egg freezing

Let's address the question that's likely on your mind if you're considering egg freezing: will this hurt? 🥴

The short answer is that egg freezing involves some discomfort, but it's typically manageable and temporary. Most people tell us the process was less uncomfortable than they expected. The most challenging parts tend to be the bloating near the end of your cycle and some cramping after the egg retrieval - similar to what you might experience during a heavy period.

Since egg freezing is an elective procedure, you'll want to know exactly what you're signing up for. In this article, we'll walk through each step of the process - from daily hormone injections to the retrieval procedure - and explain what to expect. You'll learn how others have managed any discomfort, what tools and techniques can help, and how to best prepare yourself for the experience. We'll also share specific strategies for those with lower pain tolerance and tips for communicating effectively with your medical team about pain management.

The daily medication routine

The egg freezing process begins with hormone injections stimulating your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These shots are given subcutaneously (under the skin) using a small needle. While not exactly pleasant, most people find them manageable, especially after the first few days.

Tips for more comfortable injections:

• Ice the injection site for a few minutes before
• Choose a comfortable position (many prefer lying down)
• Consider having someone else administer the shots
• Rotate injection sites to minimize bruising

You might experience some bloating and tenderness as your ovaries respond to the medication. This is normal and typically feels similar to PMS symptoms.

Read more in I'm Afraid of Needles; Can I Still Freeze My Eggs?

Monitoring appointments

Throughout your cycle, you'll have regular monitoring visits that include transvaginal ultrasounds and blood draws. The ultrasounds involve a wand inserted into the vagina to check follicle growth. While not painful, you may feel pressure with this. Blood draws are quick, with most people reporting only brief discomfort.

If you're nervous about blood draws or have a history of feeling faint, make sure you let your care team know. They can use smaller needles or different techniques to make the experience more comfortable.

The egg retrieval process

The final step is the egg retrieval, a 30-minute procedure performed under sedation. Here's what to expect:

Before: An IV line will be placed for your sedation medication. You might feel a quick pinch.

During: You'll be unconscious and won't feel the retrieval process.

After: Most people experience cramping and bloating similar to menstrual pain. This typically resolves within a few days. Your doctor can recommend appropriate pain medication if needed.

Managing expectations

It's helpful to understand that while egg freezing isn't painless, most people report that it was less uncomfortable than they anticipated. The process involves:

• Brief, manageable moments of discomfort rather than sustained pain
• Predictable timing of procedures
• Medical support throughout
• Clear protocols for pain management

Tips for people with low pain tolerance

If you're particularly sensitive to pain or anxious about medical procedures:

• Communicate your concerns with your medical team upfront
• Consider speaking with a therapist about anxiety management
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Use music or other distractions during procedures
• Ask about all available pain management options

Making your decision

When weighing whether to freeze your eggs, pain concerns shouldn't be the deciding factor. Most people find the process very manageable with proper support and preparation. Focus instead on your long-term fertility goals and discuss any specific concerns with your doctor.

Remember that everyone's experience is different. What one person finds uncomfortable, another might barely notice. The key is to:

• Ask questions upfront
• Prepare mentally and physically
• Trust your medical team
• Advocate for yourself
• Have support systems in place
• Focus on your reasons for freezing

How to freeze your eggs for free

While pain concerns shouldn't stop you from freezing your eggs, cost often does (understandably). That's why at Cofertility, we've created an innovative program called Split that makes egg freezing accessible to more people. Here's how it works:

When you freeze your eggs for free through our Split program, you keep half your retrieved eggs for your own future use, and donate the other half to a family who needs donor eggs to conceive. Cofertility covers all your costs - including medications, procedures, genetic testing, and storage for up to ten years. 

The Split program isn't just about making egg freezing affordable - it's about helping another family while helping yourself. Our members tell us that the ability to give someone else the chance at parenthood adds meaning to their own egg freezing experience.

Summing it up

Understanding the potential discomfort involved in egg freezing helps you approach the process with realistic expectations. While there may be some uncomfortable moments, most people find them temporary and manageable. With proper preparation and support, you can navigate the process successfully, keeping your focus on your “why”. 

As a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specialist, I've had the privilege of guiding many women with diabetes through their fertility journeys. The intersection of diabetes care and reproductive health requires some unique considerations, but I'm continually inspired by the resilience and determination of my patients. Thanks to advancements in reproductive medicine, women with diabetes now have more options than ever for family planning.

In this article, I'll share how diabetes can impact fertility, the egg freezing process for women with diabetes, the potential for diabetic women to become egg donors, and important considerations for managing diabetes during fertility treatments.

Whether you're actively planning for a family, considering preserving your fertility for the future, or simply curious about your options, this guide aims to provide you with comprehensive, up-to-date information. 

