egg freezing

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:

1. Prevents jostling of the enlarged ovaries that could trigger torsion
2. 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!

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.

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:

1. 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. 
2. Extracción de óvulos: Tus óvulos serán extraídos a través de un procedimiento quirúrgico menor usando guía por ultrasonido. 
3. Vitrificación: Tus óvulos serán congelados rápidamente usando una técnica llamada vitrificación, que ayuda a preservar su calidad. 
4. Almacenamiento: Tus óvulos congelados serán almacenados en una instalación segura hasta que estés lista para usarlos. 
5. 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

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.

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. Click here for an extra 20% off your CoQ10 order with code COFERTILITY20. 
• Myo-inositol: This substance can improve insulin resistance and ovarian function, with studies supporting its role in enhancing egg quality. Click here for an extra 20% off your Myo-inositol order with code COFERTILITY20. 
• 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. Click here for an extra 15% off your prenatal order with code COFERTILITY. 

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.

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.

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.

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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

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.

Choosing where to freeze your eggs is one of the most important decisions in the egg freezing process. While cost is often a major factor, there are other important elements to consider when selecting a clinic. From success rates to lab quality to the patient experience, this article will help you learn how to evaluate different clinics to find the right fit for your needs. Let’s dive in!

Getting started with research 

Before you start screening for specific metrics, it's helpful to create a list of clinics within your geographical area. Most egg freezers prefer a clinic within an hour's drive since you'll need to visit frequently during the stimulation phase. Start by:

• Doing a quick search on Google maps
• Asking your OBGYN for recommendations
• Exploring your insurance provider's network
• Researching clinics through SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology)
• Reading reviews on FertilityIQ and other patient forums
• Joining local fertility support groups or online communities
• Getting recommendations from friends who have frozen their eggs

If you choose to freeze your eggs with Cofertility, we’ll provide you with a list of our partner clinics and, depending on your program, pricing information if necessary.

Once you have a preliminary list, here's what we recommend evaluating:

Success rates matter - but look closely

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Success rates are important, but comparing clinic data is not always apples-to-apples. And, the data is not always up-to-date. When reviewing clinic statistics, consider:

• Laboratory competency: Ask about the clinic's egg survival rate after thawing. With modern vitrification techniques, survival rates should be 95% or higher. A lower rate might indicate issues with the lab's freezing protocols.
• Age-specific success rates: Look for success rates specific to your age group. Some clinics may have great overall numbers but less experience with patients in your demographic.
• Reporting transparency: Do clinics accept all patients, or do they cherry-pick patients that will have the best outcomes? Remember that success rates can vary based on patient population and case complexity. A clinic that takes on more challenging cases might have lower overall success rates but could still be excellent.
• Timing of data: Published success rates often reflect data from 2-3 years ago. Look to see if the doctors who achieved those results are still practicing there and whether the clinic has changed locations, protocols, or lab directors since the data was collected. Success rates can change significantly with staff turnover or protocol updates.

Clinic size 

The size of a fertility clinic can significantly impact your treatment experience. Smaller clinics typically offer more personalized attention and consistency in your care team. You'll likely see the same doctor and nurses throughout your journey, and scheduling tends to be more flexible to accommodate individual needs. However, smaller clinics may have limited resources or access to the latest technology, and they might face challenges with coverage during staff vacations or emergencies.

Larger clinics, on the other hand, often have more extensive resources and access to cutting-edge technology. They frequently offer multiple locations and broader scheduling options, which can be particularly convenient for monitoring appointments. Their larger support staff means more availability for patient questions and concerns. However, the experience might feel less personal, and you may see different doctors at each visit. Larger clinics also tend to have more standardized protocols, which can mean less individualization in your treatment plan.

Neither size is inherently better - the choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Some patients prefer the intimate setting and personalized attention of a smaller clinic, while others value the resources and convenience that larger clinics can offer. Consider asking for more information about a clinic’s scheduling practices to better understand how soon you can start treatment, how often appointments are available, and how long wait times might be during peak periods.

Clinic culture, perks, and approach

Every clinic has its own philosophy and approach. Consider:

• Patient volume: Some clinics take a high-volume approach while others focus on fewer patients with more personalized care. Neither is inherently better, but one style might suit you better.
• Treatment philosophy: Ask about their approach to medication protocols - do they customize for each patient or use standard protocols? Do they use their intuition or do they use software and AI to determine the best protocol?
• Communication policies: Understand how the clinic handles patient communications. Who will you contact with questions? What is the expected response times? What about after-hours support?
• Patient portal: Is there a patient portal or does communication happen via email, phone, or text?
• Perks: Some clinics offer additional resources like support groups, mental health support, nutrition counseling, and even acupuncture services.

The medical team

The quality of your medical team significantly impacts your experience. Consider:

• Experience and credentials: Look for board-certified reproductive endocrinologists with specific experience in egg freezing. Ask how many cycles they perform annually. As with most medical procedures, more volume correlates with better outcomes.‍
• Communication style: Does the doctor take time to answer questions? Are they accessible between appointments? You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident in their responses.‍
• Support staff: Your primary contact may often be with nurses and coordinators. Ask about their experience and availability.‍
• Team approach: Understanding how the clinic handles patient care is important. Will you always see your doctor, or do they rotate? How are weekend appointments handled?

