egg freezing

What AMH Level Do I Need to Freeze My Eggs?
Here's the full scoop on what to expect from the AMH blood test.
The AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) test is just one of many tests you may get when seeking answers about your fertility. But we know you’re not about to head to the doctor’s office for a blood draw without understanding what you’re getting yourself into. So here’s the full scoop on what to expect.
The lowdown on the AMH test
Think of the AMH blood test as a peek into a woman’s ovarian reserve. Here’s how it works: The AMH hormone is secreted by follicles in the ovaries. As you may know, follicles are the beginnings of human eggs, and a woman only has a finite number of eggs—the number of eggs decreases with age. This test measures the level of AMH in your blood.
“A higher level of AMH correlates to a higher ovarian reserve, or as we say, ‘the more gas left in the tank,’ says Dr. Joshua Hurwitz, MD, senior physician and partner at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT).
About those eggs...
Unfortunately, women with a lower ovarian reserve may retrieve fewer eggs during egg freezing, so understanding your ovarian reserves is an important step in informing yourself and your doctors about what’s going on in your body. That way, you can make the right plans for you, depending on your goals.
Probably the most common reason to have an AMH blood test is as part of a fertility evaluation for any female patient interested in egg freezing or IVF, says Dr. Hurwitz. Any woman who’s trying to understand her future fertility potential could decide to have her AMH levels tested as well. In other words, you also might want to get the AMH blood test if you fall into any of these categories:
- You’re considering becoming an egg donor
- You might be freezing your eggs
- You’re thinking about getting pregnant and want to know if there’s a reason to act quickly
This isn’t like looking into a crystal ball. While having a normal ovarian reserve gives you a snapshot of what your fertility looks like now, it’s not a guarantee for what will happen in the future. Still, the results could help a woman more confidently decide to wait to try to become pregnant, or to freeze her eggs for potential use in the future, says Dr. Hurwitz.
What AMH do I need to freeze my eggs?
Research has found that AMH is a good predictor of the number of eggs retrieved during egg freezing, independent of age. Because of this, a fertility doctor will use your AMH levels (amongst other biomarkers) to determine the drugs and dosages during the procedure.
In general, says Hurtwitz, patients can interpret their AMH level this way:
- Above 1.0 ng/ml (nanograms per deciliter): Normal
- Below 1.0 ng/ml: Showing weakness in the ovarian reserve
- Below 0.5 ng/ml: Showing severe weakness in the ovarian reserve
But know that a very high level of AMH could be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may require specific fertility treatment and/or medications. When AMH is over 5.0 nanograms per deciliter, for example, Dr. Hurwitz says it’s worth addressing if there are other potential signs of PCOS. Also, FYI: younger women tend to have higher AMH levels, and older women tend to have lower AMH levels.
What AMH do I need to donate my eggs?
If you are looking to donate your eggs, minimum AMH requirements may be slightly higher. For example, with Cofertility’s Split program, we require a minimum AMH of 2.0, though clinics may have their own unique requirements. This is to increase the chances of retrieving enough eggs to actually split, to ensure positive outcomes for both parties involved.
AMH as part of a full work-up
It’s important to know that the AMH really isn’t a one-and-done test. It’s often done as part a full fertility evaluation, which may also include:
- Hysterogram (a.k.a. Sonohystogram or SHG), an ultrasound in which saline is added to the uterus (sort of a weird sensation but not so bad), so doctors can see inside and identify any problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes.
- Semen analysis, a test of a male partner’s sperm that gauges sperm count, as well as motility (the way they move) and morphology (size, shape and structure). Guys are so lucky this is their only major test.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes (with a liquid dye in your bod!), which also can help identify or rule out certain problems.
In fact, the AMH probably isn’t the only ovarian reserve test you’ll get. It’s often done alongside:
- FSH blood test, another blood test. This is used to measure a different hormone called the Follicle Stimulating Hormone. FSH is released at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, so you’ve got to have your blood drawn at day 2, 3, or 4 of your period. A high level of FSH is associated with low ovarian reserve, and a low level of FSH is associated with a normal ovarian reserve.
- Basal Antral Follicle Count, an ultrasound in which the doctors will count the number of follicles they can see. The more follicles, the greater the ovarian reserve.
A woman’s age is also a huge factor in ovarian reserve and is really the most accurate way of gauging the quality of the remaining eggs, says Dr. Hurwitz.
It’s painless (mostly)
Since this is just a low-key blood test, there’s really not much to worry about. It can be done at any time during your menstrual cycle, and you don’t need to prep for it by fasting or in any other way. Think of it like getting a blood draw at your annual physical. You’ll have blood taken as usual through a needle into a syringe, and a Band-Aid will be placed on the site. Then, you’ll be able to go about your day as normal.
Dr. Hurwitz says his patients usually receive their AMH test results within a few days up to about a week, and they’re given over the phone by a nurse who can answer any questions they may have about their AMH levels. Then, after all their initial testing is done, the doctor sits down with his patients and discusses the results of all their tests to give a 360-degree picture of their fertility status.
Plotting your next steps
AMH level alone won’t tell you what your next steps will be. If you’ve had all the ovarian reserve testing done, there isn’t anything further that needs to be measured in that regard.
Remember, AMH level should never be the sole measure of a woman’s fertility. In fact, one recent Journal of the American Medical Association study found that AMH levels didn’t predict which women would get pregnant over the course of a year. This is a reassuring sign for women who have low AMH levels, but Dr. Hurwitz notes that it doesn’t mean that the AMH test results aren’t important. They can help your doctor understand what’s going on in your body.
Taking your AMH results into consideration with all your other test results and health history, you and your doctor will come up with a course of action. There’s no one answer for what this will be based on AMH level, but a low ovarian reserve might prompt a woman to begin egg freezing sooner.
Interested in freezing your eggs? We can help! Our Freeze by Co is a better approach to egg freezing, and free when you give half to a family who can't otherwise conceive

What Should I Know Before I Decide About Egg Freezing?
Here's all the info you'll need to decide whether egg freezing is right for you.
If you think you probably want kids someday—just maybe not, like, today—you might be considering freezing your eggs. Women who choose to do it can find it really empowering, but it can also be a huge personal and financial investment. We’ve gathered the basic info you’ll need to decide whether egg freezing is right for you.
What’s the process like?
The whole point of egg freezing is to trick your ovaries into sending a whole crop of eggs out into the world in one go. This starts with nearly two weeks of intense, at-home prep work on your part. Here’s how it all plays out:
Shots/Sonograms/More Shots
Starting on day 2-3 of your period, you’ll give yourself daily injections of follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH). In a natural cycle, your brain makes smaller doses of these hormones on its own to signal to the ovaries that it’s time to make a single egg ready for ovulation. With this treatment, the brain’s natural process is overridden by the injections in order to encourage the ovaries to release as many eggs as possible.
But not so fast, ovaries! You’ll also be given a third drug in combination with these that will keep your eggs from releasing before the doctor is ready to catch them. Depending on which one you’re prescribed, you’ll start taking this at the same time as the stimulants, or about halfway through the stimulant cycle. Don’t worry, you’ll receive specific instructions on all of these and before you know it, you’ll be an expert at giving yourself a shot. Look at you go!
You’ll take these daily injections for 10-12 days, during which time you’ll also be carefully monitored by the clinic with trans-vaginal ultrasounds that examine your follicles (the ovarian sacs that release the eggs), and blood tests to track your hormone levels. Your medications will be adjusted based on the info from these tests.
When follicles are nice and plump, you do a trigger shot and then go into the center for your egg retrieval. This actually triggers ovulation and it’s what’s needed for the DNA to become mature, but your eggs will be retrieved right before they’re released from the follicles.
Retrieval
An egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure. Most centers use twilight anesthesia, so you’ll be under sedation through an IV, but breathing on your own. The doctor performing the egg retrieval will insert a trans-vaginal sonogram. Now, here’s the kinda weird part: on the tip of that sonogram wand is a small needle, which pierces the vaginal wall, and then enters the ovary on the other side (the doctor is watching all of this happen on the sonogram screen). The needle drains the fluid (containing the microscopic egg) from each of the mature follicles. The entire thing takes about 20 minutes, and you can go home soon after.
In the lab, each egg is isolated from the fluid by an embryologist, then stripped of its surrounding cells, and checked under a microscope for maturity. Mature eggs are frozen, post-mature eggs are discarded, and immature eggs may be observed overnight, to see if they are ready to be frozen the next day.
Recovery
Depending on how many eggs are retrieved, getting over the procedure might be no big deal, or you could have post-retrieval symptoms. Some women experience bloating, cramping, nausea, and potentially some weight gain for a few days after the procedure. Time to stock up on coconut water and get cozy with some Netflix.
How many eggs will I get?
“People always ask, ‘why can’t you just give every woman enough drugs so that everyone makes 20 eggs?’ But that’s not how it works. Our ovaries have a set number of follicles every menstrual cycle,” explains Dr. Talebian. And of course, each woman is different, so the expectation for egg retrieval has to be set on an individual basis.
“You can have a 30-year-old who has 30 follicles and produces 30 eggs; and you can have a 30-year-old with 4 follicles and produces 4 eggs.” Once you begin the process, your doctor will monitor your follicle count as well as a blood test of your anti-Müllarian hormone (AMH), which are both good predictors of how many eggs you can expect. It’s super personal and varies case-by-case.
Once your eggs are frozen, the next important number to seek when interviewing a clinic is their thaw rate. This number indicates the percentage of frozen eggs actually survive the warming process in order to be used for IVF. Beyond that, there isn’t really enough data to provide success rates for pregnancy using a woman’s own frozen eggs (versus frozen embryos, for example.
“Anyone who says they can give success rates based on egg freezing is probably not giving an accurate answer,” says Dr. Talebian. “We can give you success rates for healthy donor eggs, but most women who come in to freeze eggs at ages 30-35 have not come back to use those eggs. So there isn’t enough data to give a success rate.”
At what age should I freeze my eggs?
As we’ve said before, everyone is different, but Dr. Talebian provided some basic guidelines.
- If you have no fertility risk factors: between ages 30-34
- If you have some fertility red flags: consider testing at an earlier age, if, for example, if you have a history of endometriosis, family history of early menopause, or any history of radiation or chemotherapy exposure
“Unfortunately, there’s no magic blood test or ultrasound or MRI that says ‘oh you could wait until you’re 38, or you need to do it at 28,’” says Dr. Talebian. What the centers do have are the stats for the average women at each age and then your personal history and the follicle counts they can take when you come in for your first appointment. Based on all this information, you can have a straightforward convo with the doctor about your likelihood of success, so you can make the best call for your future.
Read more: A Breakdown of Egg Freezing Success Rates by Age
How much will it cost?
It can totally vary, depending on where you live and from center to center. We can help with this. In our Freeze by Co program, we get special pricing from clinics and on medications. Plus, you get access to an amazing community of women freezing at the same time.
We also offer free egg freezing through our Split program, where you freeze your eggs for free when you donate half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive.
Want to learn more? Take our quiz to see if you’re eligible.

Fibroids and Egg Freezing - What You Should Know
If you have uterine fibroids and are considering egg freezing, read on to learn more about causes, treatments, and considerations.
If your doctor told you that you have uterine fibroids—or even if you just think you might have them—you’re probably wondering if they’re going to mess with your chances of getting pregnant down the line, or if they’ll impact your ability to freeze your eggs.
The good news is that fibroids are pretty common. The better news is that in most cases, they’re no problem at all. Here’s the 411 on fibroids and egg freezing.
What causes fibroids?
Fibroids are technically tumors, but they aren’t cancerous and shouldn’t increase your risk of uterine cancer, according to the Office on Women’s Health. Yay, right? Slightly less yay: there’s no clear answer about why these growths appear, but doctors do think there’s a genetic component.
“Fibroids develop when one cell starts to divide and grow,” explains Dr. Anthony Propst, reproductive endocrinologist at Texas Fertility Center. According to Dr. Propst, they can be as small as a marble or as big as a volleyball. (Yup, you read that right. A volleyball—yikes.)
Dr. Propst says that 50% (!!!) of reproductive-age women have one or more fibroids, and that they’re more common among African American women. A 2013 study in the Journal of Women’s Health showed that African American women were more likely to experience severe fibroid symptoms (like heavy periods) and more likely to report that fibroids affect their physical activities.