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus comes in two main forms that affect blood sugar control in different ways. Type 1 diabetes is a rare condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the cells that make insulin in the pancreas. Only about 1% of people in developed countries have this form. Without these cells, the body can't produce insulin, which is vital for controlling blood sugar. Making matters worse, the body also releases too much of a hormone called glucagon, which further disrupts blood sugar balance.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common, showing up in about 8.5% of adults. Instead of losing insulin-producing cells, people with Type 2 diabetes have cells that don't respond properly to insulin– a problem called insulin resistance. It's like having a key (insulin) that doesn't quite fit the lock (cell receptors) anymore. 

While these conditions start differently, they can begin to look similar over time. People with Type 2 diabetes might eventually lose their insulin-producing cells, while those with Type 1 can develop resistance to insulin, especially if they gain weight from insulin shots or become less active. When someone with Type 1 diabetes develops significant insulin resistance, doctors call it "double diabetes"– it's like having aspects of both types at once. Both groups face similar long-term health risks, including increased chances of infertility.

Understanding the impact of diabetes on fertility

Diabetes can significantly affect a woman's reproductive health in various ways. The condition may disrupt hormone balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and potential ovulation issues. Women with diabetes, especially those struggling with blood sugar control, might face:

• Increased risk of vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Difficulties conceiving
• Increased risk of complications during pregnancy
• Higher likelihood of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Premature ovarian aging

These challenges make it even more important for women with diabetes to consider their fertility options early. This is where egg freezing and donation can enter the picture.

Can I freeze my eggs if I have diabetes?

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a medical procedure for women who want to increase their chances of conceiving down the line. For women with diabetes, this procedure can be particularly valuable. Generally someone with diabetes can safely freeze their eggs, but your doctor will evaluate your health and medical history on a case by case situation before giving you medical clearance.  

If cleared, egg freezing can offer the opportunity to preserve eggs before potential diabetes-related complications arise, providing flexibility in family planning and reducing stress about declining fertility due to age or diabetes-related health issues.

The process of egg freezing for women with diabetes is similar to that for non-diabetic women, but with some important considerations:

1. Strict blood sugar management is important before and during the egg freezing process.
2. Women may need to work closely with their endocrinologist to adjust their diabetes management plan.
3. Fertility medications used in the process may affect blood sugar levels, so insulin or other diabetes medication dosages might need tweaking.
4. More intensive monitoring may be required throughout the process.

While egg freezing can be a game-changer, it's not without risks. Women with diabetes may have an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, with proper medical supervision and careful management of blood sugar levels, most women with diabetes successfully undergo egg freezing.

Can I donate my eggs if I have diabetes?

Many women with diabetes wonder if they can become egg donors. The answer isn't straightforward, and it depends on several factors, including the type of diabetes, duration of the condition, overall health, blood sugar control, and preferences of the fertility doctor. 

All egg donors undergo a rigorous screening process, which includes:

• Comprehensive medical history review
• Physical examination
• Blood tests and genetic screening
• Detailed diabetes management assessment

Unfortunately, women who have Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) that was diagnosed in childhood (aka juvenile diabetes) are generally not eligible for egg donation. Most clinics also disqualify anyone with prediabetes or Type II diabetes. If you’d like us to review your specific case, please reach out. 

Managing diabetes during fertility treatments

Whether pursuing egg freezing or considering egg donation, managing diabetes during fertility treatments is important. Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels can improve the quality of eggs, reduce the risk of complications, and potentially improve the success rates of the procedures.

Beyond medical management, lifestyle factors play a significant role. A balanced Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep all contribute to overall health and can positively impact fertility treatments.

Success rates and outcomes

Regarding success rates, the data for women with diabetes undergoing egg freezing is limited. However, there are studies of women with diabetes undergoing infertility treatments, like IVF. While we can't assume those outcomes directly translate to egg freezing success rates, they do provide valuable insights.

One study found that women with Type II diabetes and infertility have decreased ovarian reserve and a lower chance of pregnancy during IVF.

Another study found the same thing: that women with Type II diabetes had a “significantly decreased” chance of live birth. However, this study also found that women with Type 1 diabetes had an equivalent chance of a live birth per embryo transfer as women without diabetes, as long as their blood sugar levels were well-managed.

Looking to the future

The field of egg freezing for patients with diabetes is continuously evolving. Ongoing research focuses on improving ovarian stimulation protocols, enhancing egg freezing techniques, and better understanding the long-term effects of diabetes on egg quantity and quality.

For women with diabetes considering egg freezing or donation, it's important to have open, honest discussions with your fertility doctor. 

While diabetes adds complexity to fertility and family planning, options like egg freezing are making it possible for more women with diabetes to pursue their dreams of parenthood. With careful management, expert medical care, and informed decision-making, women with diabetes can explore these fertility preservation options with confidence.