Monitoring and flexibility

The egg freezing process requires frequent monitoring appointments, making a clinic's scheduling flexibility core to your experience. During the stimulation phase, you'll need early morning monitoring appointments every few days, so consider how the clinic's hours align with your schedule. Many clinics offer early morning monitoring before work hours, but availability varies significantly between facilities. Weekend monitoring options are especially important since your body doesn't follow a Monday-to-Friday schedule during treatment.

Some larger clinics offer multiple locations for monitoring appointments, which can provide valuable flexibility if you live or work in different areas. Wait times for appointments can vary dramatically between clinics - while some run efficiently with minimal waiting, others may have significant delays that could impact your work schedule. Additionally, some clinics now offer remote monitoring options for certain appointments, which could save you travel time during your cycle.

When evaluating a clinic's flexibility, ask specific questions about their monitoring process: How early do they open? What happens if you're running late? How do they handle weekend and holiday monitoring? Understanding these logistics upfront can help you gauge whether a clinic's scheduling approach will work with your lifestyle.

Laboratory quality and technology

The laboratory is the heart of any fertility clinic. Key factors to evaluate include:

• CLIA certification and CAP accreditation
• Whether the clinic has an in-house lab or outsources its services
• The experience level of embryologists
• Updates to equipment and protocols
• Clean room air filtration systems
• Backup power systems
• Security measures for stored eggs

Ask about the clinic's experience specifically with egg freezing, not just general IVF. Some clinics may have extensive experience with embryo freezing but less with egg freezing, which requires different expertise.

Insurance and financing 

Egg freezing can be a significant financial investment so, if you are self-funding your journey, it’s important to explore all your payment options. Consider the following:

• Verify if the clinic accepts your insurance plan and which parts of the process are covered (e.g., initial consultation, medication, or storage fees)
• Check whether your employer offers fertility benefits that can be used at the clinic
• Inquire about the clinic’s financing options or available payment assistance programs 

Support for LGBTQ+ 

If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, finding a clinic that understands and supports your unique journey is essential. Here’s what to look for:

• Ensure the clinic has a proven track record of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals
• Ask whether they offer additional resources, like LGBTQ+-focused support groups
• Look for signs that the clinic fosters a welcoming, affirming space where diversity and inclusion are prioritized.

The bottom line

While cost is an important factor, choosing an egg freezing clinic should involve evaluating multiple aspects of care and service. Focus on finding a clinic that combines strong success rates, high laboratory standards, and a care approach that matches your needs. Take time to visit your top choices, meet with the medical team, and trust your instincts about where you feel most comfortable.

At Cofertility, we partner with leading fertility clinics nationwide that meet rigorous quality standards. Whether you're interested in our Keep or Split program (where you freeze your eggs for free when donating half), we can help connect you with top clinics in your area that align with your priorities and preferences.

When you first start thinking about egg freezing, it might not be obvious where to begin. Should you go straight to a fertility clinic? Talk to your regular doctor? Ask your friends who've been through it? While there are many paths to gathering information, your OBGYN can be an excellent first stop on your information-gathering process.

As a doctor who knows your medical history and has been monitoring your reproductive health, your OBGYN is uniquely positioned to help you understand your fertility and explore whether egg freezing might make sense for you. They can order initial testing, review your health history for any red flags, and help you understand your options for the future.

While OBGYNs typically don't perform the egg freezing procedure themselves, they play an important role in the process. They can order and interpret initial fertility testing, provide referrals to specialists, and offer valuable insights about your reproductive health. Many people find that starting the conversation with their OBGYN helps them feel more confident and informed before taking the next step of consulting directly with a fertility clinic.

This article covers key questions to ask during your appointment, from basic fertility testing to finding the right fertility clinic. We'll also help you understand what information your OBGYN can (and can’t) provide about egg freezing, so you can make the most of your visit.

What to know before your appointment

Your OBGYN can offer initial fertility testing and recommendations, but most don't perform egg freezing procedures themselves. Think of this visit as an important first step in understanding your fertility health and options. Come prepared with your medical history, menstrual cycle information, and any specific concerns you'd like to address.

Start with questions about your current fertility health:

• What fertility testing do you recommend for someone my age?
• Can we check my AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) levels?
• Would you recommend an ultrasound to check my antral follicle count?
• Given my age and health history, what's your perspective on egg freezing timing?
• Are there any red flags in my medical history that could affect fertility?

Your OBGYN knows your health history and can also provide specific guidance about how various factors might affect fertility:

• Could my current medications affect the process?
• Do I need to make any health changes before starting the process?
• Are there any specialists I should consult first?
• Does my family history raise any concerns?
• Are there any vaccines I should get beforehand?
• Would my weight affect my ability to freeze my eggs?

Finding the right time to start the conversation

Many patients wonder when they should first bring up egg freezing with their OBGYN. While there's no wrong time, there are several moments when it might feel most natural:

• During your annual exam
• When discussing birth control changes
• After a significant life event (like a new cancer diagnosis)
• When you're approaching an age where fertility becomes a greater concern
• If you're experiencing irregular periods
• When discussing family planning generally

Your OBGYN can help contextualize fertility in relation to your overall health, so don't hesitate to raise the topic during any visit but keep in mind that due to time constraints, you may need to come back for another visit. This is much more likely if you are already being seen for another main concern. 

