Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, offers a method for individuals to preserve their reproductive potential. This process involves extracting mature eggs, which are then frozen and stored for future use. Its primary purpose is to provide a pathway to parenthood at a later time, offering flexibility in family planning and allowing individuals to safeguard their fertility.
Optimal Age for Freezing
The age at which eggs are frozen significantly influences the likelihood of future success. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and both the quantity and quality of these eggs decline over time. Fertility generally begins to decline slowly around age 30, with a more pronounced decrease after 35. By age 37, a woman may have approximately 25,000 eggs remaining, a significant reduction from the 300,000 to 500,000 present at puberty.
As a woman ages, the risk of her eggs having chromosomal abnormalities increases, which can affect the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Freezing eggs at a younger age, typically in the 20s to early 30s, generally yields better outcomes because eggs from younger individuals are of higher quality and are more likely to survive the freezing and thawing process.
Reasons Beyond Age
While biological age is a primary consideration, individuals opt for egg freezing for various medical and personal reasons. Medical conditions or treatments that can compromise fertility often necessitate egg freezing as a proactive measure. For example, before undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for cancer treatment, freezing eggs can preserve the option of biological children, as these therapies can significantly diminish ovarian reserve.
Certain health conditions, such as endometriosis or premature ovarian insufficiency, may also prompt individuals to consider egg freezing. These conditions can affect egg quality and quantity or lead to a rapid decline in egg supply. Freezing eggs provides a safeguard against potential fertility loss caused by these circumstances.
Beyond medical considerations, many individuals choose to freeze eggs due to personal life circumstances. This includes delaying parenthood to pursue educational goals, career advancement, or to establish financial stability. The absence of a suitable partner is another common reason, allowing individuals to extend their reproductive timeline.
The Freezing Process and Success
The egg freezing process begins with an initial consultation and fertility evaluation, including blood tests and ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve. This is followed by ovarian stimulation, where injectable hormonal medications are administered for about 10 to 14 days to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Regular monitoring tracks follicle growth and helps adjust medication dosages.
Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under light sedation, typically taking 20 to 30 minutes. A thin needle, guided by ultrasound, is used to collect mature eggs from the ovarian follicles. The retrieved eggs are then immediately flash-frozen using a technique called vitrification, which rapidly cools them to prevent the formation of damaging ice crystals. This process transforms the liquid inside the eggs into a glass-like state, preserving their quality.
Success rates for egg freezing are measured by live birth rates and are influenced by the age at which eggs were frozen and the number of eggs retrieved. A recent 2024 study reported an overall live birth rate of 26% per embryo transfer, rising to 45% for those who froze eggs before age 36. Approximately 90% of vitrified eggs typically survive the thawing process.
What to Consider Before Freezing
Before proceeding with egg freezing, it is important to consider several practical and financial aspects. The cost of a single egg freezing cycle typically ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, covering consultation, medications, monitoring, anesthesia, and retrieval. Medication costs alone can add $3,000 to $10,800. Additionally, ongoing annual storage fees range from $300 to $1,000.
The process also involves physical and emotional demands, including daily injections and frequent clinic visits during ovarian stimulation. While egg freezing enhances future reproductive options, it does not guarantee a future pregnancy. Consulting with a fertility specialist is important for personalized advice, as they can assess individual ovarian reserve and discuss potential outcomes based on personal health and age.