Thanks to developments in medical technology, a growing emphasis on reproductive autonomy (thank goodness), and opportunities like our Split program, egg freezing is now more accessible than ever. However, the financial commitment doesn’t stop with the initial freezing process. A key consideration is the long-term cost of storing frozen eggs, an important component of financial planning for those pursuing egg freezing.

Understanding frozen egg storage costs can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive future. Whether you're considering freezing your eggs now or managing storage costs from a previous cycle, knowing the financial breakdown can ensure better long-term planning. After all, these days, frozen eggs can be stored indefinitely. 

Below, we explore the typical expenses associated with frozen egg storage and the factors that can affect these costs. One note: this article contains figures provided at the time of writing, and they may all be subject to change over time. 

Average costs of egg storage

Retrieving and freezing your eggs is just the beginning. Once frozen, your eggs will need to be stored, and the cost of egg storage can vary widely depending on the facility, location, and other factors. Here's a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay for storing your frozen eggs:

Annual egg storage fees

On average, storage fees for frozen eggs can range from $500 to $1,000 per year. These fees cover the ongoing maintenance of your eggs at sub-zero temperatures in a cryobank or fertility clinic. Some clinics in major metropolitan areas may charge upwards of $1,200 per year, while smaller clinics or cryobanks in less populated regions may offer more affordable rates.

Many facilities offer discounts for pre-paying for several years of storage upfront. These long-term storage plans may reduce the yearly cost to around $400 to $700 per year, depending on the contract length. Typically, clinics offer 3-to 10-year prepaid storage options, with deeper discounts for more extended commitments.

You also have the option of working directly with a long-term storage facility. Cofertility partners with TMRW Life Sciences, which offer our members – regardless of where they froze their eggs – discounted long-term storage rates (more on that below!).

Transportation costs 

In addition to the annual fees, there may be other costs to consider, such as the cost to transport your eggs to a different facility or clinic. Moving frozen eggs between storage facilities, either across town or internationally, can cost up to $1,500, depending on the logistics involved.

Factors affecting egg storage costs

Several factors influence the total cost of storing your eggs. Here's a look at the most common elements that determine frozen egg storage pricing:

Geographic location

Like most medical or cryopreservation services, egg storage costs vary significantly depending on the location of the cryobank or fertility clinic. Facilities in major cities tend to charge more due to higher operational costs. In contrast, clinics in smaller towns or rural areas may offer more affordable rates. Women freezing their eggs in cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles may see storage fees at the higher end of the spectrum, while facilities in less densely populated areas might provide more budget-friendly options.

Type of egg storage facility

‍The type of facility storing your eggs also plays a role in the cost. Fertility clinics, dedicated cryobanks, and hospital-affiliated storage facilities all have different pricing structures. Fertility clinics often charge more for egg storage, as they may outsource the service to third-party cryobanks and tack on additional fees. Dedicated cryobanks, such as TMRW Life Sciences, may offer better deals, especially if they specialize in long-term storage. Hospitals with fertility departments may provide storage, but the costs can vary significantly depending on their resources and expertise in fertility preservation.

Storage duration

The length of time you store your eggs also impacts the total cost. As mentioned earlier, many facilities offer discounts for long-term storage commitments, with prepaid plans that can save you money over time. If you expect to store your eggs for five years or more, opting for a multi-year plan may be a smart financial decision.

Additional services

Some clinics or cryobanks charge extra fees for services like annual maintenance, insurance, or egg retrieval for future use. These services can add hundreds of dollars to your overall storage costs, so it's essential to ask about all potential fees upfront when choosing a storage facility.

One note: check with your clinic to see if the number of eggs stored (or number of cycles) will impact your annual storage fees. It generally doesn’t, but worth confirming directly. 

Tips for managing egg storage costs

While egg storage costs can add up over time, there are several strategies you can use to manage these expenses more effectively:

Shop around

Don’t assume you must store your eggs at the same fertility clinic where they were frozen. In fact, many fertility clinics send eggs to third-party cryobanks for storage and may charge an additional fee for this service. It's worth researching local cryobanks and comparing their rates directly, as this could save you money. If you’re interested in learning more about storage with TMRW, Cofertilty’s team can get you connected directly. 

Consider bundled packages

Some clinics offer bundled packages that include both the egg freezing process and a certain number of years of storage at a discounted rate. If you're just beginning the egg freezing process, ask about package deals that could save you money on storage costs in the long run.

Explore financial assistance options

There are several grants, financing programs, and payment plans designed to help women cover the costs of egg freezing and storage. For example, organizations like Baby Quest and the Cade Foundation offer grants for fertility preservation, while some clinics may provide in-house financing options. We’ve actually got a whole article about various ways to pay for egg freezing, which you can find here. 

