Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is experiencing an unprecedented increase in demand.
In 2021 alone, nearly 25,000 women in the United States underwent egg freezing cycles, a big jump from over 16,000 in 2020. That reflects a huge shift in how women organize their family lives, taking control of their reproductive calendars.
Yet while the technology is offering incredible possibilities, there are some very important facts that many wish they had known earlier before going through the procedure. Here are nine things women learn along the way to egg-freezing.
Age Is the Single Most Important Factor
Your age at the time of freezing your eggs has a large impact on your future chances of success. Fertility experts note that egg quality and number decline with age, particularly after 35.
Egg-freezing in your late 20s or early 30s yields a higher number of healthy, viable eggs per cycle. This gives you a statistically enhanced chance of a successful pregnancy in the future.
The majority of women will wait until they are in their late 30s, then realize that they will have to go through multiple, expensive cycles before they can reap enough eggs for a fertile attempt at a future live birth.
It’s a Numbers Game, and No Guarantees Exist
Egg freezing is not an insurance policy; it is a numbers game. Not all eggs can be rescued with the thawing procedure; not all of those that survive will be fertilizable, and not all of those that do fertilize will develop into viable embryos.
A woman younger than 35 years old will have to freeze about 15 to 20 mature eggs in order to have a specified 70-80% chance of at least one live birth.
A woman freezing eggs at the age of 40 might need 30 or more eggs for a 50% chance of pregnancy, sometimes requiring more than one retrieval cycle.
The Price Tag Can Be Expensive
The cost is often an unpleasant surprise. A single egg freezing cycle costs between $8,000 and $20,000 or more, including the initial appointments, monitoring, medications, and retrieval procedure itself.
Aside from that, you will be paying annual storage fees, which range from $500 to $1,000. When the moment to use the eggs finally arrives, the thawing process, fertilization (via IVF and ICSI), and embryo transfer involve additional expenditures, typically amounting to more than $5,000.
The Process Is a Physical and Emotional Marathon
The egg freezing process involves a series of strenuous steps. You will inject yourself with daily hormones for about 10-14 days. Undergoing several visits to your clinic for blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor follicular development is common during this period.
The side effects of the hormones include bloating, mood swings, tiredness, and discomfort. As fertility physician Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh notes, “The emotional process of egg freezing is often underestimated. It makes you examine your fertility, your timeline, and your future plans in a very obvious way, which can be empowering as well as scary.”
Your Pre-Cycle Lifestyle Matters
Doctors recommend preparing your body at least three months before embarking on an egg freezing cycle. Maximize your diet, cut down on alcohol and caffeine, stop smoking, and maintain a good weight.
These lifestyle modifications can positively affect egg quality and the way your body reacts to the stimulation medication. The majority of women wish they had implemented these healthier lifestyle modifications sooner, so they could have gotten the maximum benefits from their first cycle.
You May Need More Than One Cycle
A single retrieval cycle is what the majority believe to be necessary. The number of eggs obtained from a single cycle varies widely based on age, ovarian reserve, and response to medication.
Most females, especially females older than 35, find that they need to complete two or even three cycles before reaching the amount of eggs for a guaranteed chance at a future pregnancy.
That doubles the financial, physical, and psychological expense.
Post-Retrieval Recovery Takes Time
The egg retrieval is a brief in-office surgical procedure with sedation, yet recovery is not immediate. Most women experience cramping, spotting, and bloating for several days after the procedure.
Although numerous females are capable of returning to work the next day, it is best to take a couple of days off work. Rarely, an Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) condition occurs, which is worse, requires medical assessment, and involves a more extended recovery period.
Success Rates for Frozen Eggs Are Still Emerging
Even as the technology for freezing eggs has progressed significantly, the data on live births using frozen eggs are still catching up. With frozen eggs, success largely depends on the age of the eggs when frozen and the number of eggs procured.
The overall national success rate per embryo transfer using frozen eggs is roughly 40-50%, but this figure is deceptive without considering age and egg quality. It’s a tremendous hope, not a guarantee.
It’s an Act of Empowerment, No Matter What
Despite the cost and inconvenience, nearly every woman who freezes her eggs reports feeling a tremendous sense of relief and empowerment.
Taking positive control of their reproductive future confers a sense of security, removing from their lives the stress of having to make momentous decisions about career, relationship, and having babies against the backdrop of a biological clock.
It creates options and buys valuable time, which is priceless for many.
Key Takeaways
Act Early: Your age at the time of freezing is the most significant predictor of success. Late 20s to early 30s is optimal.
Understand the Numbers: Egg freezing is an opportunity, not a guarantee. You will likely need to freeze 15-20 eggs for a decent chance at a future delivery.
Budget accordingly: Large out-of-pocket costs are expected for the cycle, meds, annual storage charges, and IVF expenses down the line.
Get Ready: The procedure is an emotional and physical commitment. Be prepared for hormone side effects, frequent appointments, and recovery of a few days.
Embrace the Empowerment: Regardless of what the final decision is, egg freezing is an empowering step in taking control of your family-planning timeline.
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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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