping to normalize what was once a private and often stigmatized decision.
As Karishma Mehta’s experience shows, freezing eggs is a thoughtful, strategic choice for women who want to have children on their terms. By openly sharing her journey, she is not only raising awareness about the process but also encouraging other women to consider their options and make informed decisions about their reproductive futures. Mehta’s story adds to the growing movement of women taking control of their fertility, and it serves as a reminder that the right time to start a family is not defined by age but by individual circumstances and readiness.
The decision to freeze eggs is not one that comes without careful consideration, and it often involves a lot of thought about both the physical and emotional aspects. For many women, the process can feel like a step into the unknown, which is why having open discussions about fertility preservation has become so important. While Karishma Mehta’s decision is inspiring, it’s crucial to note that egg freezing isn’t always the right choice for everyone. Some women may choose other options like egg donation or surrogacy when the time comes, but for those who wish to delay parenthood, egg freezing offers an opportunity to buy time and maintain control over their reproductive health.
Egg freezing also requires financial investment, which can be a barrier for some women. The procedure can be expensive, often requiring multiple rounds of hormone stimulation and egg retrieval to ensure an adequate number of healthy eggs. Additionally, the cost of storing the frozen eggs for future use adds another layer of financial consideration. This is why it’s so important for women to carefully weigh the benefits and potential challenges, including the financial implications, before making a decision.
However, despite the costs, many see egg freezing as an investment in their future. The option to preserve fertility gives women more flexibility and time, which can be crucial as societal expectations around the “right age” for motherhood continue to evolve. It empowers women to pursue life goals without the pressure of a biological clock ticking in the background, and it offers a sense of security that many find comforting.
Beyond the personal and financial considerations, the growing awareness and availability of egg freezing also have a broader social impact. As more women like Mehta share their stories, it helps to de-stigmatize the conversation about fertility and women’s choices. For too long, discussions about reproductive health have been cloaked in silence, often surrounded by judgment or misconceptions. The increasing openness about egg freezing is helping to break down these barriers, encouraging women to take control of their bodies and their futures in a way that suits their individual needs.
For Karishma Mehta, this step is a part of her journey toward taking control of her own timeline. By choosing to freeze her eggs, she is giving herself the opportunity to delay parenthood without worrying about fertility issues down the line. In doing so, she is not just investing in her future as a mother, but also reinforcing the importance of women making choices that align with their lives and careers, free from societal pressures.
As more women consider this option, it’s clear that egg freezing is becoming an integral part of the modern conversation about reproductive health. Whether it’s to delay motherhood or to simply keep options open, it is a choice that can empower women to feel more in control of their personal and professional lives. Mehta’s decision serves as a reminder that women should not have to choose between career and family; with egg freezing, they can have the flexibility to decide when and how they want to embrace motherhood. As conversations continue to evolve, so too will the understanding and acceptance of fertility preservation options, offering women more freedom and autonomy over their reproductive journeys.