What symptoms will I have?
Infertility is one symptom of fibroids, says Dr. Propst, but if you haven’t been trying to conceive yet then you may be totally in the dark about these little suckers. If that’s the case, here are some other symptoms to look out for:
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Prolonged and/or painful periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Lower back pain
- Painful sex
UCLA Health reports that about one-third of fibroids are large enough to be detected by your OB/GYN during a physical, so don’t blow off those annual exams, ladies.
How do I know if I have fibroids?
An ultrasound is the best way to tell if you have uterine fibroids. It will also reveal their location and size. Depending on your doctor, this may be an abdominal ultrasound or a transvaginal one. If you haven’t had one of those yet, we know it might sound intimidating, but trust us, it’ll be super helpful in getting a really good look around.
So, can and should I freeze my eggs if I have fibroids?
Yes, you can freeze your eggs if you have fibroids. In fact, some people opt to freeze their eggs before certain fibroid treatments.
However, some fibroids can make it difficult to access the ovaries during the egg retrieval. If you are interested in freezing with Freeze by Co, we will set you up with a fertility doctor for a consultation where they can give you more personalized advice.
Will fibroids affect my fertility?
Fibroids can affect fertility now or in the future. Approximately 5% – 10% of infertile women have fibroids, but most women with fibroids will not be infertile. According to Dr. Mark Trolice, infertility specialist at Fertility CARE: The IVF Center in Florida, it’s not the size of fibroids but the location that determines their overall effect on fertility.
“Unless the uterine cavity is affected by fibroids, we leave them alone,” he says. “But if there’s a distortion of the cavity—like if the fibroid is growing there, or is pushing into the cavity—then surgery is recommended,” since that might affect fertility.
Dr. Propst adds that fibroids growing within the muscle of the uterus (also called intramural fibroids) can impact your pregnancy chances, because fibroids within the womb can prevent implantation of an embryo.
Can fibroids affect egg quality?
Fibroids can affect whether sperm and egg meet (by blocking the pathway) and if the embryo has room to implant in the uterus. Fibroids can also affect the growth and positioning of the baby if you do get pregnant. But there’s not much known about if fibroids can impact egg quality, and it’s likely that there’s no correlation.
Do I need to do something about my fibroids?
Once more, for the people in the back: it depends on where they’re located.
“With those intramural fibroids, the bigger they get, the more likely they are to affect fertility,” says Dr. Propst, who recommends surgery in those cases. So if your fibroid is large and located in the uterine muscle, you’re gonna have to problem-solve.
According to the Mayo Clinic, surgery for fibroids could include:
- A noninvasive ultrasound procedure (done inside an MRI scanner)
- A minimally invasive procedure, like a laparoscopy or myomectomy (you’ll go home the same day)
- A traditional abdominal surgery (you’ll have to stay overnight...but get to eat lots of Jell-O)
- A hysterectomy (not good, but don’t panic...this is a worst-case scenario)
Whether or not to undergo fibroid surgery is a decision you’ll have to make with your doctor, but there are pluses and minuses, so make sure you’re well-informed.
You may not be thrilled about surgery (especially if your fibroids aren’t causing symptoms), but Dr. Trolice says that there are risks of pregnancy complications with fibroids, especially larger ones, and a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology backs this up: it suggests that the size, number, location, and type of fibroid can contribute to higher rates of preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and postpartum blood loss and hemorrhage.
What’s the bottom line with fibroids and fertility? Location, location, location. You might never know you have them, and even if you do, you might never need to do anything about them—unless they’re in a spot where they could interfere with a future pregnancy, in which case you’ll have a few mostly-not-terrible surgery options to choose from.
So can you freeze your eggs if you have fibroids? Yes, you can still pursue egg freezing. And we’re here to help you freeze your eggs more affordably or, if you qualify, freeze for free when you give half to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. Plus, our inclusive online spaces allow you to connect with others going through the process. Learn more!

Can I Freeze My Eggs If I have PCOS?
Can you freeze your eggs with a PCOS diagnosis? We break it all down here.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome isn’t just a single issue, but a constellation of symptoms that many women have. And if you have a messed-up menstrual cycle, significant weight gain, or infertility, there’s a chance you may have it. You can thank an imbalance in your male and female hormones (androgen and progesterone) for getting you on this crazy train.
Even if you don’t have PCOS, it’s likely you know plenty of people who do—one in 10 women of childbearing age have the syndrome. And while any woman can develop PCOS, you’re more likely to have it if your mother or sisters had it, or if you’re overweight or obese. For some women, the symptoms start as soon as they get their first period, while others develop the syndrome later on—after significant weight gain, for instance.
Your body on PCOS
PCOS is one of those issues that may require some detective work (and some testing) before you get a diagnosis. Some of the most common PCOS symptoms include:
- Irregular periods: Your period may not follow a set schedule, may not occur often, or it may extend long beyond the typical five to seven days (lucky you). Women may also experience painful periods or pain during ovulation, says Dr. Janelle Luk, medical director and founder of Generation Next Fertility in New York City.
- Hormonal imbalances: The increased levels of androgen can cause male-like hair patterns—including male pattern baldness, facial hair, and excess body hair—along with severe acne. You may also have a lower than normal level of progesterone, a key female hormone associated with fertility.
- Blood sugar fluctuations: We all get hangry from time to time, but if you have PCOS, this goes one step further. “Sometimes, women may also experience sugar cravings and blood sugar fluctuations that physically manifest themselves in a lack of energy or feeling light-headed,” Dr. Luk says. These blood sugar issues can sometimes lead to weight gain that’s hard to lose. PCOS can also boost your chances of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
- Polycystic ovaries: Normally, ovary follicles release eggs during ovulation. But if you have PCOS, the excessive androgen could be working against ovulation. Your ovaries may appear swollen, and may contain several follicles that are holding on to eggs and not releasing them. That said, this isn’t a dead giveaway that you have PCOS. Having cysts alone isn’t enough for a PCOS diagnosis, and your doctor should assess your menstrual cycle (or lack thereof), hormone levels, and weight fluctuation.
And just because you don’t check the box for every symptom, doesn’t mean you don’t have PCOS or PCOS infertility. You don’t have to have all the symptoms to be diagnosed with PCOS, and sometimes PCOS actually flies a bit under the radar. Your best bet is to head to a doctor who can specifically check for PCOS.
How PCOS could impact your fertility
If the PCOS symptoms—like that insane menstrual cycle—don’t suck enough, they can also do a number on your ability to become pregnant. According to Dr. Luk, PCOS often creates infertility issues due to its impact on periods and ovulation; if you aren’t ovulating, you aren’t releasing an egg.
PCOS can make getting pregnant challenging, but it’s hardly impossible. While it’s super common, it’s actually one of the most treatable causes of infertility in women. If you know you have PCOS, Dr. Douglas suggests talking to your doctor about proactive steps you can take to balance your hormones and create a plan if and when you decide to try to get pregnant.
So can I freeze my eggs if I have PCOS?
Absolutely. Like others, women with PCOS may want to freeze their eggs to proactively increase their chances of having children down the road. It’s best to freeze when you are younger, in order to get the most high quality eggs possible.
You’ll want to make sure you work with the best doctors, because women with PCOS are more susceptible to developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during egg freezing. This is because they are likely to have more follicles, and the more follicles an ovary has the more likely it is to be overstimulated by HCG, one of the drugs used during egg freezing. One study of 2,699 women with PCOS undergoing IVF found that 75.2% had a normal response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), while 24.8% developed OHSS.
Interested in freezing your eggs? We can help! Freeze by Co is a better approach to egg freezing, where you can freeze for free when you give half to a family who can't otherwise conceive.
What your doctor might recommend for managing PCOS
Medication is generally the first step to try to get everything moving. If you’re trying to conceive soon, progestin therapy might be used to level out your hormones. Metformin, a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes, can also help treat PCOS. Although metformin isn’t FDA approved for the treatment of PCOS, decreasing insulin resistance in women with PCOS has been shown to give spontaneous ovulation rates a boost, says Dr. Marra Francis, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN in The Woodlands, Texas.
Some women may need to move on to ovulation-inducing medications, like Clomid, but women with PCOS need to be carefully monitored if they do. If you have PCOS and take Clomid, you may be at increased risk of releasing more eggs than the one or two typically released with each Clomid cycle, which could result in twins.
If these treatments still can’t help you conceive, your doctor may move onto other protocols. Get ready—here come the injections, like Follitism or Menopur. If the injections alone still don’t get you pregnant, IVF may be your best bet, according to Daniel Kort, associate medical director and practice director at Neway Fertility in New York City.
Summing it up
PCOS can lead to some really crappy symptoms. But fortunately, there are plenty of tools and treatments you can use to combat your PCOS and boost your chances of getting pregnant.
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What You Can and Can't Test About Your Fertility
In this article, we break down what you can and can’t learn about your fertility from today’s most common tests, especially if you’re in your 20s and thinking about options like egg freezing. We’ll also cover how to think about those results, what they actually mean for your future fertility, and what they don’t tell you.
Fertility is one of those topics that most of us are taught to ignore until we’re actively trying to get pregnant. But as more women take ownership of their reproductive plans—whether through egg freezing or simply learning more about their options—there’s growing interest in testing fertility early. The promise of data is appealing: if you could find out where you stand, maybe you could make clearer decisions about your timeline, your body, and your future.
But the reality is a bit messier. Yes, there are ways to test aspects of your fertility. But there’s also a lot that can’t be measured—at least not with the kind of certainty many people expect. Some tests give useful insights. Others are often misunderstood. And some questions still don’t have reliable answers, no matter how many labs you send your blood to.
In this article, we break down what you can and can’t learn about your fertility from today’s most common tests, especially if you’re in your 20s and thinking about options like egg freezing. We’ll also cover how to think about those results, what they actually mean for your future fertility, and what they don’t tell you.
You can test your ovarian reserve
Let’s start with the most talked-about test: Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH). This is a hormone produced by small follicles in your ovaries. The more of these follicles you have, the higher your AMH level tends to be. That makes it a useful proxy for ovarian reserve, or the estimated number of eggs you have left.
AMH will not tell you the exact number of eggs you have remaining, but it can be used to reliably predict how you’ll respond to fertility treatment. If you’re considering egg freezing, for example, a high AMH might suggest you’ll produce more eggs during a stimulation cycle, which could mean fewer cycles overall. A lower AMH might signal the opposite.
That said, AMH doesn’t predict whether you can get pregnant unassisted. It also doesn’t reflect egg quality. Many people with low AMH conceive without issues, and many people with high AMH still face fertility struggles.
In short: AMH is helpful for understanding how your ovaries might respond to medication, but it’s not a fertility report card. It’s a piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.
You can check your follicle count, but it varies
Another test used to assess ovarian reserve is the antral follicle count (AFC), which is done via vaginal ultrasound. AFC is the number of small follicles in your ovaries that are visible on an ultrasound at the start of your menstrual cycle.
- Antral = fluid-filled, early-stage follicles
- Follicle = a tiny sac that contains an immature egg
- Count = how many are seen on the scan
AFC gives your doctor an idea of how many eggs your ovaries might be able to produce that month and helps estimate your overall ovarian reserve. Like AMH, this gives a snapshot of the eggs your body might recruit that month.
A higher count usually means a better response to egg freezing medications. It can also confirm whether your AMH results are in line with what your ovaries are actually doing.
But this test depends a lot on timing and technique. Different providers might get slightly different counts, and the number can fluctuate month to month. So while it’s useful when paired with other data, it’s not always consistent on its own.
You can evaluate your hormone levels, but they’re not always predictive
In addition to AMH, your provider may check other hormone levels at the start of your cycle (It is especially important that FSH and E2 are tested in the early follicular phase, as they cannot be reliably interpreted if done at a random phase of the cycle):
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): Higher levels can suggest your ovaries are working harder to produce eggs, which may point to lower ovarian reserve.
- Estradiol (E2): This form of estrogen is measured alongside FSH to interpret the results accurately.
- LH (luteinizing hormone) and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): These are sometimes included to rule out other hormonal conditions.
These blood tests are relatively easy to obtain and often included in a fertility workup. But their meaning can vary depending on when they’re taken and your cycle regularity. Like AMH, they don’t offer a yes-or-no answer about whether you’re fertile, they just add context.