As an example, a thorough annual involves significant preventive counseling so there typically isn’t enough time for an OBGYN to complete the annual and adequately address your fertility questions, especially if you have several of them. They can usually answer a few questions, perhaps collect bloodwork, but they’ll likely ask that you return at another date so they can spend that entire visit digging into your questions. The same goes for if you’re being seen for irregular or painful periods, hormone concerns, etc. Most providers are only given 20 minutes per patient so there may not be enough time for them to address multiple concerns and counsel you appropriately on your fertility so don’t be surprised if a second visit is recommended. 

Understanding your hormone test results

Once you've completed initial hormone testing, there are additional questions you can ask:

• What do my hormone levels indicate about my fertility?
• How do my results compare to others my age?
• Based on these results, what's your recommendation about egg freezing timing?
• Should we repeat any of these tests? If so, when?
• Do you have any fertility specialists or clinics you recommend? (if relevant)

These are great questions to ask via a virtual visit if your provider offers them. If you don’t have another appointment for a while, you may be able to ask these questions over email or the electronic health record system (like MyChart). 

Making the most of your appointment

To get the most helpful information from your OBGYN:

1. Bring a list of your questions
2. Take notes or record the conversation (with permission)
3. Ask for clarification if something isn't clear
4. Request written materials or resources
5. Find out the best way to follow up with additional questions

What your OBGYN might not know

While OBGYNs are experts in reproductive health, they might not have detailed information about:

• Specific success rates at local fertility clinics
• Exact costs for egg freezing procedures
• Detailed protocols used by different fertility specialists
• Storage options and fees
• Insurance coverage at specific clinics

Those are all questions you should save for the fertility clinic.

The bottom line

Talking to your OBGYN can be a great first step in exploring egg freezing. They can provide initial fertility testing, identify potential medical concerns, and direct you to trusted specialists. Their knowledge of your medical history, combined with their expertise in reproductive health, makes them well-positioned to help you start this process.

Remember that while OBGYNs offer important medical insights, they're just one part of your support system. The next step typically involves consulting with a fertility clinic that specializes in egg freezing. These specialists can provide detailed information about the process, success rates, and options specific to your situation.

If you're ready to take the next step after speaking with your OBGYN, consider exploring your options with Cofertility. We can help you navigate the egg freezing process through our Keep and Split programs, which offer a new approach to making egg freezing more accessible (and even free when you donate half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive). Our team can connect you with top fertility clinics and provide support throughout your egg freezing experience.

Whatever path you choose, starting the conversation with your OBGYN can help you feel more informed and empowered as you explore your fertility preservation options. Come prepared with questions, but remember that this initial consultation is just the beginning of your information-gathering process.

Read More:

• What's the Right Age for Fertility Testing?
• What’s the Best Age to Freeze My Eggs?
• What's the Egg Retrieval Process Like?
• Can I Freeze My Eggs If...

The decision to freeze your eggs is an empowering and exciting one, but usually not affordable. While the medical benefits of egg freezing are clear for many women who want to preserve their fertility options, the cost - typically ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 per cycle - can feel completely out of reach. Insurance coverage remains limited, leaving many women searching for alternative funding solutions.

Fortunately, women today have more options than ever to help make egg freezing more financially accessible. Let's explore five creative approaches to funding egg freezing, with insights on how to evaluate which options might work best for you.

Egg sharing

Cofertility's Split program allows women to donate  eggs to a family who can’t otherwise conceive in exchange for a free egg freezing cycle, including medications, travel, and 10 years of egg storage (literally every expense related to the cycle). This arrangement helps make egg freezing more accessible while also supporting intended parents who need donor eggs to build their families. 

Learn more about the program on CBS Mornings:

Crowdfunding 

While not for everyone, some women have successfully used crowdfunding platforms to help fund their egg freezing. Women like Maggie Goodman have used GoFundMe to ask for donations from friends, family, and even strangers who want to support family-building goals. If considering this route, think carefully about your comfort level with sharing personal medical information publicly.

Maximizing HSA and FSA accounts 

About 37% of Americans report having either a Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). These plans allow you to use pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, including fertility care. While these accounts may not cover the full cost of egg freezing, they can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Remember that FSA funds typically need to be used within the calendar year, while HSA funds roll over.

Social media partnerships 

A small number of women with large social media followings have worked with fertility clinics to document their egg freezing experience in exchange for free or discounted services. While this option is limited to those with significant online audiences (typically 100,000+ followers), it represents how some clinics are embracing social media for patient education and awareness. These arrangements usually require the influencer to create multiple posts or videos about their experience, sharing details about the process and their specific clinic. Of course, disclosure of such partnerships is legally required, and both clinics and influencers must follow medical advertising guidelines. This route isn't accessible to most women, but it has helped normalize conversations about egg freezing on social platforms.