Our programs

We offer our members ways to help reduce or eliminate storage costs altogether. With our Split program, where you freeze your eggs for free when donating half of the mature eggs retrieved, storage is entirely free for 10 years. Alternatively, the Keep program allows you to freeze all of your eggs for your own future use, while still accessing discounted rates for storage through Cofertility’s partnership with TMRW Life Sciences. 

Cofertility’s partnership with TMRW Life Sciences

We’ve partnered with TMRW Life Sciences to offer our community exclusive storage rates, helping to save thousands on frozen egg storage costs. TMRW’s state-of-the-art facility provides unparalleled transparency, safety, and accountability, using advanced digital labeling and RFID tracking technology to monitor the storage of your frozen eggs continuously. 

With TMRW, you also have constant access to data about your eggs, so you can feel confident that they are being stored securely and safely.

Summing it up

Egg storage costs are an often overlooked part of the overall financial planning process when considering egg freezing. From annual storage fees to potential transportation costs, it's important to understand all the factors that contribute to the total cost of egg freezing. 

By exploring different storage options, taking advantage of bundled packages, and considering innovative opportunities like our Split and Keep programs, you can manage your egg storage costs more effectively while safeguarding your reproductive future.

To learn more about our Split program and see if you qualify, click here!

Read More:

• Egg Freezing: How Long Can My Eggs Be Stored?
• What Happens to My Eggs After Egg Freezing?
• What Happens to My Frozen Eggs if I Never Use Them?
• How to Pay for Egg Freezing

If you're considering egg freezing, or have already frozen your eggs, you may have encountered terms like "mature" and "immature" eggs. Understanding the distinction between these two types of eggs can help you grasp the egg freezing process and its potential outcomes. 

This article will delve into the biological differences between mature and immature eggs, their significance in egg freezing, and what this means for your fertility journey.

The basics of egg development

To comprehend the difference between mature and immature eggs, it's helpful to understand the process of egg development, also known as oogenesis. This process begins before birth and continues throughout a woman's reproductive years.

Primordial follicles: The starting point

At birth, a female's ovaries contain approximately 1-2 million primordial follicles, each housing an immature egg (oocyte). These primordial follicles represent the total pool of potential eggs a woman can produce in her lifetime.

The menstrual cycle and egg maturation

During each menstrual cycle, a subset of these primordial follicles begins to grow and develop. However, typically only one follicle (occasionally more) will fully mature and release an egg during ovulation. The rest of the developing follicles will naturally degenerate.

During egg freezing

The egg freezing process aims to optimize this natural cycle by using medication to produce multiple mature eggs in one cycle, significantly increasing the number of mature eggs available for freezing compared to a natural menstrual cycle.

What are mature eggs?

Mature eggs, also known as secondary oocytes or metaphase II (MII) oocytes, have completed the first meiotic division and are ready for fertilization. 

Mature eggs several distinct features:

• First polar body: The most obvious sign of a mature egg is the presence of the first polar body in the perivitelline space (the area between the egg and its outer shell, called the zona pellucida).
• Size and shape: A mature egg is typically round and of a standard size. However, the study linked above notes that egg size can vary, and this variation doesn't necessarily affect fertilization or embryo quality.
• Cytoplasm: Ideally, a mature egg should have a homogeneous (evenly distributed) cytoplasm. However, slight variations in cytoplasmic appearance are common and may not indicate any problems.
• Zona pellucida (ZP): This is the outer shell of the egg. In a mature egg, it should be clear and of normal thickness.
• Perivitelline space: This is the space between the egg itself and the zona pellucida. In a mature egg, this space should be of normal size, not too large or too small.
• Meiotic spindle: While not visible under regular microscopy, specialized techniques can reveal the presence of a meiotic spindle, which is crucial for proper chromosome alignment.
• Absence of certain features: Mature eggs should not have a visible nucleus (called a germinal vesicle), which is a sign of immaturity.

While these are the ideal characteristics, many eggs retrieved in egg freezing may show one or more variations from these "ideal" criteria. Some variations are considered normal and don't necessarily impact the egg's ability to be fertilized or develop into a healthy embryo. However, certain features, like the presence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters, are considered potentially problematic.

What are immature eggs?

Immature eggs, also called primary oocytes or immature ovum, are eggs that have not completed the process of meiosis, a specialized type of cell division necessary for reproduction. 

During egg freezing, not all eggs will mature, and some will be retrieved that are considered immature. These eggs are generally smaller than mature eggs, and cannot be fertilized by sperm today.

