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Navigating the Challenges of Fertility: One Doctor’s Journey

Breanne Irving has always envisioned herself as a mother, a dream she has pursued with unwavering determination.

“For me, the idea of having children has never been uncertain; it has always been a resounding ‘yes,’” remarked Irving, who is based in Calgary. However, her journey into motherhood has been rife with unexpected challenges.

At 36 years old, the palliative care physician first considered freezing her eggs at age 30. With her career on the rise and personal issues complicating her life, she ultimately decided it wasn’t the right moment to proceed.

“I kept telling myself, ‘No, I need to finish my medical training first,’ and now I’m left questioning if I’ve missed my chance for the one thing I’ve always wanted.”

Nearly four years on, she commenced the egg-freezing process amidst significant life changes, determined to secure the possibility of starting a family when the time is right.

“I decided enough was enough. No more waiting,” she expressed. “It felt deeply wrong to prolong this, and perhaps my body was signaling me that it was time to act.”

The Reality of Fertility and Egg Freezing

Irving’s fertility journey commenced with the alarming revelation that her ovarian reserve was low. She was informed that if she wished to have children, immediate action was necessary—either freezing her eggs or, preferably, embryos.

Compounding her distress was the realization that egg quality and quantity tended to decline in women over 32. “After my initial consultation with the fertility doctor, I was overwhelmed,” Irving recounted. “I struggled to articulate my feelings; it was devastating, especially given my lifelong dream of motherhood.”

A Complex Process With No Guarantees

The process of egg or embryo freezing is far from instantaneous. According to the Pacific Center for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) in Edmonton, a major fertility clinic in Canada, women must undergo procedures akin to those required for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

This involves hormone injections over approximately ten days to stimulate the development of multiple eggs. Afterward, the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, assessed for maturity, and if undergoing IVF, fertilized in a laboratory setting.

Fertility patients seeking to preserve their eggs or embryos utilize a flash-freezing technique called vitrification, which allows for long-term storage without damage. Canadian guidelines stipulate that women may use their frozen eggs for pregnancy attempts up until the age of 50.

During her first retrieval cycle, Irving’s doctor managed to extract just three eggs. A subsequent attempt yielded ten more, resulting in a total of 13 eggs, of which nine were fertilized. Yet, in the end, only a single viable embryo resulted.

Having one viable embryo does not assure a successful pregnancy, leading Irving to plan for a third round of retrieval despite the inherent physical, emotional, and financial toll of the process.

The Financial Burden of Fertility Treatments

The costs associated with fertility treatments can be daunting. The PCRM outlines their expenses, which can vary significantly based on specific procedures, medications, and individual circumstances. The basic cost to freeze eggs is approximately $10,000, with additional medication costs ranging from $3,600 to $8,600. The thawing and fertilizing of those eggs add another $8,650 to the tab.

A full round of IVF can total around $12,250, alongside the variable medication costs previously mentioned. Annual storage fees for eggs or embryos amount to $750, and transferring a frozen embryo starts at about $3,500. Costs escalate further with more complex procedures, such as genetic testing.

On average, a single round of IVF may approach $24,000 in Alberta, with no assurance of resulting in a successful pregnancy.

A recent survey by Fertility Alberta revealed that financial constraints present a significant hurdle for many individuals aspiring to start families. Among the nearly 650 respondents surveyed in September 2023, 74% had opted out of fertility treatments due to costs, and 90% of those indicated that governmental financial assistance would have encouraged them to pursue treatment.

While provinces such as British Columbia have begun to offer funding for IVF treatments set to start in April 2025, Alberta remains unique in that although initial consultations with fertility specialists are covered, the primary treatment costs are not supported.

Residents often rely solely on private insurance—many of which have limitations on coverage—or pay entirely out-of-pocket. Irving has invested between $50,000 and $55,000 in her fertility journey thus far, with her upcoming third retrieval cycle adding to her expenses.

“The hardest aspect is the uncertainty; each round brings with it the unknown regarding outcomes,” she shared. “Though I learned about my situation while I could still take action, I often find myself regretting not having pursued this sooner.”

Understanding Fertility Challenges

April 21-27 marks Canadian Fertility Awareness Week—a critical time to highlight that approximately one in six Canadians experience infertility. Advocates emphasize that societal stigma often hinders discussions around family planning, leaving individuals unaware of available options.

“Educational conversations surrounding reproductive health and family planning are often lacking,” stated Carolynn Dube from Fertility Matters Canada. The group’s initiative aims to reshape perceptions of fertility treatment, raise awareness, and support those affected by infertility issues.

As awareness builds, the average age of first-time mothers in Canada continues to trend upwards, now around 32 compared to 27 in 1977.

Dr. Ariana Daniel, a reproductive endocrinologist, emphasizes the growing gap between the age at which individuals seek fertility treatment and the biological realities of reproduction. “Patients are increasingly approaching us later in life, reducing their chances due to lower egg count and less effective treatments.” She urges potential parents to seek assistance sooner, advocating for proactive measures in family planning, particularly around egg freezing.

Irving remains hopeful about retrieving enough eggs to create the family she has always dreamed of. She hopes her experiences can guide others to explore their options early. “This journey has shifted my priorities; I’ve chosen to allocate resources toward fertility rather than waiting to buy a home,” she explained. She believes that “many women would likely reconsider their family planning if they understood the significance of age 32 as a critical threshold.”

Source
globalnews.ca