Going abroad

Another option more women are exploring is freezing their eggs abroad. Countries like Spain, Czech Republic, and Mexico offer the procedure at 30-50% lower costs than U.S. clinics. The math can work out even after factoring in travel expenses, and some women combine their treatment with an extended stay abroad.However, regulations and oversight vary significantly between countries. While many international clinics maintain high medical standards, you'll want to research facilities carefully. Consider practical aspects like language barriers and how you'll handle follow-up care once you're back home. Storage security and legal protections also differ by location, so ask detailed questions about how your eggs will be maintained long-term.Read more in Pros and Cons of Going Abroad for Egg Freezing

‍More traditional ways to fund egg freezing

Of course, there are more common ways to pay for egg freezing including:

• Financing through a lender
• Taking on freelance work or consulting to save up additional money
• Taking a job at an employer that offers egg freezing as a benefit
• Asking a partner to help pay for a portion of the expenses
• Using credit cards with 0% APR introductory periods (this requires a solid repayment plan)

Summing it up

Egg freezing doesn't have to be financially out of reach. From sharing eggs with families in need to exploring treatment abroad to leveraging social media partnerships, women today have more creative options than ever to make this possible. While not every approach works for everyone, understanding these alternatives can open new doors. The most important thing is taking that first step to research your options and find a path that aligns with your goals and values.Want to learn more about the Split program? Take our quiz to see if you qualify.

When the first baby was born from a frozen egg in 1986, it was considered a miracle of modern science. Today, egg freezing has evolved from an experimental procedure to a mainstream fertility option, with thousands of babies born from frozen eggs worldwide each year. But as more women consider freezing their eggs, debates continue about the medical, ethical, and social implications of this technology.

Some view egg freezing as a powerful tool for reproductive autonomy, allowing women to increase their chances of pregnancy later in life by preserving their younger, healthier eggs. Others worry about everything from medical risks to societal implications. 

This article explores the six “controversies” surrounding egg freezing. We'll examine these criticisms, look at what the research actually shows, and discuss how the conversation continues to evolve. Let’s dive in.

1. Medical considerations and concerns

Some people have concerns about egg freezing, particularly regarding the safety of the procedure. However, many of their concerns stem from earlier days of the technology. 

Today, research shows the procedure is generally safe, though, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. In a single egg freezing cycle, the risk of a serious adverse event is under 2.5%. Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) accounts for the majority of complications, occurring in 0.1-2% of cycles. The risk of other acute complications, including pelvic infection, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, or ovarian torsion, is small (<0.5%). The risks overall are generally low and can be minimized through careful monitoring and appropriate medical management.

Read more in Is Egg Freezing Safe? An OBGYN Answers Your Top Questions

2. The "false hope" debate

Another criticism is that egg freezing provides false hope to women about their future fertility. Critics raise a few concerns, so let's examine each one alongside current data and understanding.

Success rates

Critics point to declining success rates with age at freezing. While it's true that egg quality decreases with age, this is precisely why egg freezing can be valuable. By preserving eggs at a younger age, women can freeze younger eggs to use later on. A woman who freezes her eggs at 32 can use those same 32-year-old eggs when she's ready to build her family, whether that's at 36 or 42. Because IVF success depends more on the age of the eggs than the age of the mother when carrying the pregnancy, egg freezing can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy in the future.

Thawing

Another concern is that not all frozen eggs will survive the thaw process. However, modern flash-freezing techniques (vitrification) have dramatically improved survival rates. Current data shows that 95% of eggs now survive the thawing process. This is why fertility doctors typically recommend freezing multiple eggs, accounting for both thaw rates and the typical number of eggs needed for a successful pregnancy.

Read more about Egg Freezing Thaw Rates

No guarantees

Critics also argue that having frozen eggs doesn't guarantee a future pregnancy. This is true – no fertility treatment comes with a guarantee. However, framing egg freezing as a way to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy down the line, rather than a guarantee, helps set realistic expectations. One study found that a woman under 35 will need 9 eggs to achieve a 70% chance of having at least one live birth. 

Oversimplified marketing

Some suggest that marketing oversimplifies the complexity of fertility. This is a valid concern, and it's why transparent education about the process is so important. However, most women who pursue egg freezing do so after careful research and consultation with board-certified fertility doctors. They typically understand that it's one option among many for family planning.

Rather than providing false hope, egg freezing can offer realistic hope when women receive accurate information about success rates and limitations. We aim to ensure that women have access to clear, evidence-based information to make informed decisions about their reproductive futures.

3. Workplace benefits controversy

The addition of egg freezing to corporate benefits packages has sparked particular debate. Some critics argue that these benefits send a problematic message to female employees, suggesting they should prioritize work over starting a family. Some view it as a subtle form of pressure to delay parenthood, keeping talented women at their desks longer rather than taking maternity leave. Others see it as companies avoiding more meaningful family-friendly workplace reforms, like comprehensive parental leave policies, flexible work arrangements, or on-site childcare facilities.

However, supporters of these benefits present a different perspective. They argue that providing egg freezing coverage simply expands the range of reproductive choices available to women, particularly given the significant cost of the procedure. With egg freezing often costing $15,000 or more per cycle (plus annual storage fees), employer coverage can make this option accessible to more women who might otherwise be unable to afford it. Additionally, these benefits acknowledge the reality that many professionals want to pursue both career advancement and parenthood, but may not be ready for children during their most fertile years.

While the debate continues about the implications of these benefits, let’s acknowledge that egg freezing coverage remains relatively rare. Despite headlines about tech giants and large consulting firms offering this benefit, the vast majority of American women lack access to any fertility coverage through their employers. This means most women must pay out of pocket for the procedure, creating a significant gap between those who have employer support and those who don't.