There’s no test for egg quality
This is where things get tricky. While you can estimate how many eggs you might have, there’s no current test that can measure the quality of your eggs. Egg quality mostly refers to whether an egg has the correct number of chromosomes. As people age, their eggs are more likely to develop abnormalities that make fertilization or a healthy pregnancy less likely.
Right now, the only way to assess egg quality is by making embryos. But even then, it’s difficult to know if the quality issue is from the egg, sperm, or a combination of both.
Statistically speaking, younger people are more likely to have higher-quality eggs. But that’s a generalization, not a guarantee. Two people the same age can have different egg quality, and there’s no blood test that can measure this with accuracy.
So when people say, “Your egg quality declines with age,” they’re right. But when someone says, “You can test your egg quality,” they’re overselling it.
You can’t test how long you’ll be fertile
This is another common misconception. You might think that by testing your AMH or other hormones, you can predict how many fertile years you have left. Unfortunately, fertility doesn’t follow a strict countdown clock.
AMH gives a rough estimate of ovarian reserve, but it can’t tell you exactly when you’ll hit menopause, or when your eggs will stop being viable. Some people with high AMH experience early menopause. Others with low AMH get pregnant without issue. There’s too much individual variation to make long-term predictions with confidence.
Egg freezing can give you more options in the future—but it’s not a guarantee. The number and quality of frozen eggs, your age at the time of freezing, and your overall health all factor into how likely those eggs are to result in a baby later.
You can assess whether your fallopian tubes are clear
One test that often gets less attention in fertility conversations—but can be important—is the hysterosalpingogram (HSG). This is a specialized X-ray that looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It’s typically done by injecting a dye through the cervix and using imaging to see how the dye moves through the reproductive tract.
The goal is to check whether there are any blockages or structural issues that could prevent sperm and egg from meeting. If the dye flows freely through the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity, that’s a good sign. If it doesn’t, it could indicate a blockage that might affect natural conception.
An HSG doesn’t give information about eggs, hormones, or ovulation, but it does offer a window into the physical pathways that make pregnancy possible. If you’ve had pelvic infections, endometriosis, or abdominal surgery in the past, your doctor may recommend this test as part of your fertility workup.
What about at-home fertility tests?
You’ve probably seen ads for at-home fertility tests promising insights into your reproductive future. Most of these kits check AMH, and some also offer hormone panels that include FSH, LH, and estradiol.
These can be helpful for getting started, especially if you’re not ready to visit a fertility clinic. But they’re not a substitute for a full medical evaluation. They also shouldn’t be used to make major decisions in isolation. If a test shows low AMH, it doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. And if it shows high AMH, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for thinking about fertility down the line.
Think of these kits as entry points—tools to start a conversation with a qualified provider, not definitive answers.
So what should you do with this information?
If you’re in your 20s, you’re in a good position to be proactive. Even though you can’t test everything, there’s value in learning what you can and starting the conversation early.
AMH and AFC can help you understand how your body might respond to treatment. Hormone panels can uncover issues you might not be aware of. And a consultation can give you space to ask questions and make a plan that fits your goals—even if that plan is just to wait and check back in a year.
It’s okay not to have all the answers. The idea isn’t to predict your future. It’s to give yourself more room to navigate it with intention.
Final thoughts
Fertility testing has come a long way, but it still has limits. You can measure ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and follicle counts. But you can’t test egg quality, predict exactly how long you’ll be fertile, or know for sure whether you’ll get pregnant naturally.
Still, having more information can be empowering—especially if it helps you make decisions on your own timeline. Whether you’re thinking about egg freezing or just want to understand your body better, asking questions now can open more doors later.
At Cofertility, we’re here to make those conversations easier, more transparent, and less intimidating. If you're considering egg freezing and want to understand what testing can (and can't) tell you, we’re happy to help you get started.
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Egg Freezing With Endometriosis: What You Need To Know
This article explores how endometriosis affects fertility, when to consider egg freezing, and what research tells us about success rates. We'll examine the specific challenges that people with endometriosis face during the egg freezing process, and provide evidence-based information to help inform your decision-making process.
For the 190 million people affected by endometriosis, family planning may look a little different. Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, can impact fertility in various ways - from altered ovarian function to changes in egg quality. Recent medical advances have made egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) an increasingly reliable option for this population.
This article explores how endometriosis affects fertility, when to consider egg freezing, and what research tells us about success rates. We'll examine the specific challenges that people with endometriosis face during the egg freezing process, and provide evidence-based information to help inform your decision-making process.
Understanding endometriosis and fertility
Endometriosis affects between 2% to 10% of people, with rates as high as 50% among those experiencing infertility. The condition can impact fertility through several mechanisms, including inflammation, altered pelvic anatomy, and compromised ovarian function. These changes can affect both natural conception and assisted reproductive treatments.
The chances of getting pregnant each month are approximately 10-20% for people without endometriosis, compared to 1-10% for those with surgically documented endometriosis.
Endometriosis and egg quantity
When it comes to egg freezing, people with endometriosis often have diminished ovarian reserve and fewer eggs retrieved. Research has found that this reduction is exacerbated after endometriosis surgery.
Endometriosis and egg quality
Beyond affecting how many eggs are available, endometriosis can also impact egg quality. The chronic inflammation that comes with endometriosis can create an environment that may impact the health of your eggs. While standard testing can tell us about egg quantity (your ovarian reserve), there’s no single test that can measure egg quality before fertilizing them to make embryos.
if you decide to use your frozen eggs in the future, the process of fertilizing the eggs to create embryos may give some insight into egg quality factors. People with endometriosis may experience lower rates of fertilization and have more difficulty developing normal embryos. It’s worth nothing that even fertilization results don’t tell the complete story about egg quality, as multiple factors can influence whether eggs fertilize and develop appropriately.
This is why having a conversation with your fertility doctor about both egg quantity and potential quality concerns is important when you’re planning your fertility preservation goals. Many people with endometriosis do successfully create healthy embryos, particularly when eggs are frozen at a younger age.
When to consider egg freezing if you have endo
If you have endometriosis, you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate for egg freezing. Research suggests that certain situations make egg freezing particularly worth considering for people with endometriosis:
- Those with large endometriomas (endometriosis cysts on ovaries)
- Those with bilateral endometriomas affecting both ovaries
- Before surgical treatment - some surgeries for endometriosis can affect fertility by inadvertently removing healthy ovarian tissue or compromising vascular supply to the ovary
Younger patients (under 35) with good ovarian reserve, particularly those who haven't yet undergone ovarian surgery, often see the best results. The best way to know if you’re a good candidate or if now is the right time to freeze your eggs is to talk to a fertility doctor.
Success rates and research findings
A 2024 study published in Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology offers encouraging data. Among people with endometriosis who used their frozen eggs, 46.4% achieved live births. This may sound low, but there are two things to keep in mind.
First, this figure represents success only among people who actually returned to use their frozen eggs. This group was more likely to have additional fertility challenges beyond endometriosis - after all, they needed to use their frozen eggs rather than conceiving naturally.
Second, for perspective, the overall live birth rate for a first IVF cycle across all people (regardless of diagnosis) is under 30%. This means people with endometriosis who froze their eggs achieved better outcomes than the general IVF population, even though they may have been dealing with multiple fertility challenges.
The study found that younger people (under 35) had better outcomes, and people without prior ovarian surgery had higher numbers of eggs retrieved.
The number of eggs frozen significantly impacts success rates. The study found that 22 frozen eggs yielded an 89.5% cumulative live birth rate, with people under 35 achieving a remarkable 95.4% success rate. Those over 35 still saw promising results with a 79.6% success rate.
The egg freezing process with endometriosis
The procedure follows similar protocols to standard egg freezing, but there are special considerations for people with endometriosis. Before starting, you'll need detailed ultrasound evaluation, hormone level testing, and discussions about timing relative to any planned surgeries.
The stimulation protocol uses hormonal medication and takes on average 10-14 days. Your medical team will carefully monitor your response and may adjust medications as needed. Some people are prescribed antibiotic prophylaxis during egg retrieval to prevent infections, as the retrieval needle passing through tissue affected by endometriosis may cause an increased risk of pelvic infection compared to patients without the condition.
Cost considerations
People with endometriosis should be prepared for some financial differences in their egg freezing journey. Those with endometriosis may actually require more stimulation medications - one study found that people with endometriosis needed, on average, 20% more gonadotropins (the hormones used during the process) compared to people without endometriosis. Additionally, you may need multiple egg freezing cycles to reach the recommended number of eggs for good success rates.
The investment in egg freezing can be substantial, but many people with endometriosis find that the peace of mind and preserved fertility options are worth considering, especially given the progressive nature of this condition.
Learn more about how to freeze your eggs for free through egg sharing with Cofertility.
Can I donate my eggs with endometriosis?
The answer depends on the severity of your endometriosis and your treatment history. People with mild endometriosis (Stage 1 or 2) may still be eligible to donate eggs, though acceptance is determined case by case and depends on ovarian reserve testing results along with other qualifications.
However, people with severe endometriosis (Stage 3 or 4) or those who have undergone surgery for endometriosis usually cannot donate eggs. This is because severe endometriosis and related surgeries can damage ovarian tissue, potentially reducing the number of eggs that would be retrieved during the donation process. Ultimately, it’s up to the fertility doctor screening your application. Egg sharing programs like Cofertility aim to maximize success rates for intended parents and egg donors while ensuring donor safety.
Summing it up
If you have endometriosis and are considering egg freezing, here are the key points to remember:
- Timing matters: Consider freezing eggs before any planned surgeries for endometriosis, as surgery can impact ovarian reserve.
- Age is significant: people under 35 see the best success rates, with live birth rates over 95% when freezing enough eggs.
- Numbers count: Research shows having about 22 mature frozen eggs gives you the best chance of future success.
- Multiple cycles may be needed: people with endometriosis often require more than one egg freezing cycle to reach optimal egg numbers
- Consider your stage: If you have severe endometriosis or have had ovarian surgery, discuss your specific situation with a fertility doctor who can evaluate your ovarian reserve
- Success is possible: Recent research shows people with endometriosis who freeze their eggs have good outcomes.
While egg freezing isn't a guarantee of future pregnancy, it's an important option for people with endometriosis who want to preserve their fertility. Working with a fertility doctor who has experience treating patients with endometriosis can help you determine if and when egg freezing might be right for you.
Freeze your eggs with Cofertility
We’d love the opportunity to support you on your egg freezing journey.
Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.
By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.
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The Egg Freezing Consent Form Question No One Talks About: Deciding the Fate of Your Frozen Eggs
If you’re planning to freeze your eggs, you’ve probably already educated yourself about the medical process, and considered how you might use your eggs in the future if you need them. But, while the medical process of egg freezing is straightforward, decisions regarding the fate of unused eggs entail complex ethical and legal considerations. This article explores these complexities, offering insights into how you can approach these decisions more empowered and informed. The clearer you are heading into your egg freezing journey, the better!
If you’re planning to freeze your eggs, you’ve probably already educated yourself about the medical process, and considered how you might use your eggs in the future if you need them. But, while the medical process of egg freezing is straightforward, decisions regarding the fate of unused eggs entail complex ethical and legal considerations.
This article explores these complexities, offering insights into how you can approach these decisions more empowered and informed. The clearer you are heading into your egg freezing journey, the better!
Understanding egg freezing consent forms
Once you’ve selected a clinic, chatted with a reproductive endocrinologist, and agreed to kick off the egg freezing process, the next step is to review and sign your clinic’s consent forms.
For the most part, these documents ensure that you provide informed consent for your egg freezing cycle and acknowledge that you understand everything involved (ranging from billing to medications to post-procedural expectations). However, these documents also require you to make a decision ahead of time about what should happen to your eggs under various scenarios, such as death, incapacitation, or a change in circumstances.
Despite egg freezing being an incredible choice, it’s important to really think through these scenarios even if they feel a bit morbid. This form not only ensures that all potential outcomes have been considered, but also provides a legal framework that supports your wishes should something happen to you after you’ve frozen your eggs.
Exploring your options
When considering what to do with unused frozen eggs, you’ll be presented with several options to choose ahead of time:
- Donation to another family: This allows others to benefit from your unused eggs by fertilizing them into embryos to grow their family. Recipients might be gay dads, those with infertility (with diminished ovarian reserve or egg quality issues), or cancer survivors. Note: this will only be an option if you qualify at the time of egg freezing, and additional screening may be involved.
