What Black Women Should Know About Egg Freezing

If you're considering freezing your eggs, you may be wondering why so few Black women pursue this option. A 2023 study in Fertility and Sterility revealed an enormous gap: while Black women make up 30% of Chicago's population, they represent only 7% of egg freezing patients - even in areas with comprehensive insurance coverage. The study identified two key barriers: cultural beliefs about egg freezing in the Black community and lack of awareness that fertility preservation was even an option.

Yet egg freezing can be particularly valuable for Black women, who have twice the odds of experiencing infertility compared to white women. 

This guide is all about egg freezing in the Black community and provides practical information about the process, costs, and support resources available. Whether you're actively considering egg freezing or just exploring your options, you'll find guidance on finding the right doctor, navigating treatment, and connecting with others who understand your experience.

Your reproductive health matters

A landmark 2008 study called the CARDIA Women's Study found important evidence about racial differences in fertility. The research found that Black women had twice the odds of experiencing infertility compared to white women, even after accounting for factors like education, income, and medical conditions. This higher rate of infertility persisted across different groups - married women, unmarried women, and women not using contraception.

Black women are also more likely to have uterine fibroids, which can have an adverse impact on fertility and pregnancy. Black women are disproportionately affected by PCOS, and have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease than white women. And while Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis, it might be due to facing more delayed or altogether missed diagnoses. 

These higher rates of reproductive health conditions affect Black women's fertility not just in the moment but can impact future family planning. Beyond the known barriers, more research is needed to uncover the hidden factors contributing to the low rates of egg freezing among Black women. For instance, how do historical mistrust in the medical system, implicit bias in healthcare interactions, and disparities in patient-provider communication influence decisions around fertility preservation? Additionally, little is understood about how mental health, chronic stress, and the cumulative impact of systemic racism affect reproductive outcomes and fertility timelines. Research should also explore the role of community narratives, social support networks, and representation in reproductive healthcare, which may subtly shape perceptions and decisions around fertility preservation. Understanding these complex, interconnected factors is key to developing culturally responsive education, policies, and care models that truly support Black women in making informed reproductive choices. Early awareness and intervention - including considering options like egg freezing - can help protect your reproductive choices.

Understanding egg freezing

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process that allows women to freeze unfertilized eggs for potential future use. During the procedure, eggs are retrieved from your ovaries, frozen at extremely low temperatures, and stored until you're ready to use them. 

Because the quality and quantity of eggs naturally decline with age, freezing eggs when you're younger can help preserve higher-quality eggs for future family building.

The egg freezing process typically takes 2-3 weeks and involves:

Initial consultation

• Medical history review
• Fertility testing (bloodwork and ultrasound)
• Discussion of treatment plan
• Review of costs and insurance

Ovarian stimulation (10-12 days)

• Daily hormone injections
• Regular monitoring appointments
• Ultrasounds to track follicle development
• Blood tests to check hormone levels

Egg retrieval

• 15-30 minute surgical procedure to retrieve the eggs
• Light sedation required
• Same-day recovery
• You will know that day how many eggs were retrieved

Egg freezing has grown in popularity, with a 30% increase in egg-freezing cycles from 2021 to 2022 alone! While egg freezing is generally considered safe and effective, there are potential side effects that you should be aware of before making the decision to undergo the procedure. 

Finding the right fertility specialist 

Research consistently shows that Black women have better health outcomes when treated by Black doctors. If you’re lucky enough to have multiple clinics to choose from in your area, you can evaluate them on three key areas: success rates, experience with Black patients, and clinic environment. 

Ask for data on egg freezing outcomes specifically for Black women, and inquire about the clinic's experience treating conditions common in Black women like fibroids. Consider the diversity of the medical team and staff, as well as the support services offered. 

Our Directory of Black Fertility Doctors can help you find a qualified reproductive endocrinologist in your area.

Advocating for yourself

Studies show Black women often face delays in diagnosis and treatment. Keep detailed records of your cycle, symptoms, and test results. Communicate concerns directly with your healthcare team and don't hesitate to seek second opinions if you're unsatisfied with your care. Many women find it helpful to bring a support person to appointments.

Read more in How to Talk to Your Doctor About Your Fertility Health (and How To Advocate for Yourself)

How much does egg freezing cost?

​​This is always a difficult question to answer because it depends! It depends on the clinic you’re going to, where you are located, the medications you are prescribed (it differs based on your age and body), and where/how long you store the eggs.

Average egg-freezing cycle costs range from $10,000 - $20,000 for consultations, testing, ultrasounds, medications, and egg retrieval, plus the ongoing cost of annual storage.

Several options exist to manage these costs. Check if your employer offers fertility benefits and review state mandate requirements. Many clinics offer payment plans or multi-cycle discounts. 

Egg sharing: A cost-free option

For women interested in freezing, egg sharing is an increasingly common option. Through Cofertility's Split program, you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate a portion of the retrieved eggs to a family who cannot conceive. Our program covers all expenses - including medications, storage for 10 years, and even travel if needed.

The benefits of egg sharing with Cofertility:

• All medical and travel costs covered
• Free genetic and fertility testing
• Help another Black family build their family while freezing your own eggs for future use
• Connection to the Cofertility community for support all along the way and after too
• Receive the same quality of care as self-pay patients

Many Black women find meaning in helping other families, particularly given the challenges many Black families face in building their families through egg donation. The Split program offers a way to preserve your fertility while making treatment accessible to others. If donating your eggs to intended parents sounds like something you would like to do, you may be able to qualify for our egg sharing program. Take our quiz to see if you qualify.

Support resources

These incredible organizations focus specifically on supporting and advocating for Black women and families through their fertility experiences: 

• The Resilient Sisterhood Project’s mission is to educate and empower women of African descent regarding common yet rarely discussed diseases of the reproductive system that disproportionately affect them.
• Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a national network of Black women-led and Black-led, birth and reproductive justice organizations and multi-disciplinary professionals, working across the full spectrum of maternal and reproductive health.
• SisterSong’s mission is to strengthen and amplify the collective voices of indigenous women and women of color to achieve reproductive justice by eradicating reproductive oppression and securing human rights. 
• Eggs over Easy is a documentary film about Black women and fertility.

For mental health support, the Therapy for Black Girls Directory can help you find culturally competent counselors who understand the unique challenges Black women face in fertility treatment.

Making your decision

Your reproductive health matters. Making decisions about your fertility is empowering, especially when you have the right information and support. While the data shows clear disparities in access to fertility treatment for Black women, these challenges are not insurmountable.

Whether you choose to freeze your eggs now, explore egg sharing through our Split program, or simply want to learn more about your options, you're taking an important step in managing your reproductive health. Our team is here to help you navigate this process with confidence.

‍Read more:

• Does Donating Eggs Affect Your Fertility?
• How to Increase Egg Freezing Chances of Success
• Researchers Followed 921 Egg Freezers; Here’s What They Found