Immature eggs fall into two categories:

1. Germinal vesicle (GV) stage eggs: These are the most immature and are identifiable by the presence of a visible nucleus.
2. Metaphase I (MI) stage eggs: These eggs have begun the maturation process but haven't completed it. They lack both a visible nucleus and a polar body.

While immature eggs are usually not frozen, at Cofertility we try and ask clinics to keep them for our members. It is our hope that in the future, these immature eggs will be able to be reliably matured in the laboratory. 

How many eggs will be mature?

On average, approximately 80% of eggs retrieved during egg freezing are mature, while 20% are immature. 

Several factors can influence the number of mature eggs retrieved:

1. Age: Younger women typically produce a higher percentage of mature eggs. As women age, not only does the total number of eggs decrease, but the proportion of mature eggs may also decline.
2. Ovarian stimulation protocol: The medications and dosages used during the stimulation phase can affect egg maturity. Your fertility doctor will tailor the protocol to optimize the number of mature eggs retrieved.
3. Timing of the trigger shot: The timing of the final maturation trigger is critical. If given too early or too late, it can affect the maturity of the eggs at retrieval.
4. Individual response to stimulation: Every woman's ovaries respond differently to stimulation. Some may produce a higher percentage of mature eggs, while others may have more immature eggs.
5. Underlying fertility conditions: Certain conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect egg maturity rates.

During the egg retrieval process, the embryologist will examine each egg under a microscope to determine its maturity. The presence of some immature eggs is normal and expected. In fact, having a mix of mature and immature eggs can be a sign of a healthy response to ovarian stimulation.

While it's natural to focus on the number of mature eggs retrieved, it's important to remember that quality matters as much as quantity. A smaller number of high-quality mature eggs can be more valuable than a larger number of lower-quality eggs.

What’s the difference between immature and mature eggs?

Today, mature eggs are the gold standard. Here's why:

Higher survival rates after thawing

Mature eggs have completed critical developmental stages, making them more resilient to the freezing and thawing process. They're better equipped to withstand the physical stress of vitrification (flash-freezing) and subsequent warming.

Greater potential for fertilization

Once thawed, mature eggs are immediately ready for fertilization. They've already undergone the necessary cellular changes to allow for the entry and processing of sperm DNA.

Improved embryo development

Eggs that were mature at the time of freezing tend to result in higher-quality embryos after fertilization. This can lead to better chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.

What Split Members should know

If you’re part of our Split program, where members freeze their eggs for free when donating half to a family that otherwise can’t conceive, there are a few things you should know:

• You will receive immediate ownership of half of the mature eggs retrieved. If there is an odd number, the intended parent will keep the extra egg.
• You also receive 100% of immature eggs retrieved to the extent clinic policy allows (not all clinics are able to cryopreserve GV eggs).
• We cover ALL egg freezing expenses and 10 years of storage. Of course you can get the eggs sooner if needed.

The reason we give 100% of immature eggs to the Split Member (egg donor) is because, while it’s not possible today, we hope that in the future that embryologists will be able to mature immature eggs in the lab. 

Summing it up

Grasping the difference between mature and immature eggs is helpful to understanding the egg freezing process and setting realistic expectations. While mature eggs are the primary goal of egg freezing, the presence of some immature eggs is normal and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem.

As you consider or proceed with egg freezing, remember that your fertility doctor is your best resource for personalized information. They can provide insights into your individual situation, explain your results, and help you understand what they mean for your fertility preservation goals.

We wish you all the best!

You may not be ready to have kids quite yet, but perhaps you’re starting to think about your future. If you’re exploring fertility preservation or assisted reproductive technologies, you might be considering whether egg freezing and embryo banking is right for you. 

Both options offer unique advantages and considerations, and understanding their differences is important for making an informed choice that aligns with your goals and values. In this guide, we'll dive into both egg freezing vs. embryo banking, empowering you to navigate this important decision with confidence.

How does egg freezing and embryo banking differ?

Both egg freezing and embryo banking begin with the same medical procedure: about 10-14 days of fertility medications and monitoring appointments, followed by an egg retrieval. 

The fertility medications encourage the development of multiple mature eggs, followed by a minimally invasive procedure to retrieve those eggs. The medical process, medications, and monitoring are identical whether you ultimately choose to freeze your eggs or create embryos.

The key difference between egg freezing and embryo banking lies in what happens after your eggs are retrieved.

• Egg Freezing: The retrieved eggs are immediately frozen using vitrification technology and stored until you're ready to use them. In the future, when you decide to pursue pregnancy, these eggs will be thawed, fertilized with sperm, and the resulting embryos will be transferred to your uterus.
• Embryo Banking: The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory, creating embryos. These embryos are then cultured for a few days and the healthiest ones are selected and frozen. When you're ready for pregnancy, the embryos are thawed and transferred to your uterus.