- Donation to science: By donating your unused eggs to science, doctors or scientists may use them for research, contributing to advancements that might help others achieve their dreams of parenthood.
- Destruction: For those who prefer not to leave their genetic material in use after their passing or change of plans, destroying the eggs is a viable option.
- Transfer of ownership: Transferring ownership of the eggs to a partner or another family member can ensure that one's genetic legacy could continue, even if you do not use the eggs yourself.
Common concerns
Making a decision about the fate of your frozen eggs can be tough. It involves careful consideration of your life goals, ethical perspectives, and personal values, all while considering hypothetical future-state scenarios. You don’t have a crystal ball, and it’s unclear how your life’s circumstances might evolve. Ethical considerations are nuanced, but might include:
- If you are comfortable or not with your genetic material being used to help grow another family
- If you are comfortable or not with your genetic material being researched to further progress in reproductive science
- If you are okay or not with discarding your genetic material altogether once you have decided you do not need to use them (whether your family-building journey is complete or you have decided for sure that you do not want children)
Addressing these ethical considerations requires careful reflection and informed consent. It might also prompt some discussions between you, your family, your doctors, and your significant other if applicable. Thinking through these decisions ahead of time allows proper, clear-headed decision-making.
That being said, your frozen eggs are yours — and you can *always* change your mind later.
Real-life cases involving frozen eggs and embryos
Your frozen eggs (or embryos, if you eventually fertilized them) are extremely precious. So, it’s not surprising that there are a few high-profile cases where those frozen embryos have become the subjects of legal battles or ethical debates.
We definitely don’t mean to freak you out, but here are a few examples that demonstrate why these consent documents are important, and why you should really think through the future of your frozen eggs once they get fertilized. Again, when it comes to frozen eggs specifically, you should always have the opportunity to change your mind before moving forward with any decisions to donate or destroy them in the future.
Sofia Vergara and Nick Loeb
This high-profile case involved actress Sofia Vergara and her former partner Nick Loeb. After their relationship ended, Loeb sought to use frozen embryos they had created together, despite a signed agreement that required both parties' consent to bring the embryos to term. The legal battle centered around the rights of the embryos and the enforcement of the initial agreement.
Mimi Lee and Stephen Findley
In this case, a couple had created frozen embryos before the wife underwent treatment for cancer, which could render her infertile. After they divorced, the husband wanted the embryos destroyed, while the wife wanted to use them to have children. The court ruled in favor of the husband, citing the couple’s agreement that the embryos could be destroyed in the event of a divorce.
Reber v. Reiss
In this Pennsylvania case, a woman wanted to use frozen embryos to conceive after her divorce, but her ex-husband opposed it. The court decided that preventing the woman from becoming pregnant against her ex-husband's wishes would cause more harm to her, as it would destroy her chance of having biological children.
These cases illustrate the complex ethical, legal, and emotional issues surrounding the use of frozen embryos (not eggs — though frozen eggs were used in the creation of those embryos), especially when relationships change. They underscore the importance of having clear, legally binding agreements regarding the use of stored genetic material before undergoing any fertility treatments.
Summing it up
You’re already doing the right thing just by reading this article. When deciding what to do with the future of your frozen eggs, it’s incredibly important to educate yourself about your options as much as possible. If you feel any sense of ambiguity, continue to ask questions at your fertility clinic or ask them to connect you with a lawyer who specializes in fertility regulation. Clarity is everything, and you’re never asking too many questions.
Support through Cofertility
When freezing your eggs with Cofertility, you’ll receive tons of guidance every step of the way from our Member Advocates. They’ll ensure that you’re well-informed about the processes and choices throughout your journey, including the complex ethical decisions surrounding the management of frozen eggs, storage, and future scenarios.
Take our quiz today to see if you qualify for free egg freezing when you donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive (gay dads, those with infertility, cancer survivors, and more). We’re here to chat with you about any questions, anytime.
Ensuring peace of mind
Egg freezing isn't just about preserving fertility; it's about maintaining future choices and having peace of mind regarding reproductive options. With careful consideration of the ethical, legal, and personal aspects, you can make empowered decisions about your frozen eggs, whatever the future may hold.
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What is the Risk of Ovarian Torsion During Egg Freezing?
This article explores what ovarian torsion is, why egg freezing may increase the risk, how common it actually is, and most importantly, what you and your medical team can do to minimize this risk. We'll also look at symptoms to watch for and what happens if torsion does occur.
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) has become an increasingly common option for those looking for more control over family planning. While the procedure is considered safe, like any medical procedure from getting Botox to an appendectomy, it's important to understand all potential risks, including rare complications like ovarian torsion. At Cofertility, we believe in providing complete transparency about the egg freezing process, including both the benefits and potential risks, so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary twists around its supporting ligaments, potentially cutting off its blood supply. This is considered a gynecological emergency requiring immediate medical attention. In the context of egg freezing, the risk of torsion is linked to the temporary enlargement of the ovaries that happens during the stimulation phase of the process.
This article explores what ovarian torsion is, why egg freezing may increase the risk, how common it actually is, and most importantly, what you and your medical team can do to minimize this risk. We'll also look at symptoms to watch for and what happens if torsion does occur.
What is ovarian torsion?
Ovarian torsion happens when an ovary rotates around the ligaments that support it, twisting off the blood vessels in its stalk. This can rapidly decrease or block blood flow to the ovary (and often the fallopian tube), causing ischemia (loss of oxygen) in the ovarian tissue.
If not promptly treated, the lack of circulation can lead to necrosis (death) of the ovary, which necessitates medical attention. (This used to require surgical removal, but more recent data support that even a necrotic ovary can be untwisted and left alone and will often re-perfuse.) Ovarian torsion is therefore considered a medical emergency requiring urgent surgical intervention to untwist (detorse) the ovary and restore blood flow. When treated in time, the ovary can often be saved, and future fertility is usually not compromised.
Symptoms of ovarian torsion
The hallmark symptom of ovarian torsion is sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, typically on one side (the side of the affected ovary). The pain often has an acute onset and can be intense and sharp; some patients also report crampy or intermittent pain if the ovary twists and untwists intermittently.
Additional symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Abnormal bleeding
These symptoms can mimic other conditions like appendicitis or kidney stones, so prompt evaluation (often with transvaginal ultrasound Doppler imaging) is critical to diagnose torsion.
Common causes and risk factors
Ovarian torsion is typically triggered by an imbalance in the ovary's weight or support that makes it prone to flipping over. The most common precipitating factor is the presence of an ovarian mass or cyst, especially one larger than ~5 cm in diameter. A heavy cyst or benign tumor on the ovary can make the ovary top-heavy and more likely to twist on its ligament. In fact, studies indicate that in up to 85% of torsion cases, an ovarian cyst or other mass is present.
General risk factors for ovarian torsion include:
- Reproductive age: About 70–75% of cases occur in females of reproductive age (often in their 20s-30s)
- Ovarian cysts or tumors: Especially those larger than 5 cm
- Fertility treatments: Including egg freezing and IVF
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Due to multiple ovarian follicles and enlarged ovaries
- Pregnancy: Approximately 20–25% of ovarian torsion cases occur in pregnancy
- Long ovarian ligaments: Some individuals are born with longer-than-normal utero-ovarian ligaments
- Prior tubal ligation: A history of tubal ligation has been noted as a risk factor
- Previous ovarian torsion: Having had an ovarian torsion in the past increases the risk of recurrence
Overall, ovarian torsion is uncommon in the general population, but it is one of the more frequent gynecologic emergencies. Estimates suggest it accounts for roughly 3% of gynecologic emergency surgeries, making it the fifth most common gynecological surgical emergency.
Why does egg freezing increase torsion risk?
In egg freezing (as in IVF), patients undergo controlled ovarian hyperstimulation – a process of using hormonal medications to make the ovaries produce multiple mature eggs in one cycle. Normally, a woman releases one egg per month and the ovary remains small (about the size of a walnut). In an egg freezing cycle, however, many follicles (egg sacs) develop simultaneously, each filling with fluid as the eggs mature.
By the time of the egg retrieval, the ovaries can become significantly enlarged due to numerous enlarged follicles. This temporary ovarian enlargement and increased weight makes the ovary more mobile and prone to twisting. In short, ovarian stimulation causes the ovaries to be heavier and less stable, which increases the risk of ovarian torsion.
During stimulation, the ovarian ligaments also may loosen slightly under hormonal influence, and the abdomen has more space as the ovaries move away from their normal position. Fertility doctors note that twisting or vigorous movement of the body can precipitate torsion when the ovaries are enlarged. For example, sudden motions, exercise, or intercourse can cause an already heavy ovary to swing and rotate around its tether.
Ovarian torsion can happen at different points in the egg freezing process:
- Most commonly, torsion occurs shortly after the egg retrieval procedure, when the ovaries are at their largest and beginning to shift back in position
- It can also occur during the stimulation phase or around the time of the trigger injection, though this is less common
- There have even been a few reported cases of torsion before the egg retrieval (after the trigger shot but prior to retrieval)
In any case, the risk period for torsion spans from the start of the cycle through the couple of weeks following the egg retrieval, until the ovaries shrink back to normal size.
To summarize, egg freezing increases torsion risk because it creates the perfect storm of risk factors for torsion: multiple ovarian cysts (follicles), significantly enlarged ovaries, and often a high estrogen environment that can loosen ligaments. While this risk is low, both patients and providers remain vigilant for torsion during egg freezing cycles due to the ovaries' temporarily vulnerable state.
How common is ovarian torsion during egg freezing?
Thankfully, ovarian torsion is rare during egg freezing or IVF cycles, but it does occur infrequently.
Studies of IVF (which is analogous to egg freezing in terms of stimulation) have reported ovarian torsion rates ranging from about 0.02% to 0.2% of cycles. This is roughly between 1 in 4,000 and 1 in 500 cycles.
Overall, acute complications like ovarian torsion, bleeding, or infection occur in under 0.5% of egg freezing cycles.
So to put it in perspective, ovarian torsion is far less common than other egg freezing side effects like bloating or mild ovarian hyperstimulation. It is a rare event – on the order of a fraction of a percent of cycles – but one that fertility clinics watch out for closely.
What you can do to reduce torsion risk during egg freezing
While your medical team plays an important role in minimizing torsion risk through careful protocol (medication and dosing) selection and monitoring, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself during the egg freezing process:
Modify your activity level appropriately
During the stimulation phase and especially around and after the egg retrieval, avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. This isn't the time for activities that involve:
- Bouncing movements
- Twisting your midsection
- Rapid changes in direction
- High-impact aerobics or running
- Heavy weightlifting
Instead, stick to gentle activities like walking or light stretching. Many fertility doctors recommend avoiding exercise entirely during the week of egg retrieval and a few days after, when your ovaries are at their largest size and torsion risk peaks. Remember that this limitation is temporary—your normal fitness routine can resume once your ovaries return to their usual size.
Take recovery seriously
After your egg retrieval procedure:
- Rest for at least the remainder of that day
- Have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours if possible
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid strenuous activity for several days following the procedure
- Ease back into your routine gradually, avoiding intense workouts or heavy household chores for about a week
- Listen to your body and don't push yourself if you're experiencing discomfort
Abstain from sexual intercourse
Your doctor will likely advise you to avoid sexual intercourse during the stimulation cycle and for a short period after retrieval. This recommendation serves two purposes:
- Prevents jostling of the enlarged ovaries that could trigger torsion
- Avoids unintended pregnancy during a time when you're extremely fertile
Know the warning signs
Familiarize yourself with symptoms that require immediate medical attention:
- Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain (especially on one side)
- Pain that doesn't improve or worsens
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Significant bloating or abdominal swelling
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Heavy bleeding
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your clinic immediately or go to the emergency room. Don't hesitate or downplay severe pain—prompt intervention can save your ovary if torsion has occurred.
Summing it up
The risk of ovarian torsion during egg freezing is very low but not zero. A combination of precautions (limiting physical strain, watching symptoms) and medical management (careful stimulation and monitoring) helps keep this complication rare.
For the vast majority of individuals undergoing egg freezing, torsion never occurs. For those unlucky few who do experience it, prompt surgical care usually results in a good outcome with preservation of the ovary.
