Akansha Ranjan Kapoor opens up on egg freezing pain: 'felt like a big balloon inside me'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Akansha Ranjan Kapoor shared candid details about the physical toll of egg freezing during an appearance on Soha Ali Khan's podcast All About Her, describing intense discomfort that left her unable to stand straight or walk for days. The conversation, which aired on 30 April, touched on reproductive choices, medical advancements, and the often-unspoken challenges women face during fertility procedures.
The physical toll of the procedure
Akansha Ranjan Kapoor detailed the extent of her discomfort during the egg freezing cycle, explaining that the pain was far more severe than typical menstrual cramps. She described a sensation of heaviness and bloating that made basic movement difficult. "I couldn't stand straight because it just felt like there was a big balloon inside me," she said, noting that her doctor attributed the intensity to her smaller frame.
Daily challenges during recovery
The actress revealed that for 2-3 days following the procedure, she was unable to walk between her residence and her sister's house — located in adjacent wings of the same building — to receive injections. Despite asking her doctor about workout options, she was told walking was the only permitted activity, which proved impossible given her condition. "After the first day, there's no way I can even walk," she explained.
Beyond physical pain
Akansha Ranjan Kapoor clarified that the discomfort extended beyond typical pain sensations. She described it as a unique combination of bloating, heaviness, and hormonal effects that created a persistent sense of unease. "It's not a period cramp. It's not pain. It's just a discomfort, which is bloating, heaviness, like there's just a big balloon in my stomach and it'll burst any minute," she elaborated, emphasizing how hormonal changes compounded the physical symptoms.
Why this conversation matters
The discussion between Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and Soha Ali Khan represents a rare moment of candour about reproductive health in Indian entertainment. Egg freezing remains a topic shrouded in silence and stigma, with many women unaware of the physical realities before undergoing the procedure. By sharing her experience publicly, Akansha has opened a dialogue about informed consent and the need for better support systems around fertility treatments.