In essence, the medical journey up to the point of retrieval is the same for both options. The decision point comes after retrieval, where you choose whether to freeze the eggs unfertilized or to fertilize them and freeze the resulting embryos. Which option is right for you may depend on factors like whether you have a partner or access to sperm at the time of retrieval, or your personal preferences around timing and future family planning.

Egg freezing: increasing your options down the line

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where your eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use. This technology has revolutionized fertility preservation, providing women with the opportunity to delay childbearing and increase their chances of having a biological child later in life.  

Pros of egg freezing

• Flexibility and autonomy: Egg freezing offers women greater control over their reproductive timeline. It allows them to focus on career goals, personal development, or finding the right partner before starting a family.  
• Medical reasons: Women facing medical conditions that may impact their fertility, such as cancer treatment or certain surgeries, can benefit from egg freezing as a way to preserve their options.  
• Technological advancements: Advances in vitrification (flash-freezing) technology have significantly improved the success rates of egg freezing, making it a more reliable option.  

Cons of egg freezing

• Age-related factors: While egg freezing can preserve fertility, the age at which eggs are frozen plays a critical role in their viability and potential for successful pregnancy.  
• Additional procedures: If you decide to use your frozen eggs, you'll need to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) to fertilize them and transfer the resulting embryos.  
• Cost: Egg freezing and subsequent IVF can be expensive, and insurance coverage may vary.  

Embryo banking: a step closer to parenthood

Embryo banking, or embryo cryopreservation, involves creating embryos through IVF using a woman's eggs and a partner's or a donor's sperm. These embryos are then frozen and stored for future use.  

Pros of embryo banking

• Known fertility potential: With embryo banking, you have a better understanding of the fertility potential of the embryos, as they have already undergone fertilization and, if you choose, can undergo preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This allows you to understand the genetic makeup of your embryos sooner and determine whether additional egg retrievals might be needed.
• Higher success rates: Embryos have slightly higher survival rates after thawing compared to eggs, potentially increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
• Gender selection: With embryo banking, you have the possibility of learning the sex of the embryos sooner through preimplantation genetic testing), whereas with egg freezing, you would need to wait until fertilization and further testing at a later stage.

Cons of embryo banking

• Requires sperm: Embryo banking requires the use of sperm, which may not be ideal fo r those without access to sperm or those who haven't found a partner yet.  
• Ethical and legal considerations: Embryo banking could raise ethical and legal questions regarding ownership, disposition, and potential future use of the embryos, particularly in cases of divorce or death.
• Can’t be undone: Once embryos are created with someone’s sperm, they can’t be turned back into eggs, meaning you can’t change your mind on the biological father for those fertilized eggs down the line.

Questions to ask yourself

Choosing between egg freezing and embryo banking is a deeply personal decision, and will depend on your individual circumstances, goals, and values. To help you navigate this choice, here are some good questions to ask yourself:

‍

• What are my current relationship goals and family plans? Are you planning to have children with your partner? Or are you unsure about your future plans?
• What is my financial situation, and can I afford the associated costs? Both egg freezing and embryo banking can be expensive. Does your insurance cover the costs? Does your employer, or a partner’s employer, offer any fertility benefits?
• What are my thoughts regarding embryo creation and storage? Embryo banking involves creating and potentially storing embryos that may not be used. Would you be okay with that?
• Am I comfortable with the potential outcomes and uncertainties associated with each option? Both egg freezing and embryo banking have varying success rates, and there's no guarantee of a successful pregnancy. 
• Have I discussed my options with my partner and/or a fertility doctor? Open communication with your partner and seeking guidance from a fertility doctor will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and values.

Remember, knowledge is power. Understanding the processes and considerations involved will help you make the choice that best suits your individual needs and aspirations.

Summing it up

Choosing between egg freezing and embryo banking is a big decision with long-term implications. You’ll want to carefully consider your individual circumstances, goals, and values before moving forward. 

Remember, you can always turn eggs into embryos but the opposite is not true. So if you have any doubt, freezing eggs may provide more flexibility for future decisions.

Egg freezing and embryo banking with Cofertility

We’d love the opportunity to support you on your egg freezing or embryo banking journey.

Through our Split program, qualified applicants 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 and Split members also get 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 individuals overcome the biological constraints of their reproductive timeline, giving egg freezers greater control of their career goals and family planning while promoting social justice and advancing gender equality.

Read more:

• Should I Freeze Eggs or Embryos?
• We Asked Four Women: Did You Freeze Eggs or Embryos?
• How Much It Costs to Freeze Your Eggs
• Should Your Partner Help Pay For Your Egg Freezing?

