We sat down with Dr Tomasz Lukaszewski, senior consultant in reproductive medicine at London Gynaecology and IVI London to discuss all things fertility. Read on to find out more.
How did you end up becoming a doctor specialising in fertility treatments?
A. I grew up in Poland, where I specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology. My interest in reproductive medicine began early in my career on the labour ward, where I witnessed the profound joy that new life brings to parents. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to help those struggling to conceive. This passion led me to move to the UK, where I completed a fellowship in minimal access surgery and reproductive medicine, allowing me to support individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.
What are the benefits of egg freezing?
A. Egg freezing offers several benefits, particularly for individuals who wish to preserve their fertility for the future. As women age, the proportion of chromosomally abnormal embryos increases, leading to greater difficulties in conceiving and a higher risk of miscarriage. The aneuploidy rate – referring to the proportion of embryos with an abnormal number of chromosomes – is around 10% in women in their mid-twenties but exceeds 90% by the mid-forties.
By freezing eggs at a younger age, individuals can preserve better-quality eggs with a lower risk of chromosomal abnormalities, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy later in life. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are not yet ready to have children due to personal, professional, or medical reasons, such as undergoing cancer treatment or other conditions that may impact fertility.
Egg freezing also provides reproductive autonomy, giving individuals more flexibility in family planning. Additionally, it can be useful for women who prefer to freeze eggs rather than embryos. While egg freezing does not guarantee a future pregnancy, it offers an important option for those looking to extend their reproductive timeline and improve their chances of conception later in life.
Why do you think we are seeing an increase in uptake of the service?
A. The increasing uptake of egg freezing is driven by social, medical, and technological factors. More women today have career opportunities and want to establish themselves before starting a family. The most fertile years, typically the twenties, often coincide with peak career-building time, creating a conflict. Egg freezing allows them to preserve their fertility while pursuing their goals.
Advancements in egg freezing laboratory techniques, such as replacing slow freezing with vitrification, has improved success rates, making the procedure a more viable option. Additionally, greater awareness, changing societal attitudes, and some employers offering egg freezing as a work benefit have further increased its popularity.
While it does not guarantee future pregnancy, egg freezing provides women with greater reproductive autonomy, allowing them to plan their families on their own terms.
Are many of your patients funded by their employers and why do you think companies are offering it- it’s a lot of money?
A. A growing proportion of my patients have their egg freezing funded by their employers, but it still remains a minority. More companies, particularly in industries with demanding career trajectories, such as tech, finance, and law, are offering this benefit as part of their recruitment and retention strategies.
By covering egg freezing, employers give their staff more flexibility in family planning, helping them focus on their careers without feeling pressured by the biological clock.
What does the process look like practically, and what are common side effects?
A. The egg freezing process typically takes around two weeks and involves several key steps. It begins with ovarian stimulation, where daily hormone injections are used to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. During this phase, patients undergo regular ultrasound scans and blood tests to monitor their response to the medication.
Once the eggs have matured, they are retrieved in a short, minor procedure performed under sedation. A fine needle is passed through the vaginal wall into the ovaries to collect the eggs, which are then frozen using vitrification technique. Patients can usually go home the same day and resume normal activities within a day or two.
Common side effects are generally mild and include bloating, mood changes, headaches, and abdominal discomfort due to ovarian stimulation. In rare cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can occur, which may cause more severe bloating, nausea, and fluid retention. However, with careful monitoring, the risk of OHSS is low. Most women tolerate the process well and can return to their normal routine shortly after the procedure.
What is the best part of your job?
A. The best part of my job is helping people achieve their dream of parenthood. Seeing the joy and relief on a patient’s face when they receive good news, whether it’s a successful egg collection, a positive pregnancy test, or the birth of a long-awaited baby, is incredibly rewarding.
Fertility treatment can be an emotional journey, often filled with uncertainty and challenges. Being able to support patients through this process, offering both medical expertise and reassurance, makes the work deeply meaningful. Every success story, no matter how long or difficult the path, reminds me why I chose this field.
Should the NHS make egg freezing more readily available?
A. In an ideal world, egg freezing would be available to everyone, but given the funding pressures on the NHS, I’m not sure that’s feasible in reality. While egg freezing can be a valuable option for those looking to preserve their fertility, NHS resources must be prioritised for treatments with the greatest medical need.
Currently, NHS funding for egg freezing is limited, mostly reserved for patients undergoing medical treatments that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy. Expanding access would require significant investment, and with ongoing pressures on healthcare services, it may not be a priority compared to other urgent medical needs.
What do you love about the City of London?
A. The City of London is in my opinion a place of endless opportunities. It attracts professionals from all over the world, creating an environment of ambition and progress.
Questions compiled by Lara Bowman
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