You’re scrolling through Instagram, and suddenly every other post is someone announcing they froze their eggs. Your college roommate just did it. Your coworker too. Even that celebrity you follow casually mentioned it between vacation pics.
And now you’re wondering: Should I be doing this?
The numbers tell the story. According to Carrot Fertility, in 2022, nearly 29,000 women froze their eggs—up from just 7,591 in 2015. That’s a 283% jump. Research from Cofertility found the average age for first-time brides has climbed from 22 in 1980 to over 28 today. We’re living differently. Planning differently. And egg freezing? It’s become less “experimental procedure” and more “insurance policy.”
But here’s the thing—before you drop tens of thousands of dollars on this fertility bet, you need answers. Real ones. Not the glossy brochure version. Let’s dig in.
What’s my actual chance of having a baby with frozen eggs?
Here’s what the data really shows: Research from Extend Fertility found over 90% of frozen eggs survive the thawing process, with pregnancy success rates exceeding 55% across all age groups.
But age matters. A lot. According to NYU Langone’s study, women under 38 who freeze 20 or more eggs achieve a 70% live birth rate. Research found that if you’re under 35 and freeze 10-20 eggs, you’re looking at a 70-90% chance of at least one live birth.
The catch? According to Future Fertility, each frozen egg has roughly a 6.4% chance of becoming a baby. That’s why clinics recommend freezing 15-20 eggs minimum.
Think of it like this: You’re not buying a guarantee. You’re buying better odds than waiting five more years.
How much is this actually going to cost me?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—this gets expensive fast.
As of January 2025, the average cost for one egg freezing cycle in the US is $14,364. But that’s just the procedure. Add medications ($3,500-$6,000), annual storage fees ($500-$1,000), and the fact that most women need two cycles? You’re realistically looking at $20,000-$40,000 total.
The breakdown:
- Initial consultation: $0-$656 (sometimes free)
- One cycle: $8,000-$20,000 depending on location
- Meds: $3,500-$6,000
- Storage: $700-$1,000 yearly
New York City? Nearly $18,000 per cycle. Jacksonville, Florida? Around $10,000.
Here’s the good news: About 20% of large US employers now cover egg freezing as a benefit, up from just 5% in 2015. Check your HR portal. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple cover up to $75,000 for fertility treatments.
What’s the ideal age to freeze my eggs?
The short answer: Yesterday.
The realistic answer: Before 35 is ideal, when research shows you can achieve up to 75% success rates.
At 37 (the average age women freeze eggs), you’re already working with diminished quality and quantity. Data from Spring Fertility found that by 37, egg quality starts declining faster. After 37, embryo development rates in frozen eggs take a steeper nosedive.
But listen—if you’re 38 or 39, don’t let that discourage you. Research found that women across all ages achieved a 58% live birth rate when they thawed 20 or more eggs.
The biological reality: Your egg supply peaks in your twenties. By 35, fertility starts its slide. At 40, it’s cut in half. Freezing eggs now gives you younger eggs for later.
How long does the whole process take?
Good news here—it’s not a months-long ordeal.
According to experts, from your first consultation to egg retrieval, you’re looking at 4 to 6 weeks total.
Here’s how it breaks down: Week one includes your consultation, bloodwork, and ultrasound. Weeks two through three involve daily hormone injections for 10-12 days. By week three, you’re ready for the egg retrieval—a 20-minute procedure.
Research from Johns Hopkins found the retrieval itself takes 20-30 minutes under anesthesia. You’ll need someone to drive you home. Take the day off. By tomorrow, most women are back to normal.
The real-time commitment? Those monitoring appointments. You’ll have 5-7 quick check-ins (ultrasounds and bloodwork) during your stimulation phase. Most clinics schedule these early in the morning, before work.
What are the side effects and risks?
Let’s be real about what you’re signing up for.
Common side effects from hormone injections include bloating, mood swings, cramping, breast tenderness, and mild abdominal discomfort.
Think heightened PMS symptoms. Not fun, but manageable. The bigger concern? Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)—when your ovaries swell and become painful. Research shows severe OHSS only happens in 0.1-2% of cycles.
After retrieval, expect some cramping and bloating for a few days. Maybe light bleeding. Nothing that’ll keep you down for long.
The needles? They’re tiny. You inject into the soft part of your stomach. Most women say it’s way less scary than they imagined.
Can I still live my normal life during the process?
Yes, with some modifications.
According to Extend Fertility, the majority of women work normally during their egg freezing cycle. You’re not bedridden. You’re just slightly…inconvenienced.
You can keep working your regular schedule, do light exercise like yoga or walking, and handle most daily activities. But you’ll want to skip intense workouts, minimize alcohol and caffeine, avoid unprotected sex, and stay away from hot yoga or saunas.
Your ovaries are temporarily enlarged from all those growing follicles. High-impact stuff can be uncomfortable or risky.
Do I really need more than one cycle?
Probably, yeah.
According to FertilityIQ data, the average egg freezing patient does a second cycle, and more than 20% do a third.
Why? Research from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital shows freezing 15+ eggs significantly increases your live birth rate. Women under 35 need about 20 eggs frozen to hit 90% success rates.
But here’s reality: One retrieval typically yields 10-12 eggs. Not all will be mature. Not all will survive thawing. Some won’t fertilize.
Your doctor will give you personalized recommendations based on your AMH levels (your ovarian reserve test). Lower AMH? You might need more cycles.
How long can I store my eggs?
As long as you keep paying the storage fees, you can keep them indefinitely.
Eggs frozen for more than 10 years have resulted in successful pregnancies. The length of storage doesn’t change success rates.
They’re sitting in liquid nitrogen at -321°F. Time literally stops for them.
Data from FertilityIQ found that only 10-20% of women actually return to use their frozen eggs. For many, egg freezing is the backup plan they never need—but having it brings peace of mind.
Annual storage runs $500-$1,000. Over 10 years, that’s another $5,000-$10,000 to factor in.
Will my insurance cover any of this?
Here’s where it gets tricky.
Most insurance plans don’t cover elective egg freezing—only medically necessary cases, like before cancer treatment. According to the National Infertility Association, nineteen states require some fertility coverage, but there are usually significant restrictions.
You can often use HSA or FSA funds for fertility treatments—that’s 20-25% savings depending on your tax bracket. And if you’re in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island, you might have better coverage options under state laws.
Call your insurance’s benefits hotline. Ask specifically about fertility preservation. Get everything in writing.
Key Takeaway
Egg freezing isn’t a crystal ball—it’s a bet on your future self.
The data’s clear: According to multiple studies, freezing before 35 gives you the best odds. You’re looking at $14,000-$20,000 per cycle, with most women needing two rounds. Success rates hover around 55% overall, jumping to 70% for younger women with 20+ eggs banked.
The process takes 4 to 6 weeks of injections, monitoring, and one outpatient procedure. Side effects are mostly manageable. Storage is indefinite. And increasingly, employers are covering it.
Here’s what matters most: If you know you want kids someday but not today, egg freezing buys you time—and options. It’s not perfect. It’s not cheap. But for many women navigating careers, relationships, and uncertain timelines, it’s the insurance policy worth having. Your call.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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