If you just started researching egg freezing, you might feel like you’ve been introduced to a whole new language. Whether clinical in nature or just shortened slang, with egg freezing comes its own terminology. And even if you’ve already educated yourself on what’s involved with egg freezing, chances are, you’ll come across an acronym you’ve never heard of. 

Fear not. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of acronyms, abbreviations, and terms you should know when diving into an egg freezing cycle. Read this, and soon you’ll rattle off egg freezing lingo like a pro. 

Hormones and general fertility 

• AMH: One of the first hormones your reproductive endocrinologist will investigate, Anti-Müllerian Hormone is measured early in a woman’s cycle to determine her ovarian reserve. A higher AMH level correlates to a higher ovarian reserve, or in other words, more eggs.
• CD: "Cycle day"—or the day of one's menstrual cycle, with CD1 = the first day of a period. Understanding your cycle length is super important, as it may indicate your most fertile window of dates. It will also help you determine any irregularities to consider as you embark on an egg freezing cycle. 
• DPO: "Days past ovulation." In a typical menstrual cycle, women can expect their period at 14DPO.
• Dx: Diagnosis, the medical identification of a condition or issue affecting fertility, which may impact decisions regarding egg freezing and related treatments.
• E2: Estradiol, a female hormone that's produced by ovarian follicles and determines how well a woman is responding to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with fertility drugs. If you're freezing your eggs, you’ll have several routine monitoring appointments that include ultrasounds and bloodwork that measures estradiol levels. The higher the estradiol, the more follicles that are likely developing and (fingers crossed) the more eggs that may be retrieved.
• FSH: Follicle stimulating hormone, a hormone released from the pituitary gland to stimulate the ovaries or testicles. When getting an initial fertility workup, you'll get tested for your existing FSH. If you're taking FSH as a drug as part of your egg freezing protocol, it's also known in the United States as Follistim, Gonal-F or Bravelle.
• hCG: Human Chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced by an implanting embryo. If this hormone is present in a woman's blood, it indicates a possible pregnancy. It can also be given to women undergoing an egg freezing cycle to trigger ovulation right before a retrieval procedure.
• LH: Luteinising Hormone, a hormone released by the pituitary gland to stimulate the gonads (ovaries and testicles). If you're freezing your eggs, you'll have levels of this hormone measured often via bloodwork in order to determine ovulation timing.
• LMP: "Last menstrual period," or the start date of a woman's last menstrual period.
• MII: Metaphase II, the stage of egg maturation where the egg is ready for (hypothetical) fertilization, with chromosome alignment necessary for successful embryo development.
• PCOS: "Polycystic ovarian syndrome," a condition where the ovaries develop many small cysts, which results in irregular periods and ovulation. It can contribute to future infertility, so if you know you have PCOS, regardless of whether you’re freezing your eggs or not, chat with a reproductive endocrinologist to ensure a safe and healthy plan.
• TSH: Thyroid stimulating hormone, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland meant to stimulate the release of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. Recent research has suggested that slightly low TSH may associate with fertility challenges.

Egg freezing 

• AFC: “Antral follicle count,” a count of the number of small follicles in a woman's ovaries, seen via ultrasound early on in her cycle. Used to measure ovarian reserve, you'll have a lot of these if you're freezing your eggs to monitor how you're responding to ovary-stimulating medication.
• ART: “Assisted reproductive technology,” including any procedure involving egg retrievals and manipulating eggs and sperm outside the body. It includes things like egg freezing, gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and zygote intrafallopian transfer/tubal embryo transfer (ZIFT/TET). 
• BCP: Birth control pills. If you’re freezing your eggs, your doctor may prescribe these as part of a medicated cycle in order to regulate the timing
• COH: “Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation,” when several follicles mature simultaneously in response to fertility drug treatment. The key word here is controlled. Your follicle growth will be carefully monitored by your doctor, who will adjust your medication protocol accordingly to stimulate or halt further growth.
• ER: "Egg retrieval" — not "emergency room!" An ER will be performed as part of an egg freezing cycle, and may also be referred to as a VOR (“Vaginal Oocyte Retrieval”).
• IM: Intramuscular, a method of injecting medication directly into a muscle. This method is often used for hormone treatments during the egg freezing process.
• OC: “Oocyte Cryopreservation,” which is another term for egg freezing. 
• OHSS: “Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome,” a condition where the ovaries become excessively swollen and painful due to the overproduction of eggs from fertility medications. This is very rare, but can happen.
• REI: "Reproductive endocrinologist," or a doctor who specializes in treating male and female fertility.
• SD1: “Stimulation Day 1,” or the first day of medication administered to stimulate the ovaries for egg production during the egg freezing process.
• SQ: Subcutaneous (also abbreviated as SC), a method of injecting medication into the fatty tissue just under the skin, commonly used for administering fertility hormones during an egg freezing cycle.
• TVUS: “Transvaginal Ultrasound,” an imaging technique used to visualize the ovaries and follicles internally, providing information about egg development and ovarian health. If you’re undergoing an egg freezing cycle, you’ll have a lot of these, but they are quick and painless. 