By understanding the causes, risk factors, and preventive measures, patients can feel confident that everything possible is being done to make egg freezing both a successful and safe process. We wish you all the best on your journey!
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How Different Religions View Egg Freezing
This article examines how the major religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - approach egg freezing, drawing from recent research on religious women's experiences with the procedure. We'll explore official religious positions, common concerns among religious women considering egg freezing, and how different faith communities are navigating and responding to this technology.
For many women of faith, the decision to freeze eggs involves the consideration of both medical and religious factors. While family-building is deeply valued in most religious traditions, the path to parenthood isn't always straightforward. Modern fertility treatments like egg freezing can raise discussions about how to balance religious teachings with personal reproductive choices.
This article examines how the major religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - approach egg freezing, drawing from recent research on religious women's experiences with the procedure. We'll explore official religious positions, common concerns among religious women considering egg freezing, and how different faith communities are navigating and responding to this technology.
Religious perspectives on egg freezing
Recent studies show that, in general, most major religions have come to accept egg freezing as a permissible way to preserve fertility, though specific guidelines and restrictions vary between faiths. Here's how different religions, in broad terms, view the procedure:
Judaism and egg freezing
Jewish religious authorities generally support egg freezing, viewing it as compatible with the religion's emphasis on family building and procreation. Both Orthodox and Reform movements have issued opinions permitting the procedure, though some rabbis recommend consulting religious authorities about specific circumstances. Some even argue it is actually a religious obligation for orthodox Jews to preserve their fertility and their ability eventually to “be fruitful and multiply.”
Islam and egg freezing
Islamic perspectives on egg freezing vary across different regions and communities. While some Muslim countries, like Egypt, allow the procedure, others, like Malaysia, have religious rulings that prohibit single Muslim women from freezing eggs for future use.
Some Islamic scholars suggest ovarian tissue freezing might be a more acceptable option, since it would allow eggs to mature naturally once a woman is married. Still, the topic of fertility preservation for single women remains an ongoing discussion among Muslim religious leaders, doctors, and scientists as communities work to balance traditional values with modern medical options.
Christianity and egg freezing
Views on egg freezing vary significantly among Christian denominations. The most notable divide exists within Catholicism, which stands as the main exception among Christian faiths in its prohibition of egg freezing for fertility preservation. Other Christian denominations have generally shown more acceptance of the technology, though specific guidelines vary by church.
Studies show that Christian women who pursue egg freezing often face similar challenges to women of other faiths - particularly in finding partners who share both their religious values and educational background. Some women have found ways to reconcile their faith with the decision to freeze their eggs, viewing it as a path to achieving family-building goals within their faith tradition.
Why religious women choose to freeze their eggs
Research shows religious women often face unique pressures around marriage and childbearing. A 2020 study of religious women who froze their eggs found several common motivations:
- Difficulty finding partners who share both their religious values and educational/professional achievements
- Strong desire to have children within marriage, as required by their faith
- Concern about declining fertility while waiting for the right partner
- Wish to avoid rushing into marriage solely due to fertility pressure
Many religious women viewed egg freezing as a way to honor religious teachings on marriage while preserving their fertility options. As one researcher noted, these women saw the technology as a tool that enabled them to continue seeking a faith-aligned partner without compromising their future chances of motherhood.
Common concerns among religious women
Research identifies several concerns specific to religious women considering egg freezing:
Religious compliance:
- Whether the procedure aligns with religious law
- How to handle unused frozen eggs
- Ensuring proper religious oversight of the process
Cultural factors:
- Community perceptions
- Family reactions and expectations
- Impact on marriage prospects
- Maintaining religious modesty during medical procedures
Practical challenges:
- Coordinating treatment with religious observances
- Finding religiously approved facilities
- Managing costs within religious lifestyle constraints
These considerations often lead religious women to seek out fertility clinics with experience treating patients from their faith background. Many find that working with medical providers who understand their religious needs helps make the process more comfortable and aligned with their beliefs.
Making the decision
For religious women considering egg freezing, several resources can help guide your decision-making process:
Religious consultation:
- Speaking with religious leaders familiar with fertility issues
- Consulting medical ethics committees within religious institutions
- Seeking guidance from religious fertility organizations
Medical guidance:
- Working with fertility specialists who understand religious concerns
- Finding clinics experienced in providing care for religious patients
- Discussing timing and procedures that accommodate religious practices
Community support:
- Connecting with other religious women who have frozen their eggs
- Joining religion-specific fertility support groups
- Accessing resources from religious family organizations
Ultimately, it’s your decision to make – one that is both medical and personal. By combining guidance and input from religious authorities, medical professionals, and others who share similar experiences, you can make informed choices that align with both your faith and reproductive goals.
Looking ahead: Religion and reproductive technology
As egg freezing becomes more common, religious institutions continue to refine their positions on this technology. Many faiths are working to create clear guidelines that balance traditional religious values with modern reproductive options.
Religious women who choose egg freezing often find ways to integrate the procedure into their faith practice, viewing it as a tool to achieve religiously sanctioned family building. While challenges remain, increasing dialogue between medical providers and religious communities is helping create more supportive environments for religious women exploring fertility preservation.
Key takeaways
For religious women considering egg freezing:
- Most major religions accept egg freezing, though specific guidelines vary
- Religious counseling can help navigate faith-specific concerns
- Many clinics offer religious accommodations
- Support resources are available through religious organizations
- Costs and practical considerations should be carefully evaluated
- Both medical and religious guidance can inform the decision
Egg freezing represents a new option for women hoping to preserve their fertility while adhering to their faith traditions. As with any medical decision, careful consideration of both religious teaching and personal circumstances can help guide this choice. We wish you all the best.
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Tu Guía para la Congelación de Óvulos: Riesgos, Costos, Tasas de Éxito y Más
Este artículo es una guía con todo lo que necesitas saber para tomar una decisión informada y segura sobre la congelación de óvulos.
La congelación de óvulos, también conocida como criopreservación de ovocitos, es un proceso donde se extraen, congelan y almacenan los óvulos de una mujer para su uso posterior. Esto permite a las mujeres preservar sus óvulos a su edad actual, potencialmente aumentando sus posibilidades de tener un hijo biológico en el futuro.
¡La congelación de óvulos es cada vez más común, con un aumento del 30% en los ciclos de congelación de óvulos solo de 2021 a 2022!
Soy la Dra. Meera Shah, certificada en Obstetricia y Ginecología y en Endocrinología Reproductiva (REI). He ayudado a innumerables mujeres a congelar sus óvulos como médica especialista en fertilidad y como Asesora Médica de Cofertility. Este artículo es una guía con todo lo que necesitas saber para tomar una decisión informada y segura sobre la congelación de óvulos.
Por qué las mujeres eligen congelar sus óvulos
Hay muchas razones por las que las mujeres optan por la congelación de óvulos. Estas son algunas de las razones más comunes que escuchamos:
- Enfoque en otras prioridades: Las mujeres que se centran en su carrera u objetivos personales pueden congelar sus óvulos hasta que estén listas para formar una familia.
- Esperar a la pareja adecuada: A medida que aumenta la edad promedio del primer matrimonio, algunas mujeres eligen congelar sus óvulos en lugar de apresurarse a casarse.
- Razones médicas: Las mujeres que enfrentan condiciones médicas o tratamientos que podrían afectar la fertilidad, como la quimioterapia o la radiación, pueden congelar sus óvulos antes de someterse a estos tratamientos.
- Predisposición genética: Las mujeres con antecedentes familiares de menopausia precoz pueden optar por congelar sus óvulos para asegurarse de tener óvulos viables para uso futuro.
- Tranquilidad mental: Algunas mujeres simplemente quieren la tranquilidad de saber que tienen un plan de respaldo para su fertilidad.
¿A qué edad deberías congelar tus óvulos?
No existe una edad perfecta para congelar tus óvulos. Sin embargo, cuanto más joven puedas hacerlo, mejor. Según la American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), el momento óptimo para congelar tus óvulos es en tus 20 y principios de los 30, mientras tienes una mayor reserva ovárica y los óvulos son más saludables.
Un extenso estudio de 2020 en una clínica de fertilidad especializada en esta área analizó los ciclos de congelación de óvulos de más de 1,200 personas. Comparó el número promedio de óvulos que las personas de diferentes edades pudieron congelar versus el número "óptimo" o meta de óvulos que deberían congelar. Este número meta se basó en cuántos óvulos les darían una tasa de nacimientos vivos del 70% después de hacer 1 o 2 ciclos de congelación de óvulos (esta tasa se calcula usando otros números y típicamente aumenta con la edad para compensar el menor número de óvulos saludables).
El estudio encontró que las personas más jóvenes, como era de esperar, tienen más facilidad para congelar el número meta de óvulos en un ciclo. A medida que las personas envejecían, necesitaban múltiples ciclos de congelación de óvulos para alcanzar ese número meta.
Lee más en What’s the Best Age to Freeze My Eggs?
Tasas de éxito de la congelación de óvulos por edad
Las tasas de éxito con la congelación de óvulos dependen de muchos factores: tu salud, tu reserva ovárica, tu respuesta a la medicación para la congelación de óvulos y la calidad de la clínica. Dicho esto, generalmente, las mujeres más jóvenes tienen tasas de éxito más altas debido a una mejor cantidad y calidad de óvulos.
Un estudio de 1,241 mujeres encontró que el número promedio de óvulos maduros recuperados en la primera ronda de congelación de óvulos fue:
- 15 óvulos para mujeres menores de 35 años
- 12 óvulos para mujeres de 35-37 años
- 10 óvulos para mujeres de 38-40 años
Debido a que las mujeres en sus 30 tienden a producir menos óvulos, a esta edad es posible que tengas que conformarte con menos óvulos para congelar o someterte a múltiples rondas para recolectar suficientes óvulos para tener a mano para una implantación posterior. Como puedes imaginar, esos costos pueden aumentar cada vez más cuantas más rondas soportes.
Ahora, podrías estar pensando: ¿no son 14 óvulos muchos? Es cierto que los óvulos extraídos de mujeres menores de 36 años tendrán una tasa de supervivencia del 95 por ciento después de ser descongelados. Pero no todos los óvulos descongelados se convertirán en embriones viables y llevarán a un nacimiento vivo. La probabilidad de un nacimiento vivo varía con la edad de la mujer que intenta concebir y el número de óvulos maduros disponibles. En resumen, cuanto mayor sea la mujer, más óvulos se requieren para lograr una alta probabilidad de un nacimiento vivo.
Un estudio en el Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics respalda aún más este punto. Por ejemplo, una mujer menor de 35 años necesitará nueve óvulos para lograr una probabilidad del 70% de tener al menos un nacimiento vivo. Si estás tratando de concebir a mediados o finales de los 30, es posible que necesites el doble de óvulos para lograr esa misma tasa de éxito del 70%.
El óptimo numero de óvulos para congelar según tu edad
Diferentes personas tienen diferentes razones para congelar sus óvulos. Algunas pueden estar pensando en prolongar su fertilidad hacia el futuro. Otras pueden estar congelando algunos óvulos pero también esperando donar algunos óvulos para ayudar a otras familias a crecer, algo que se hace a través de nuestro programa Split, donde congelas gratis cuando donas la mitad de los óvulos a una familia que no puede concebir de otra manera.
De cualquier manera, los estudios han encontrado que el número óptimo de óvulos para congelar realmente depende de tu edad. Esto se debe a que el número de óvulos en el cuerpo no es lo único que disminuye a medida que envejeces: la calidad de los óvulos también disminuye, y la calidad de los óvulos es el factor número uno para determinar si un óvulo puede eventualmente resultar en un nacimiento vivo.
Aquí está el número de óvulos que querrás congelar según tu edad para obtener una tasa óptima de nacimientos vivos:

¿Debería hacer múltiples extracciones de óvulos?
Si te has sometido a una ronda de congelación de óvulos y el número de óvulos que tu endocrinólogo reproductivo extrajo de tus ovarios no fue tan alto como esperabas, es posible que quieras hablar con ellos sobre intentarlo nuevamente. Un especialista en fertilidad puede ayudarte a hablar sobre todas tus opciones.