Looking at the bigger picture, egg freezing benefits shouldn't replace comprehensive family-friendly workplace policies, but they can be part of a larger benefits package that supports employees' diverse needs and life choices. These benefits should exist alongside, rather than instead of, other family-supporting policies. When implemented thoughtfully, egg freezing coverage can be one component of a workplace that truly supports women's reproductive and career choices. The real issue may not be whether companies should offer these benefits, but why more companies don't provide any fertility coverage at all.

4. Social implications and pressures

The increasing popularity of egg freezing reflects and influences broader societal conversations about reproduction, careers, and modern family planning. As the procedure becomes more common, it raises questions about how we view the timing of parenthood in contemporary society. Some worry that the availability of egg freezing might create an expectation that women should delay having children until they've reached certain career milestones or financial goals, potentially shifting our cultural norms around when and how people choose to start families.

The reality is that both men and women are having children later in life - a trend that mirrors other demographic shifts like longer life expectancy, extended years of education, and later marriages. While we're living longer and healthier lives than ever before, our reproductive biology hasn't evolved at the same pace. A woman born today might live well into her 80s or 90s, but her eggs are most viable in her 20s and early 30s - creating a disconnect between our biological and social timelines.

Today's families often want to achieve financial stability, advance in their careers, find the right partner, and feel emotionally ready for parenthood before having children. These are reasonable goals, but they can conflict with optimal fertility timing. Rather than creating pressure to delay parenthood, egg freezing technology merely provides an option for those already planning to have children later, helping bridge the gap between biological and social timelines.

These social discussions reflect deeper cultural tensions about work-life balance, gender roles, and reproductive choices. While egg freezing offers increased flexibility in family planning, it also raises questions about how society can better support people in building families when and how they choose. This leads to broader discussions about workplace support for parents, the cost of childcare, and how to create environments where people don't have to choose between career growth and family planning.

5. Cost and access concerns

The significant cost of egg freezing raises important questions about equity in reproductive healthcare. With prices typically ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 per cycle, plus annual storage fees, many women are priced out of this option entirely. This creates a troubling dynamic where fertility preservation becomes accessible primarily to higher-income women or those working for companies that provide coverage. Some argue this deepens existing reproductive healthcare disparities, while others say that as the technology becomes more common, costs will naturally decrease.

These financial barriers become particularly concerning when considering that many women might need multiple cycles to freeze enough eggs for future family building. The high costs can force women to compromise on the number of eggs they freeze, potentially affecting their future chances of success.

This is why we started Cofertility - to help make fertility care more accessible. 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.

6. Control over women’s reproductive choices

Perhaps the most fundamental controversy surrounding egg freezing stems from a sadly familiar source: resistance to women having control over their reproductive choices. Just as with birth control and abortion, egg freezing faces criticism simply because it gives women more reproductive autonomy. Some critics mask their discomfort with women's bodily autonomy behind concerns about "natural" conception or traditional family structures.

This resistance often manifests in subtle ways: dismissing egg freezing as "selfish," suggesting women are "playing God," or implying that women should simply have children younger rather than wait until they are ready. These criticisms ignore the complex realities of modern life and the valid reasons women might want to preserve their fertility options.

The bottom line

At Cofertility, we believe women deserve access to accurate information about their reproductive options and the ability to make informed choices about their futures. We're working to make egg freezing more accessible while maintaining high standards for patient education. We understand that egg freezing isn't right for everyone, but we believe women deserve the opportunity to make that choice for themselves.

Rather than letting these controversies discourage women from exploring their options, we should focus on addressing the underlying issues: improving access, ensuring transparent success rate reporting, developing better insurance coverage, and most importantly, defending women's right to make their own reproductive choices. The future of egg freezing lies not in whether women should have this option, but in how we can make it more accessible, successful, and supported for those who choose it.

If you’re considering freezing your eggs, you might have lots of other priorities going on — including your career. According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), egg freezing is a dramatically growing trend, with a 30% year-over-year increase in cycles. 

Still, you might be wondering: Can you work while freezing your eggs? Do you need to take time off? This guide provides actionable strategies to help you manage egg freezing and work, from scheduling appointments to requesting time off for egg freezing.

How will freezing my eggs impact my work schedule?

Balancing egg freezing and work requires some planning, as the process involves hormone injections, frequent monitoring appointments, and the final egg retrieval procedure. Here’s how each stage might impact your work schedule:

Hormone injections

Hormone injections are administered daily for 10 to 14 days, typically in the evening. If you work a standard daytime schedule, you can still go into the office and handle your injections after work. For those who work evening or night shifts, you may need to adjust your hours, work remotely, or take short-term time off for egg freezing. 

If needed, you can even give yourself injections in your office bathroom, as long as you use an alcohol pad to keep the injection area sterile and safely dispose of your needles. Your medication should come with a small sharps container; if you need an extra one for this reason, ask your clinic. 

Fertility medication delivery

If you live in a large city, such as New York or Los Angeles, specialty pharmacies often carry fertility medications for same-day pick-up. In other areas, medications are typically shipped overnight to your home. Since these medications are time-sensitive (and some require refrigeration), you may need to be home to accept the delivery. If you can, schedule delivery on a day you work remotely, take a few hours off, or coordinate the delivery with a trusted friend ro neighbor.

