Why Women Should Consider Egg Freezing

Why Women Should Consider Egg Freezing

By Paco Arredondo MD MPH

Women are born with around a million eggs (oocytes) but never produce more throughout life; instead, they gradually mature and ovulate the eggs they already have. By the time a young woman has her first period, only about 400,000 eggs remain. On average, a woman ovulates about 400 eggs in her lifetime, losing roughly 1,000 eggs per month.

Many women mistakenly believe that technological advances can fully counteract age-related infertility, but this is not the case. Misleading media reports and stories of celebrities conceiving in their 40s and 50s (usually through donor eggs or stored embryos) create a false impression that fertility with one’s own eggs is always possible later in life. Meanwhile, more women are choosing to delay childbearing for valid reasons—education, career, personal goals—but this can impact their ability to start a family when they’re ready. Studies reveal a gap between how many children couples hope to have and how many they actually have. Until recently, women often had to make a tough choice between building a career or a family. Now, with egg freezing, they no longer have to.

Since 2012, egg freezing has been a well-established option. The success rate for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is about the same whether using fresh or frozen eggs, although it’s important to understand that success is not guaranteed. Egg freezing is best seen as a way to improve the chances of future parenthood, rather than an insurance policy.

How Egg Freezing Works

Egg freezing follows the same steps as IVF, except that conception and pregnancy are postponed until the woman or couple is ready. The process starts with medications to increase egg production, since women typically release just one egg a month. Once ready, the eggs are retrieved under sedation. In standard IVF, these eggs are fertilized immediately; however, with egg freezing, the eggs are preserved without fertilization and kept in storage for future use. Studies show that pregnancy rates are similar when eggs are frozen before age 35, with success rates around 50%. The younger the woman is at egg freezing, the better the chances of a future pregnancy. The process typically takes 2-5 weeks and costs around $10,000. Choosing a reputable fertility clinic with stringent quality controls is essential.

Who Should Consider Freezing Their Eggs?

• Women who wish to delay motherhood for educational, professional, or personal goals.

• Women who want children but haven’t yet found the right partner.

• Women undergoing cancer treatment that may affect fertility.

• Women who have ethical or religious objections to freezing embryos.

Best Timing for Egg Freezing

The two most common timing mistakes are freezing too early or too late. Freezing too early can lead to unnecessary costs, as younger women are less likely to need their stored eggs. Freezing too late, however, may mean a reduced chance of conceiving with one’s own eggs. Studies suggest that the ideal age range for egg freezing is 31-37.

How Many Eggs Should Be Frozen?

Not every frozen egg will lead to a pregnancy. Research from New York University’s Fertility Center shows that age impacts the number of eggs needed for one successful birth:

• Age 25-34: 8 eggs per live birth

• Age 35-37: 10 eggs per live birth

• Age 38-40: 15 eggs per live birth

• Age 41+: 50 eggs per live birth

In general, 8-10 eggs are recommended if you’re under 37, and 15 eggs if you’re between 38 and 40.

How Long Can Eggs Be Stored?

If eggs respond similarly to embryos, they could remain viable for at least 20 years, if not longer.

Key Takeaway

Despite advancements in reproductive technology, age remains a significant factor. For women in their 40s, conceiving with their own eggs may become increasingly unlikely. Egg freezing offers a way to preserve the possibility of having a biological child in the future. It provides hope rather than a guarantee, but it can be an empowering choice for women who want to keep their options open.

Considering Egg Freezing?

If you’re 30 or older and don’t plan to conceive soon, visit www.eggality.com for more information.