Técnicamente no hay límite en el número de rondas de congelación de óvulos que una persona puede someterse, pero no se recomienda que las donantes de óvulos se sometan a más de seis ciclos. Si esperas dividir tus óvulos con padres intencionales (donando la mitad de los óvulos extraídos) como parte de nuestro Programa Split, puedes encontrar que extracciones adicionales te ayudan a proporcionar la cantidad óptima de óvulos para un nacimiento vivo tanto para ti como para los padres intencionales también.
El número correcto de óvulos para congelar para tener múltiples hijos
Si estás planeando tener una familia numerosa algún día, es posible que quieras considerar el número de óvulos que se recomienda congelar para lograr un nacimiento vivo y hablar con tu REI sobre congelar más óvulos.
Como compartimos anteriormente, una mujer menor de 35 años necesitará congelar aproximadamente nueve óvulos para lograr una probabilidad del 70% de un embarazo exitoso y un nacimiento vivo. Si tienes menos de 35 años ahora y piensas que podrías querer usar óvulos congelados para concebir dos veces en tu futuro, querrás congelar cerca de 18 óvulos.
El número de óvulos necesarios aumentará con tu edad al momento de la extracción y el número de hijos que esperas tener a través de esos óvulos.
¿Los óvulos congelados garantizan un embarazo exitoso en el futuro?
Cuando intentas decidir si debes congelar tus óvulos, es importante saber que la congelación de óvulos no es una "póliza de seguro" para tu fertilidad. Si bien la congelación de óvulos puede quitarte algo del estrés de tener un bebé ahora mismo, no es una garantía de que tendrás un bebé en el futuro.
¿Por qué no? No todos los óvulos que se congelan serán realmente viables. Se espera que algunos óvulos no sobrevivan al proceso de calentamiento cuando llegue el momento de usar los óvulos. Además, las probabilidades de que los óvulos sean fertilizados exitosamente dependen de varios factores, incluida tu edad cuando los congelaste.
Esto no es para influir en tu decisión de una manera u otra. En última instancia, solo tú y tu médico pueden decidir si la congelación de óvulos es la decisión correcta para ti. Pero es importante saber que no está destinado a ser un trato hecho. A medida que la congelación de óvulos se ha vuelto más popular, muchas empresas pasarán por alto este hecho. No creemos que eso sea correcto y queremos ser directos contigo desde el principio.
Congelar tus óvulos cuando no estás segura si quieres tener hijos
Quizás el mayor beneficio de la congelación de óvulos es que pone el poder de decisión completamente en tus manos. Ya sea que estés congelando tus óvulos porque quieres centrarte en tu carrera o estás a punto de someterte a un tratamiento médico que puede afectar tu fertilidad más adelante, o estás esperando encontrar a la pareja adecuada, congelar tus óvulos te permite preservar parte de tu fertilidad de forma independiente.
Si bien es posible que no estés segura acerca de tener hijos hoy, si decides que quieres tener hijos más adelante, especialmente si estás a mediados o finales de los treinta, tener óvulos congelados aumentará las posibilidades de que puedas hacerlo.
Debes saber esto: la mayoría de las personas no se arrepienten de su procedimiento de extracción de óvulos. Analizamos cinco estudios sobre la congelación de óvulos. Las tasas de arrepentimiento reportadas en estos estudios variaron, probablemente debido al tamaño de la muestra, el diseño del estudio y el período de seguimiento. Sin embargo, tomados en conjunto, estos estudios sugieren que la gran mayoría de quienes congelan sus óvulos no tienen ningún arrepentimiento.
También parece haber factores que reducen las posibilidades de arrepentimiento, incluido sentirse completamente informada de antemano y recibir el apoyo adecuado durante el proceso de congelación de óvulos. En otras palabras, si te tomas el tiempo para pensar bien las cosas y te sientes apoyada durante todo el proceso, es menos probable que te arrepientas de tomar esta decisión por ti misma.
El proceso de congelación de óvulos: paso a paso
El proceso de congelación de óvulos es un viaje de aproximadamente dos semanas. Trabajarás estrechamente con un REI y el equipo de la clínica durante todo el proceso.
Aquí hay un desglose detallado de lo que puedes esperar de principio a fin y más allá:
- Estimulación ovárica: Tomarás medicamentos hormonales para estimular tus ovarios para que produzcan múltiples óvulos, y tendrás múltiples citas de monitoreo y análisis de sangre para ver cómo están madurando los óvulos.
- Extracción de óvulos: Tus óvulos serán extraídos a través de un procedimiento quirúrgico menor usando guía por ultrasonido.
- Vitrificación: Tus óvulos serán congelados rápidamente usando una técnica llamada vitrificación, que ayuda a preservar su calidad.
- Almacenamiento: Tus óvulos congelados serán almacenados en una instalación segura hasta que estés lista para usarlos.
- Descongelación y fertilización: Cuando estés lista para concebir, tus óvulos serán descongelados, fertilizados con esperma (ya sea de tu pareja o de un donante) y transferidos a tu útero.
Directorio de Médicos de Fertilidad Hispanohablantes en los Estados Unidos
¿La congelación de óvulos dañará mi fertilidad futura?
La congelación de óvulos en realidad rescata todos los otros óvulos que tu cuerpo de otro modo permitiría morir durante un ciclo menstrual normal. Por lo tanto, el proceso de congelación de óvulos no quita nada de tu reserva de óvulos, ¡en realidad te ayuda a conservar algunos óvulos adicionales! Y dado que durante cada ciclo, tu cuerpo pasa por el proceso de ovulación nuevamente con un nuevo conjunto de óvulos compitiendo, tus posibilidades de quedar embarazada sin asistencia en el futuro tampoco se ven afectadas por la congelación de óvulos.
Lo que sí hace la congelación de óvulos es darte opciones adicionales para cuando estés lista para comenzar a formar tu familia.
¿Es segura la congelación de óvulos?
Como cualquier otro procedimiento, existen riesgos y efectos secundarios al congelar óvulos, incluidos los riesgos de la anestesia, sangrado, dolor e infección. Afortunadamente, la mayoría de las personas que lo atraviesan lidian con efectos secundarios durante unos pocos días como máximo. Cuando se trata de los ovarios mismos, generalmente se recuperan rápidamente. Los datos generales indican que los riesgos potenciales de complicaciones quirúrgicas por la extracción de óvulos son generalmente muy pequeños. Sin embargo, en personas con antecedentes de endometriosis, enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica, adherencias pélvicas o cirugía pélvica previa, los riesgos aumentan ligeramente, así que asegúrate de hablar con tu médico sobre tu historial médico si te encuentras en alguna de estas categorías.
Congelación de óvulos frente a congelación de embriones
Hay una diferencia importante entre congelar óvulos y congelar embriones. Cuando congelas tus óvulos, permanecen sin fertilizar. Todos sabemos que para tener un bebé, necesitas un óvulo y un espermatozoide porque cada uno proporciona la mitad del material necesario. Por sí solo, un óvulo no puede funcionar (y tampoco un espermatozoide).
Un embrión, por otro lado, es un óvulo que ya ha sido fertilizado por un espermatozoide. Una vez que se combinan, el óvulo y el espermatozoide se convierten en una sola célula. Durante los siguientes tres a cuatro días, el embrión se divide varias veces, pasando de una a dos a cuatro a ocho células, y así sucesivamente hasta que alcanza la etapa de blastocisto y está listo para ser congelado. Una vez que un embrión se ha desarrollado, no hay vuelta atrás, es decir, no hay forma de convertir ese embrión nuevamente en un óvulo y espermatozoide separados.
Si no sabes con quién quieres tener hijos, entonces congelar tus óvulos puede ser el mejor enfoque. Esta opción te da la libertad de posponer pensar en tener un bebé hasta que hayas conocido a alguien o estés lista para elegir un donante de esperma.
Por otro lado, si actualmente estás con una pareja con quien sabes que te gustaría tener hijos pero ahora no es el momento adecuado, entonces los embriones congelados podrían ser el camino a seguir con el objetivo de una futura transferencia de embriones. La advertencia aquí es estar 100% segura; estrellas como Sofia Vergara y más recientemente, Anna Kendrick, han tenido problemas después de congelar embriones con parejas con las que no terminaron.
Lee más en Should I Freeze Eggs or Embryos?
Aprende más sobre “Egg Sharing”
Los programas de compartir óvulos existen en todo el mundo para ayudar a hacer más accesible la atención de la fertilidad. Compartir óvulos es cuando una mujer se somete a una extracción de óvulos, y algunos de los óvulos resultantes se donan a una familia que no puede concebir de otra manera.
En el programa Split de Cofertility, las mujeres pueden congelar sus óvulos gratis cuando donan la mitad de los óvulos extraídos a una familia que no puede concebir de otra manera.
Pregúntanos lo que sea
Si deseas ayuda para determinar cuándo congelar tus óvulos, puedes contactarnos para obtener más información. Si bien el camino de preservación de la fertilidad de cada mujer es diferente, podemos conectarte con clínicas de buena reputación que pueden ofrecerte orientación básica sobre cuándo es el momento adecuado para que congeles tus óvulos durante una consulta o profundizar en detalles mediante un examen preliminar en el consultorio de un proveedor.
Entendemos que el momento puede no ser el adecuado para que comiences una familia ahora, pero eso no significa que sea demasiado temprano para comenzar a pensar en qué opciones estarán disponibles para ti cuando llegue ese momento. Como puedes ver, hay mucho que considerar al prepararse para un proceso de extracción de óvulos. Cuanto antes consideres tu fertilidad, más opciones tendrás.
Ya sea que decidas congelar o no, estamos aquí para ti para responder cualquier pregunta o discutir cualquier inquietud.
Directorio de Médicos de Fertilidad Hispanohablantes en los Estados Unidos
Written by Dr. Meera Shah
Translated by Member Advocate Xilo Vasquez
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Why Do Some Frozen Eggs Not Make It Through the Thaw? Understanding the Science and Realities of Egg Freezing
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why some eggs don’t make it through the thawing process, what happens during freezing and thawing, and how advancements in technology are improving outcomes. We’ll also discuss what you can do to set yourself up for the best possible results. While egg freezing is a powerful tool, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the process.
Egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to preserve their fertility, whether for medical reasons, personal timing, or future family planning. The process, known as oocyte cryopreservation, offers hope and flexibility, but it’s not without its uncertainties. One common question we hear is: Why do some frozen eggs not survive the thaw? It’s a great question, and understanding the answer requires a look at the science behind egg freezing, the challenges of the process, and the factors that influence success rates.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why some eggs don’t make it through the thawing process, what happens during freezing and thawing, and how advancements in technology are improving outcomes. We’ll also discuss what you can do to set yourself up for the best possible results. While egg freezing is a powerful tool, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the process.
The basics of egg freezing and thawing
Egg freezing involves carefully extracting eggs from the ovaries, cooling them to sub-zero temperatures, and storing them for future use. The goal is to preserve the eggs in their current state, effectively hitting the “pause” button on those specific eggs. When you’re ready to use them, the eggs are thawed, fertilized, and transferred as embryos in the hopes of achieving a pregnancy.
The freezing process itself has come a long way. In the past, a method called slow freezing was used, but it often led to the formation of ice crystals, which could damage the eggs. Today, most clinics use a technique called vitrification, which flash-freezes the eggs so quickly that ice crystals don’t have time to form. This method has significantly improved survival rates, but it’s not foolproof.
What percent of eggs make it through the thaw?
What what are the chances your eggs will survive the thaw? The answer isn’t straightforward, as survival rates can vary based on several factors, including the clinic’s expertise, the age of the eggs, and the freezing method used.
Overall, the survival rate when thawing frozen eggs using vitrification is 95%. This is a significant improvement over older methods like slow freezing, which had survival rates closer to 75%. Vitrification’s rapid cooling process minimizes the risk of ice crystal formation, which is a major cause of egg damage during freezing and thawing.
Why some eggs don’t survive the thaw
In general, thaw rates are very good these days. However, they aren’t the same for everyone. Even with the advancements in vitrification, not all eggs make it through the thawing process. Here are some of the key reasons why:
- The fragility of eggs: Human eggs are among the largest cells in the body and contain a high amount of water. This makes them particularly sensitive to temperature changes. During freezing and thawing, the egg’s structure can be compromised, leading to damage that prevents it from surviving.