Monitoring appointments

During the 10-14 day stimulation phase, you’ll have a few monitoring appointments to track how your follicles are growing. These appointments usually include ultrasounds and bloodwork and are scheduled directly with the clinic throughout the cycle. Fortunately, most clinics offer early-morning appointments, allowing more flexibility. You’ll need to plan your schedule to accommodate these visits.

Egg retrieval procedure

The egg retrieval procedure itself is minimally invasive and you won’t need to be at the clinic for more than a few hours, but we highly recommend taking the day off work so you can rest after the procedure. Most people feel well enough to resume work the next day, but it’s wise to block off  time around your projected retrieval date in case you want or need extra time to recover. 

Can you work while freezing your eggs?

The short answer is yes. Most women continue working full time during their egg-freezing cycle. However, it requires flexibility and proactive communication with your team. Here are some tips to help you navigate egg freezing and work seamlessly:

1. Talk to your employer: If you feel comfortable, let your manager or HR team know that you are undergoing a medical procedure that requires temporary flexibility. Be clear about your needs, such as the ability to work remotely or adjust your hours. If you don’t want to disclose specifics, you can simply say you are undergoing a “medical treatment” without mentioning egg freezing.
2. Block off key dates: Once your cycle begins, you’ll have an estimated timeline for your appointments and egg retrieval. Block off your calendar for early-morning monitoring visits and plan to take the day off for the egg retrieval. Since the exact timing of your retrieval depends on how your body responds to the hormone injections, be prepared to adjust your schedule with short notice. It’s a good idea to communicate this need for flexibility to your manager, as well as your peers or direct reports, in advance.
3. Work ahead: I know this is easier said than done, but if possible, complete high-priority tasks in advance to reduce stress during your cycle.
4. Be strategic about remote work: If your company allows remote work, use it to your advantage during the two-week egg freezing cycle. Working from home can help you stay more comfortable and manage any potential side effects from your hormone medications, like fatigue, bloating, or emotional changes.
5. Understand benefits and FMLA: You’ll want to understand your company’s benefits to see what type of resources and/or support you’re entitled to (if any) for an egg freezing cycle. Plus, if you work for a company with 50 or more employees, you may qualify for unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). While FMLA doesn’t explicitly cover egg freezing, it may apply if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Check your workplace policies and consult HR to understand your rights.
6. Leverage team support: If your workload feels overwhelming, it might be beneficial to fill in a trusted colleague or two, so you can coordinate coverage if needed. Or, at the very least, have a shoulder to lean on. 

Self-Care Strategies During Egg Freezing and Work

If balancing work, life, and an egg freezing cycle feels stressful, try these self-care strategies to stay healthy and reduce anxiety:

Manage side effects

For some people, hormone injections can cause bloating, mood swings, and fatigue. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and get plenty of rest to help manage these symptoms. I highly recommend avoiding tight clothes. Keep comfortable clothes and snacks on hand, especially if you’re working from the office.

Prioritize work-life balance

Set boundaries during your egg-freezing cycle. Limit after-hours work commitments, and allow yourself time to rest and recover after appointments and your egg retrieval.

Stress management

Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise into your routine. Even a short walk during your lunch break can help clear your mind.

Lean on your support system

Share your experience with trusted friends, family members, or online support groups. Connecting with others who have undergone egg freezing can provide reassurance and practical advice. At Cofertility, we provide all members with access to our private online community, filled with tips, guidance, and a built-in support system. 

How Cofertility can help

If you’re considering freezing your eggs, we can help simplify the process. In addition to providing the opportunity to freeze your eggs for free when you donate half the eggs retrieved to another family that can’t otherwise conceive, Cofertility offers resources to connect our members with trusted clinics, provides educational materials, and fosters a supportive community. Whether you need guidance on scheduling, medication delivery, or balancing egg freezing and work, we’re here to be a helpful partner on your journey.

Summing it up

With proper planning and support, freezing eggs while working full-time is entirely achievable. By understanding how the process impacts your schedule, communicating your needs with your employer, and prioritizing self-care, you can successfully balance both. Whether you need time off for the egg retrieval or flexible hours for monitoring appointments, being proactive will ensure a smoother experience. 

With resources like Cofertility and support from loved ones, you can take control of your reproductive future while thriving in your professional life. To see if you qualify for our Split program that provides free egg freezing, take our one-minute quiz here. 

When we founded Cofertility, we set out to solve a problem: egg freezing was too expensive, too isolating, and too complex for many of us to access. We believed there had to be a better way. By reimagining the entire experience—from cost to care to community—we've created programs that work for more women.

This year, Goop recognized Cofertility as one of the best egg-freezing services, highlighting our commitment to making fertility preservation more accessible while maintaining the highest medical standards. This recognition means a lot to us, but what matters most is what it represents: a new way forward for women considering egg freezing.

We've built something different. Through our Keep and Split programs, we're proving that excellent fertility care can be both accessible and affordable. Here's a closer look at what sets Cofertility apart and why we're considered the top choice for women considering egg freezing in 2024.

