Thankfully, the new normal of working from home, or at least more flexible working, has certainly made having egg freezing at the same time as continuing to work, a little easier to navigate, but even so, the idea of having to speak to your line manager and explain why you can’t attend that important meeting, adds a whole new layer of complexity to something that is already highly emotionally charged.
Our team often get asked about how best to manage work whilst undergoing egg freezing, and some of the questions we receive include:
- How much time off will I need for blood tests and scans?
- Should I speak to my line manager and be open about having egg freezing, or muddle through and carry on as normal?
- I’m worried about it being obvious I’m going through fertility treatment.
- When will my egg collection be? I’m worried about needing to give work notice for this.
- How do I stay focused during the treatment?
In this article we’re exploring the subject of fertility in the workplace, looking at what you’re entitled to, and offering advice as to how to juggle both work and egg freezing.
Am I legally entitled to time off?
There is no legal right to time off work for egg freezing treatment. However, businesses are starting to include this treatment in their Fertility Policies, so you could think about talking to your manager, requesting a copy of this policy (if there is one!) and finding out if you’d be entitled to time off to attend appointments, or for your egg collection. They may agree to use flexible working, paid time off, unpaid time off or holiday.
If you are written off sick by your doctor, due to the side effects of egg freezing, your employer should treat your absence as no different to any other sick leave taken not in conjunction with egg freezing.
How much time off work do I need for egg freezing?
Every patient is different, so before you start your treatment, we will always try and help you with an approximate plan of how long your egg freezing cycle will take, although this will always be an approximation.
You can expect anything between 4 and 8 scan appointments, and it’s always worth allocating an hour as you may need a blood test and a new prescription.
You will be able to pre-book your first 1 or 2 scans before you start injections, and we will always try to be as accommodating as possible if you need earlier appointments for work etc.
Please bear in mind that ideally, your scans and any blood tests you may need will always have to be before 1pm, this is so we can ensure the blood test results are back from the lab and we have time to discuss your plan in our daily patient review meeting, before calling you that evening with any possible changes to your treatment plan.
You will get advance warning of any longer periods you will be expected to be in the clinic – e.g.: egg collection, and you can expect to know roughly what day this will be around 5 days before, depending on how your follicles are responding to the stimulation drugs.
Expect to take a full day off work for your egg collection. You will be sedated during this procedure and therefore will need someone to collect you from the centre and help you get home. Most patients go back to their normal routines the next day, but it’s important you give your body time to rest and recover from this procedure.
Do I tell my boss I’m having my egg frozen?
There may be a number of factors involved when considering telling your line manager you’re undergoing fertility treatment. These can range from job security to personal privacy.
And while more people are choosing to open up about fertility treatment in the workplace, many still prefer to keep it private, and that’s OK. You can be as open or as private as you need to be.
However, giving yourself breathing space and taking one element of pressure off during such an emotional time, may be one less thing to worry about when it comes to focusing on your treatment, and getting the best possible outcome.
Taking the first step is always going to be the hardest conversation, but having a workable plan can help you feel calmer and more confident when you talk to your line manager.
Come up with some ideas about how you might make up for lost time if appointments run over; having a workable plan can help you feel calmer and more confident when you talk to your boss, as well as offer solutions workable to both parties.
It’s also worthwhile speaking to HR and asking if they have a fertility policy.
Ricki’s Story: “My egg freezing experience”
Ricki – an Evewell patient – had been thinking about preserving her fertility for a while, and last February she took the plunge and decided to freeze her eggs.
She’s sharing her story here, as well as some really useful tips, in the hope it will help other women considering freezing their eggs.
For advice, regular tips and support, connect with us
On Social Media