- Age and quality of the eggs: The quality of the eggs at the time of freezing plays a significant role in their survival. Younger eggs, typically from women in their 20s and early 30s, tend to have better survival rates than those from older individuals. This is because younger eggs are more likely to have intact DNA and cellular structures, which are better able to withstand the stresses of freezing and thawing.
- Laboratory quality: The process of freezing and thawing eggs is highly technical and requires precision. Even small errors in the timing, temperature, or handling of the eggs can impact their viability. Clinics with experienced embryologists and state-of-the-art equipment tend to have higher success rates.
Survival rates can and do vary between clinics. Clinics with highly skilled embryologists and advanced technology often report higher success rates. Some top-tier fertility clinics report near perfect survival rates for eggs frozen using vitrification. This is why it’s so important to choose a clinic with a strong track record and transparent data.
What happens after the eggs are thawed
Surviving the thaw is just the first step. After thawing, the eggs must be fertilized, develop into healthy embryos, and successfully implant in the uterus. Estimates vary, but according to UCLA Health the overall chance of a pregnancy is between 4-12% per oocyte per thawed egg, depending on factors like age, sperm quality, and clinic expertise. This means that while most eggs survive the thaw, not all will result in a successful pregnancy.
To put this into perspective, if you freeze 10 eggs, you might expect 8-9 to survive the thaw. Of those, only a portion may fertilize and develop into viable embryos. Your fertility doctor can work with you to determine the ideal number of eggs to freeze to increase the likelihood of achieving a pregnancy in the future.
While these numbers might feel daunting, it’s important to remember that egg freezing is still one of the most effective ways to preserve fertility, especially for those who freeze their eggs at a younger age. Advances in technology and clinic expertise continue to improve outcomes, offering hope and options for those planning for their future families.
What you can do to improve your chances
While some factors, like age, are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of success:
- Choose the right clinic: Research clinics thoroughly and choose one with a strong track record in egg freezing and thawing.
- Freeze your eggs sooner rather than later: The younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the better their quality and survival rate.
- Follow your clinic’s instructions: During the egg retrieval process, follow your clinic’s guidelines for medications, diet, and lifestyle to ensure the best possible egg quality.
- Consider undergoing multiple cycles: The more eggs you freeze, the higher your chances of having viable eggs after thawing.
Read more in How to Increase Egg Freezing Chances of Success
The future of egg freezing technology
While egg freezing has come a long way, there’s still room for improvement. Researchers are continually working on new techniques to improve survival rates and make the process more reliable. For example, some studies are exploring the use of different cryoprotectants or modified freezing protocols to further reduce the risk of damage.
Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are also being applied to fertility treatments. These technologies could help embryologists better predict which eggs are most likely to survive freezing and thawing, leading to more personalized and effective treatments.
Final thoughts
Egg freezing offers hope and flexibility for those looking to preserve their fertility, but it’s not without its challenges. Understanding why some eggs don’t survive the thaw can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations. By choosing a reputable clinic, freezing your eggs at a younger age, and staying informed about the process, you can improve your chances of success.
While the science of egg freezing continues to evolve, it’s important to remember that every individual’s experience is unique. If you’re considering egg freezing, take the time to consult with a fertility specialist, ask questions, and weigh your options carefully. With the right information and support, you can make the best choice for your future.
Freeze your eggs with Cofertility
We’d love the opportunity to support you on your egg freezing journey.
Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.
By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.
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How to Prepare Your Body for Egg Freezing: A 3-Month Roadmap
From personal experience and extensive research, I’ve created a detailed three-month roadmap to help you optimize your preparation for egg freezing. These simple tips could hopefully help enhance your egg quality and quantity in some capacity. They’ll also provide some peace of mind so you feel calm, ready, and empowered to take on this incredible thing you’re doing for your fertility future.
It’s no secret that egg freezing is a significant journey that demands time, money, and energy. Having gone through IVF twice — which involves the same egg retrieval process — I know first-hand the importance of being as prepared as possible leading up to your retrieval. From personal experience and extensive research, I’ve created a detailed three-month roadmap to help you optimize your preparation for egg freezing. I wish I had access to this kind of guide when I was starting my fertility treatments!
In order to help you prioritize, this list is organized by “must-do’s” vs. “nice-to-haves”. While we can’t significantly affect our egg quality, at the very least, these simple tips could hopefully help enhance your egg quality and quantity in some capacity. And at most, they’ll also provide some peace of mind so you feel calm, ready, and empowered to take on this incredible thing you’re doing for your fertility future.
Month 1: laying the foundation
If you’re still a few months out from your retrieval, you have the luxury of time to make real lifestyle shifts that might benefit your outcome. Let’s make the most of it!
Must-dos
Nutrition adjustments
Focus on a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, which can help protect eggs from oxidative stress. Integrating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can improve overall reproductive health. Key nutrients to focus on include:
- Folate: Recent studies indicate the importance of folate intake when it comes to cycle regulation, ovarian function, and pregnancy preparation. Folate can be found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, and legumes. Note: folate is a naturally occurring nutrient, while folic acid is a synthetic version of folate added to fortified foods and supplements.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA): Found in fish oil and flaxseeds, these nutrients support cellular health, and improve ovarian function, and some data suggests that improved omega-3 intake can enhance egg quality, though these studies are primarily limited to women undergoing treatment for infertility.
- Hydration: Drinking enough water is important for everyone, but if you’re about to undergo an egg freezing cycle, consider upping your daily water intake to 2-3 liters per day in order to remain properly hydrated.
For a deeper dive into dietary tips prior to egg freezing, check out our guide here.
Medication changes
In addition to adding new supplements into your routine, you should connect with your doctor about what supplements or medications to adjust leading up to your cycle. Your doctor may have you change a dosage or pause a certain medication altogether. For more on which medications you might need to adjust during an egg freezing cycle, click here.
Nice-to-haves
Upgrade your supplement regimen
While you should not begin a supplement regimen without discussing it with your doctor first, here are a few supplements worth talking to your doctor about as you prepare for egg freezing:
- CoQ10: Several studies indicate that CoQ10 supplementation can be associated with increased egg volume, improved fertilization rates, and improved embryo development rates.
- Myo-inositol: This substance can improve insulin resistance and ovarian function, with studies supporting its role in enhancing egg quality.
- Vitamins B6, B12, E, and K2: All often found in prenatal vitamins like the one we linked, these are essential for cellular function and embryo development down the line.
For a full list of recommended supplements for gearing up for egg freezing, click here.
Moderate exercise
Studies on the relationship between exercise and fertility are limited, but the endorphins you’ll feel as a result of regular movement won’t hurt. Be careful to avoid excessive, high-intensity workouts as you get closer to your retrieval as this can negatively affect your reproductive cycle. And, during the ovarian stimulation phase right before your retrieval, you’ll need to hold off on high-intensity workouts altogether to prevent ovarian torsion.
Self-care essentials
Start stocking up on items like a good ice pack or heating pad for injections, comfy clothes for bloating, and cozy socks (those stirrups can get chilly!).
Month 2: enhancing egg quality
As you get closer to your egg freezing cycle, continue managing the adjustments you’ve begun to make to your lifestyle. You’ll also start communicating more regularly with your clinic — beginning medications if prescribed, or starting to visit the office more for assessments and monitoring.
Must-dos
Increased monitoring
While you won’t ramp up frequent office visits until closer to your cycle, expect to visit your fertility clinic a bit more frequently than before. You’ll usually need to do some bloodwork and/or ultrasound before finalizing a medication plan and timing. This may include starting birth control to bring your cycle back to baseline before kicking things off.
Stress management
While stress might feel unavoidable, high stress levels can disrupt hormonal balance. Aim to integrate stress management activities or strategies into your daily routine in some capacity. This might include things like yoga or meditation, or even learning some quick deep breathing techniques to better navigate stressful moments throughout your day.
Nice-to-haves
Acupuncture
If you’ve never tried acupuncture, now is a good time to start. Some studies suggest acupuncture can improve blood flow to the ovaries and enhance fertility outcomes, but honestly, the jury is still out. Our POV? There’s no downside, so if you can make it work and enjoy it, it could be worth a try. You can read more here for a deeper dive into acupuncture for egg freezing, and some insights based on my personal experience.
Sleep quality
Studies suggest aiming for about 8 hours of quality sleep per night to help regulate hormone cycles, though it’s unclear if this directly affects egg quality or quantity.
Reduce endocrine disruptor exposure
You may have heard about “endocrine disruptors,” which are chemicals that can interfere with your endocrine (hormonal) system and the reproductive and other biological processes it regulates. Unfortunately, endocrine disruptors are not fully regulated in the United States, and can be found in certain beauty products, plastics, and more. Consider switching to cleaner products and glass containers as you gear up for your egg freezing cycle.
Month 3: final preparations
The final month is about adhering to prescribed medical treatments, minimizing exposure to harmful substances, and ensuring you are as relaxed and supported as possible as you approach your retrieval.
Must-dos
Adjust and organize your medications
Spend some time leading up to your retrieval getting your medications organized, including syringes, alcohol pads, gauze, and the medication themselves. You could even use a special box or cute caddy. As your doctor provides final adjustments to your medication protocol, you’ll also want to write our your daily medication plan in a way that’s easy to follow. I personally had luck with a printed-out calendar view, with AM and PM medications listed out and color coded. This gave me a small sense of control over this time, which can feel a bit chaotic!
Avoid harmful substances
While the link between caffeine and fertility is not clear, it’s probably a good idea to keep the jitters to a minimum as you gear up for your retrieval. Alcohol intake should also be reduced, and smoking should be ceased entirely as it can be detrimental to reproductive health.
Nice-to-haves
Secure your support system
Communicate your upcoming egg freezing journey on a need-to-know basis. That includes sharing with managers and/or coworkers any necessary scheduling shifts, but it also means connecting with trusted family members, friends, or even online communities (like ours!) about what’s about to happen.
Freezing your eggs is a big deal, and besides needing someone to escort you home after the retrieval, you’ll want some shoulders to lean on — even virtually.
Set your medication alarms
In addition to writing out your medication plan, setting alarms on your phone for medication times can help keep you sane during your egg freezing cycle. If you’ve got lots going on, setting alarms can be crucial as you’ll need to take medications at specific times throughout the day.
How Cofertility can support your journey
At Cofertility, we understand that egg freezing is a significant emotional and financial decision. That's why we offer more affordable and even free egg freezing options for women who choose to donate half of their eggs retrieved to another family struggling with conception.
Ready to begin your egg freezing journey? Take our quiz to discover how we can best support you, and learn about your eligibility for free egg freezing.
Embarking on your egg freezing journey can be an incredibly transformative period in your life. With the right preparation, informed choices, and supportive care, you can approach this phase with confidence and optimism. We're here to ensure that every step you take is grounded in knowledge and surrounded by support.
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An International Committee Proposed New BMI Guidelines: What it Means for Egg Freezing and Donation
In this article, we'll explore what the new obesity measurement guidelines mean, how they might affect access to fertility care, and why this matters for anyone considering egg freezing or donation. We'll also look at how these changes align with Cofertility's mission to make fertility preservation more accessible while maintaining high safety standards.
The medical community is rethinking how we measure and define obesity, which could have major implications for fertility care access. And we are totally on board.
An international committee composed of 56 experts with expertise in nutrition, endocrinology, internal medicine, and public health has published a report in the journal Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. They propose moving beyond the longstanding reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) alone when defining obesity, recommending new, more comprehensive metrics like waist circumference and body fat distribution. For those interested in egg freezing or donation, these developments could finally mean meaningful changes in how fertility clinics evaluate candidates.
Fertility clinics have historically used BMI as a key screening tool for determining eligibility for procedures like egg freezing and donation. The new guidelines acknowledge what many of us in healthcare have long recognized: that BMI alone doesn't tell the full story of someone's health or their suitability for medical procedures.
In this article, we'll explore what these new obesity measurement guidelines mean, how they might affect access to fertility care, and why this matters for anyone considering egg freezing or donation. We'll also look at how these changes align with Cofertility's mission to make fertility preservation more accessible while maintaining high safety standards.
Understanding the new obesity guidelines
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission has proposed significant changes to how obesity is defined and diagnosed. Instead of relying solely on BMI, they recommend incorporating additional measurements such as:
- Waist circumference measurements, which can better indicate the distribution of body fat
- Waist-to-hip ratio calculations to assess body composition
- Organ function and daily activity limitations
- Direct body fat measurements through methods like DEXA scans when available
The commission also introduces two new categories: "clinical obesity" for those with existing obesity-related health conditions and "pre-clinical obesity" for those at elevated risk of developing such conditions.