Two groundbreaking programs that put women first

Cofertility offers two distinct programs designed to meet different needs and preferences. The Keep program provides traditional egg freezing services, allowing women to store all their retrieved eggs for future use. By freezing your eggs through Cofertility’s Keep program, you’ll gain access to:

• Preferred and vetted fertility clinic recommendations in many major areas, with discounted or free consultations 
• Skip the line — many fertility clinics have months-long waitlists for egg freezers. If you work with one of our partner clinics, we’ll help get you through faster
• Special discounts on long-term egg freezing storage
• Dedicated, 1:1 support from our Member Advocates to help you through every step of your egg freezing journey
• Access to our members-only community of women in all stages of their egg freezing journey and direct, free access to fertility experts 
• Financial support and resources through our financing partner, Sunfish (waived application and membership fees for all Cofertility members)

Cofertility believes in complete transparency about costs. The Keep program provides detailed pricing upfront, including:

• All medical procedures
• Necessary medications
• Storage fees
• Additional services

What truly distinguishes Cofertility is our Split program—a first-of-its-kind approach that makes egg freezing entirely free, including medications and storage, while maintaining the same high standards of care. Through Split, women can freeze and store their eggs at no cost by donating half of the retrieved eggs to a family who cannot conceive otherwise. This program maintains the same exceptional standards as Keep while making fertility preservation accessible to more women. 

Why the Split program is revolutionary

The Split program earned particular praise for its innovative approach to making egg freezing accessible. Unlike traditional egg freezing services that can cost $15,000 or more, Split provides:

• Free egg freezing and storage
• Free medications
• Free genetic screening
• The opportunity to help another family
• The same high-quality care as the Keep program

This program removes financial barriers while allowing women to preserve their fertility and help others build families.

Quality care without compromise

At Cofertility, medical excellence is non-negotiable. We partner exclusively with the nation's top fertility clinics, ensuring every patient receives care from board-certified reproductive endocrinologists and experienced embryologists. These partnerships mean patients benefit from:

• State-of-the-art laboratories and freezing techniques
• Rigorous quality control standards
• Comprehensive genetic screening
• Industry-leading success rates

Personal support from dedicated Member Advocates

At the heart of Cofertility's exceptional experience are our Member Advocates—experienced professionals who guide you through every aspect of your egg freezing process. Our Member Advocates provide personalized, one-on-one support from your first consultation through egg freezing and beyond.

Each Member Advocate brings extensive knowledge about fertility care and a deep commitment to supporting women through this significant decision. They're not just coordinators; they're advocates who:

• Help you understand your options between our Keep and Split programs
• Connect you with top clinics that match your needs and location
• Coordinate all medical appointments and scheduling
• Answer questions about medications and procedures
• Provide emotional support throughout the process
• Help you join our community of others going through similar experiences

Many of our Member Advocates have personal experience with fertility treatment, bringing both professional expertise and genuine empathy to their roles. They understand the questions, concerns, and emotions that come with egg freezing because they've been there themselves.

This personalized support makes a real difference. As one member noted, "Having someone who knew exactly what to expect, could answer all my questions, and was always available made me feel so much more confident about my decision to freeze and donate my eggs."

Our Member Advocates are available through text, email, or phone—whatever works best for you. They're known for their quick response times and willingness to go above and beyond to support our members. Whether you need help understanding a medical term, want to adjust your medication schedule, or just need someone to talk to, your Member Advocate is there.

Founded and run by women

In an industry historically dominated by male leadership and corporate interests, we aim to be different. Our female founders brought both professional expertise and personal understanding to reimagine egg freezing from the ground up.

What makes Cofertility different is that we've experienced these challenges firsthand. We understand the anxiety of waiting rooms, the complexity of insurance paperwork, the stress of scheduling appointments around work, and the weight of making decisions about your future fertility. This perspective shapes everything we do:

• We design our programs around women's actual needs and schedules
• We explain medical information clearly, without condescension
• We build supportive communities rather than leaving women to navigate this alone
• We prioritize transparency in pricing and medical information
• We create inclusive spaces for all paths to parenthood

This female-led approach extends throughout our organization. Our team brings together women with deep experience in healthcare, technology, and fertility services. Many have gone through fertility treatment themselves. This collective experience helps us anticipate and solve problems before they affect our members.

Being women-founded and women-led isn't just about representation—it's about fundamentally changing how fertility care works. We're proud to be recognized as the best egg freezing service, but we're even prouder of why: we're creating the fertility care experience that women deserve.

Making egg freezing work for you

Being named the best egg freezing service by Goop is an honor, but our real measure of success is in the women we serve every day. Whether you choose our Keep program or our innovative Split program, you'll find the same commitment to excellence, personal support, and genuine care that earned us this recognition.

The future of fertility care shouldn't be defined by barriers and limitations. It should be shaped by choice, accessibility, and support. At Cofertility, we're proud to lead this change, but we're even prouder to support women as they make important decisions about their fertility.

Ready to learn more? Reach out to us. We'll help you understand your options, answer your questions, and guide you toward the program that best fits your needs. You can also join our community to connect with others who are considering or going through egg freezing.

Your fertility decisions are personal, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Let us show you why we're considered the best in egg freezing—not just for what we do, but for how we do it.

Egg freezing starts with something called "ovarian stimulation" - which may sound technical, but it's actually pretty straightforward.

