Why People Choose to Freeze Their Eggs: New Research From 75,000 Respondents

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.