How fertility clinics use BMI requirements
Currently, most fertility clinics require BMI measurements within specific ranges for egg freezing and donation procedures. These requirements stem from several concerns:
- Anesthesia risks during egg retrieval procedures
- Potential complications during hormone stimulation
- Visibility challenges during ultrasound monitoring
- Possible impacts on egg quality and retrieval outcomes
However, these one-size-fits-all BMI-based policies may unnecessarily restrict access to fertility care for many healthy individuals. Dr. Robert Kushner, an endocrinologist at Northwestern University and commission member, notes that BMI can both overestimate and underestimate body fat, potentially misclassifying up to 40% of adults.
For example, someone like rugby player Ilona Maher would not qualify to be an egg donor at some fertility clinics. Despite being an Olympian with a clean bill of health—she would be immediately disqualified due to her BMI (she is 5′ 10″ and weighs 198 lbs).
Implications for egg freezing and donation
We hope the new guidelines lead to more nuanced screening processes for fertility procedures. Rather than using BMI as a sole disqualifying factor, clinics will hopefully begin considering multiple metrics to assess a person's overall health status and procedural risks.
This shift could particularly benefit:
- Athletes and individuals with high muscle mass, who may have elevated BMIs despite healthy body composition
- People with different ethnic backgrounds, as BMI standards were primarily developed based on white body types
- Individuals who carry weight differently but maintain good metabolic health
Safety considerations remain a priority
While these developments are promising for expanding access to fertility care, patient safety must always come first. The new guidelines don't eliminate the need to assess health risks—they simply provide better tools for doing so.
Some key safety factors that will continue to require careful evaluation:
- Anesthesia risks during egg retrieval
- Response to fertility medications
- Overall metabolic health
- Cardiovascular fitness
What this means for Cofertility members
We support evidence-based changes that could make fertility care more accessible without compromising safety.
While these new recommendations have not yet been widely implemented in fertility clinics in the US, we're watching these developments closely as they align with our belief that fertility care access should be accessible to all.
For those currently considering egg freezing or donation:
- The implementation of new guidelines may take time as clinics decide whether to update their protocols
- We recommend discussing your individual health profile with your healthcare provider and working with them to understand your individual risk factors.
- Remember that overall health involves multiple factors beyond any single measurement
- Stay informed about evolving medical guidelines that might affect your options
Looking ahead
The medical community's shift toward more nuanced health assessment methods represents an opportunity to improve access to fertility care while maintaining high safety standards. As these new guidelines begin to influence clinical practice, we hope to see positive changes in how fertility clinics evaluate candidates for egg freezing and donation. Cofertility remains committed to supporting members through evidence-based, accessible fertility care options. We'll continue to monitor these developments and update our community as clinical practices evolve.
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Not Sure About Kids? You're Not Alone: What New Research Says About Women's Choices
More young women are taking their time to decide about parenthood, and the numbers prove it. This shift reflects broader changes in how women approach major life decisions about family, career, and personal goals. In this article, we'll look at why more women are pressing pause on parenthood. We'll also explore how some women are proactively preserving their fertility options while they decide - and why that choice doesn't have to come with a six-figure price tag.
More young women are taking their time to decide about parenthood, and the numbers prove it. Those who do choose to become a parent are doing so later; the average age of first-time mothers in the United States has been steadily increasing over time. And more women are saying no to motherhood altogether. In 2023, the U.S. fertility rate reached the lowest number on record.
This shift reflects broader changes in how women approach major life decisions about family, career, and personal goals. In this article, we'll look at why more women are pressing pause on parenthood. We'll also explore how some women are proactively preserving their fertility options while they decide - and why that choice doesn't have to come with a six-figure price tag.
Why more women are waiting
The reasons for postponing parenthood vary, but recent data highlights some clear patterns. According to Pew Research, 44% of young adults without children want to focus on their careers and personal interests first. Financial considerations play a major role too, with 36% citing the cost of raising children as a significant factor.
But it's not just about careers and money. Among women under 50 who don't have children, 64% simply say they're not sure they want to be parents - notably higher than the 50% of men who say the same. This suggests women are becoming more comfortable acknowledging uncertainty about parenthood.

Career goals and financial stability
For many women in their twenties and early thirties, establishing professional foundations takes priority. This often means pursuing advanced education, building careers, or starting businesses - goals that can conflict with immediate family planning. The data supports this approach: 61% of adults without children report more career success, likely due to increased flexibility and focus.
Environmental and global concerns
Young adults are also thinking bigger: 38% cite concerns about the state of the world as a major factor in their decision-making, while 26% specifically mention environmental worries. These numbers reflect a growing awareness of how personal choices connect to larger issues.
Turning to egg freezing to keep your options open
While some women know definitively that they don't want children, others aren’t sure and want to preserve their options while they decide.
This is where egg freezing can play a role - but traditional egg freezing often costs $15,000 or more, putting it out of reach for many young women.
Programs like Cofertility's Split program are providing new options. Women can freeze and store their eggs for 10 years, entirely for free, by donating a portion to a family who needs donor eggs. This arrangement covers the medical costs of egg freezing while helping another family build their future.
Making informed choices
The decision about parenthood doesn't have to be made all at once. But understanding your options now can help you make better choices for your future. Here's what to consider as you think it through:
- Age and fertility: While women today have more options than ever, biology still plays a role. Fertility (specifically the quantity and quality of eggs) typically begins to decline in your early 30s, with a more pronounced drop after 35. This doesn't mean you need to rush your decision, but it's helpful to understand your personal fertility timeline through testing and medical consultation.
- Career planning: Think about your professional goals for the next 3-5 years. Are you pursuing additional education? Planning to switch industries? Starting a company? Consider how different paths might align with family planning, and what flexibility you want to maintain.
- Financial readiness: Beyond the immediate costs of fertility preservation, consider your longer-term financial picture. What would make you feel secure enough to make major life decisions? This might include emergency savings, retirement planning, or specific career milestones.
- Building your support network: Surround yourself with people who support your choices without pressure. This might include friends in similar situations, healthcare providers who listen to your concerns, and family members who respect your timeline.
Looking ahead
The rise in women taking time to decide about parenthood reflects broader social changes and increased options for family planning. Whether you ultimately choose to have children or not, taking time to consider your choices thoughtfully makes sense - especially when there are ways to keep your options open.
If you are interested in freezing your eggs, we can connect you with a fertility specialist for a consultation to discuss your specific situation. Our Freeze by Co platform is making egg freezing more empowering, positive, and accessible — even free — when you give half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
TL;DR
- Nearly half of adults under 50 now say they're unlikely to have kids, up from 37% in 2018
- 64% of young women without kids say they're simply not sure about parenthood
- Career focus (44%) and financial concerns (36%) are top reasons for waiting
- Environmental concerns and global issues influence many young adults' family planning
- Cofertility's Split program lets women freeze their eggs by sharing them with a family in need, making fertility preservation more accessible
- There's no rush to decide - but understanding your options helps you plan ahead
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Why People Choose to Freeze Their Eggs: New Research From 75,000 Respondents
Through this article, we'll explore the key factors that shape egg freezing choices, examine how priorities evolve with age, and uncover surprising geographic trends in family planning. We'll also address the growing gap between when women initially hope to have children and when they actually feel ready to start their families.
More women than ever are choosing to freeze their eggs. But what drives these decisions? New research from Cofertility, analyzing responses from over 75,000 women, reveals patterns in how age, location, and life goals influence this choice.
Our findings paint a picture of shifting priorities across different life stages. While career ambitions drive decisions in the twenties, finding the right partner becomes paramount by the mid-thirties. Meanwhile, those living in cities show markedly different family planning patterns than their rural counterparts. This nationwide study, one of the largest of its kind, offers unprecedented insight into how women approach this significant decision.
Through this article, we'll explore the key factors that shape egg freezing choices, examine how priorities evolve with age, and uncover surprising geographic trends in family planning. We'll also address the growing gap between when women initially hope to have children and when they actually feel ready to start their families.
So why do people freeze their eggs? Let’s find out.
To focus on career growth and financial stability
For women under 28, professional development emerged as the primary motivation for considering egg freezing. Our research found that establishing a stable career or pursuing advanced education took precedence over immediate family planning. This aligns with broader societal trends, like financial independence and career growth becoming top priorities for women in their twenties.
Women cite specific career milestones they hoped to achieve before starting a family, including:
- Reaching management positions or specific salary thresholds that would provide long-term financial security for their future families
- Completing advanced degrees or specialized training programs that require significant time commitment and mental focus
- Building enough savings to comfortably support future family plans while maintaining their desired lifestyle
Because they haven't found the right partner yet
By age 35, finding a compatible life partner became the dominant concern for 40% of survey respondents. This priority shift highlights how relationship status influences egg freezing decisions, particularly as the average age of marriage (for all genders!) continues to rise across developed nations.
The data suggests that women increasingly view egg freezing as a way to maintain reproductive options while taking time to find the right partner. This approach allows them to focus on developing meaningful relationships without feeling rushed by biological time constraints.
Women in this category often expressed wanting to ensure they had enough time to build a strong foundation with their future partner before starting a family. They viewed egg freezing as a way to reduce the pressure of rushing into relationships solely due to fertility concerns.
To preserve options while living in major cities
Location played a notable role in how women approached family planning decisions. Urban respondents showed distinct patterns compared to their rural counterparts, with city dwellers more likely to postpone having children and express uncertainty about their family planning timeline.
Our research showed that women in metropolitan areas were more likely to freeze their eggs, due to factors such as:
- Higher costs of living requiring more time to establish financial stability
- More competitive career environments demanding greater time investment
- A dating culture that often leads to later marriage
- Greater access to and awareness of egg freezing services
To maintain freedom to travel and explore in their late twenties
Age 29 marked a notable spike in prioritizing travel and cultural experiences. This finding suggests that many women view their late twenties as an optimal time for personal growth and exploration before focusing on family formation.
Women at this age often reported wanting to preserve their fertility while pursuing international career opportunities, extended travel, or living abroad experiences. Many saw these experiences as valuable preparation for eventual parenthood, allowing them to bring broader perspectives and life experiences to their future families.
To bridge the gap between ideal timing and reality
Our research revealed a significant disconnect between early family planning goals and later realities. While most 20-year-olds envisioned having children before 30, this timeline often shifted as they approached their thirties. By age 30, 63% of respondents had adjusted their target for having children to before age 35.
This adjustment often stems from various factors:
- Extended time needed to establish careers in an increasingly competitive job market
- Later marriage timing compared to previous generations
- Continued education pursuits and professional development
- Financial considerations, including student loan debt and housing costs
- Personal growth priorities and life experiences
To balance family planning with valued relationships
As respondents aged, they increasingly valued spending quality time with family and friends. This trend highlights the importance of support networks during major life decisions, including family planning choices.
Many women reported that having strong relationships with family and friends played a key role in their egg freezing decisions, providing both emotional support and practical guidance. These connections often helped inform their choices and timing around fertility preservation.
To maintain reproductive options while pursuing multiple life goals
The research indicates that egg freezing decisions rarely stem from a single factor. Instead, they reflect a mix of personal goals, professional aspirations, and life circumstances. Women increasingly view egg freezing as a tool for maintaining reproductive autonomy while pursuing other important life goals.
Making informed choices
When considering egg freezing, women should weigh multiple factors:
- Current age and reproductive health metrics
- Professional and educational goals
- Relationship status and future plans
- Financial readiness and insurance coverage
- Personal timeline for family formation
The research shows that these considerations often change with age, location, and life circumstances. Understanding these patterns can help women make more informed and confident reproductive decisions.
Looking forward
Family planning decisions look different for everyone. Whether driven by career ambitions, travel goals, lifestyle preferences, or partner considerations, many women choose egg freezing to better align their family planning with their life goals. What unites all of us is the desire to make informed choices about our reproductive futures.
This research marks an important step in understanding why women choose egg freezing. As medical technology advances and societal norms continue to evolve, we expect these motivations to evolve as well. What remains constant is women's desire to make active, informed choices about their fertility - choices that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and dreams for the future.