When you decide to freeze your eggs, your doctor will start you on a medication protocol to stimulate your ovaries. While your body naturally releases one egg per month, for egg freezing to be effective, we want to collect multiple mature eggs in a single cycle. That's what ovarian stimulation is: a process that uses injectable medications to help your ovaries produce several eggs at once, giving you a better chance of preserving good quality eggs for your future.

These medications mimic the natural hormones in your body - just at higher levels - encouraging your ovaries to mature multiple eggs instead of just one. The process typically takes 8-12 days, during which you'll have monitoring appointments to check your progress. Understanding what happens during ovarian stimulation and what you might experience physically can help you prepare for the process ahead. 

In this article, we'll break down the medications used, what to expect at each stage, and how to make the experience more manageable.

What is the purpose of ovarian stimulation?

The main goal of ovarian stimulation is to help you freeze multiple mature eggs at once, improving your chances of having a baby in the future. Think of it like this: when you naturally try to conceive, you're working with one egg per month. If that egg isn't viable or doesn't fertilize, you try again next month. But when you're freezing eggs, you want to maximize your chances by collecting several mature eggs in a single cycle. Getting multiple eggs at once is particularly important because not every frozen egg will successfully thaw, fertilize, or develop into a healthy embryo later. By stimulating your ovaries to mature multiple eggs at once, you increase your options for your future family planning.

What happens in your body during ovarian stimulation

Ovarian stimulation follows a fairly predictable timeline, though each person's experience varies slightly. Here's what you can typically expect during the process:

• Day 1-5: Your ovaries begin responding to the medications, growing multiple follicles simultaneously. Each follicle contains an egg. You'll start regular monitoring appointments to track your progress.
• Day 5-10: Follicles continue growing, and hormone levels rise. Your monitoring appointments become more frequent as your doctor fine-tunes medication doses based on your response.
• Days 10-14: As your eggs reach maturity, your doctor will schedule your trigger shot and egg retrieval. Timing becomes very precise at this stage.

Throughout stimulation, you'll have regular appointments to track your progress:

• Blood tests measure your hormone levels, helping your doctor adjust medication doses for optimal results.
• Ultrasounds show how many follicles are growing and their size. These transvaginal ultrasounds are quick and help your doctor determine when you're ready for egg retrieval.

What you might notice

Physical changes during ovarian stimulation can vary person to person, but commonly include:

• Bloating, especially as follicles grow
• Tenderness in your lower abdomen
• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes from hormonal fluctuations

Most women maintain their normal activities during stimulation, though you might want to scale back intense exercise as your ovaries enlarge.

Read more in What are the Side Effects and Risks of Egg Freezing?

What to do during ovarian stimulation

Success with ovarian stimulation often comes down to organization and support:

Create a medication schedule:

• Set alarms for injection times
• Keep medications properly stored
• Track your appointments
• Note any symptoms or questions for your doctor

Build your support system:

• Consider having someone help with injections
• Join egg freezing support groups (like Cofertility!)
• Keep your care team informed of any concerns
• Plan for rest when needed

Before beginning stimulation:

• Learn proper injection techniques from your fertility care team
• Organize your medication and supply storage
• Plan your monitoring appointment schedule
• Arrange any needed support
• Clear up any questions about your protocol

As stimulation progresses, your doctor will monitor your follicles' growth and hormone levels to determine the ideal time for egg retrieval. This precise timing helps ensure the highest number of mature, viable eggs for freezing.

Is ovarian stimulation painful?

While ovarian stimulation isn't typically painful, you may experience some discomfort during the process. The daily hormone injections use very thin needles - most women describe them as feeling like a quick pinch. Some report mild soreness at injection sites, similar to how your arm might feel after a flu shot. 

As mentioned above, during stimulation, you might feel increasingly bloated or experience tenderness in your lower abdomen as your ovaries grow larger. This is normal and expected. The monitoring appointments include transvaginal ultrasounds, which might be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful. If you do experience significant pain during stimulation, it's important to let your doctor know right away

Read more in Does Egg Freezing Hurt?

What is overstimulation?

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but potential complication where your ovaries respond too strongly to the fertility medications. Think of it as your ovaries becoming overachievers - they produce too many follicles, leading to excessive hormone levels. 

Mild OHSS can cause increased bloating, mild nausea, and abdominal discomfort. More severe cases might involve significant bloating, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain. The good news is that OHSS is largely preventable with modern protocols and careful monitoring. Your doctor will track your response to medications through regular blood tests and ultrasounds, adjusting your protocol if needed to minimize this risk. If you're concerned about OHSS, talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and the precautions they take to prevent it.

The bottom line

Understanding ovarian stimulation is an important step in your egg freezing process! While the daily medications and monitoring appointments might seem overwhelming at first, remember that thousands of women have successfully completed this process before you. Your body is capable of amazing things, and with modern science and proper support, the stimulation phase is usually very manageable.

At Cofertility, we believe knowledge is power. That's why our Member Advocates will be with you every step of the way, ready to answer questions and provide support. Whether you're just starting to research egg freezing or ready to begin your medications, we're here to help you navigate this process with confidence.

Have questions about egg freezing or want to learn more about your options? Reach out to us. We'll help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for this important step in your fertility journey.