Egg donation

• DE: “Donor eggs,” or eggs provided by another woman to be fertilized with sperm and transferred to the uterus of an intended parent or gestational carrier.
• IP: “Intended parent,” which is a person who becomes the legal parent of a child born through third party reproduction.

If you’re feeling totally overwhelmed by all that’s involved with egg freezing, we’ve got you covered. Take our quiz to see how you may qualify for our more accessible egg freezing opportunities, including our Split program, through which you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate half to another family who can’t conceive. 

We’re wishing you the best of luck on your egg freezing journey! 

In recent years, egg freezing has become a popular option for those looking to preserve their fertility. The procedure, which involves retrieving and freezing eggs for future use, can offer some flexibility for those who may want the option of having kids down the line. However, like any medical procedure, egg freezing isn’t without risks. One pressing concern among prospective egg freezers is whether the process might increase the risk of cancer. 

This is a fair question, considering that during an egg freezing cycle, patients do take medication for hormonal manipulation, and hormones do play a role in some cancers, like breast cancer. This article explores current research on the topic, focusing on the potential cancer risks associated with fertility medications used in egg freezing. 

Understanding egg freezing medications

Before we dive into associated risks, it’s important to understand the egg freezing process and what medications are used. Egg freezing involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and frozen — as opposed to in vitro fertilization (IVF), where eggs are fertilized right away and resulting embryos are either transferred into a uterus or frozen for future use. 

In both IVF and egg freezing, the patient uses several hormonal medications to enhance egg production, including:

Gonadotropins (FSH and LH)

• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple follicles, each containing an egg.
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Works in concert with FSH to promote follicle growth and maturation.

Elevated levels of FSH and LH could theoretically increase the exposure of breast and ovarian tissues to hormones, but current research hasn’t established if this influences cancer cell proliferation. 

GnRH agonists and antagonists

• GnRH agonists: These medications initially increase, then suppress the production of FSH and LH by the pituitary gland, preventing premature ovulation.
• GnRH antagonists: Directly block the pituitary gland’s release of FSH and LH, also preventing premature ovulation.

By controlling the release of FSH and LH, GnRH agonists and antagonists help manage the stimulation of the ovaries. These medications have a more regulatory role, which may not have a direct impact on cancer risk.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG):

hCG mimics the natural LH surge to trigger the final maturation of eggs before they are retrieved. The hormonal impact of hCG is more short-term compared to the longer-term effects of FSH and LH. Current research considers hCG to carry minimal risk impact, due to its temporary use. 

Current research findings

It’s important to maintain a discerning eye when reviewing research about egg freezing and cancer. Earlier studies may have suggested a possible connection, but were often not very controlled and had small sample sizes. 

Breast cancer

In 2022, a meta-analysis encompassing 25 studies and 617,479 participants alleviated most concerns. The data yielded by the meta-analysis indicated that fertility treatments were not associated with a significant increase in breast cancer risk, even if patients underwent six or more cycles. This is reassuring, considering the huge sample size. What’s more is that this data involved long-term follow-up — even after a decade (more time for potentially latent cancer to manifest), the findings remained consistent. 

Ovarian cancer

The research on ovarian cancer risk related to fertility treatments is less definitive but still reassuring. A review published in Current Opinions in Obstetrics and Gynecology (2017) found that while some earlier studies suggested a potential increase in ovarian cancer risk, there is no overall association between fertility medication use and invasive ovarian cancer. The authors emphasize that earlier studies compared subfertile (aka infertile) groups — already at slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer — to the general population. In other words, previous studies did not compare groups apples-to-apples and should have used a more similar group as a control.

Endometrial and uterine cancer

Studies on risks of developing endometrial cancer — the most common type of uterine cancer — related to fertility medications have also been reassuring. A 2021 Cancer Causes & Control study with 146,104 participants found no substantial evidence linking fertility treatments to an increased risk of endometrial cancer. The review noted that while hormone exposure can be a factor in endometrial cancer risk, current data does not show a significant enough association between egg freezing medication usage and endometrial cancer.

That being said, there are other less common forms of uterine cancer to consider, like uterine sarcomas. However, a 2024 Fertility and Sterility article noted that there is no conclusive evidence that fertility drugs increase the risk of uterine cancer. People with infertility may be at higher risk of uterine cancer, but this is true without the usage of medications and doesn’t apply to those without infertility who are electively freezing their eggs.

Limitations and areas for further research

It’s important to recognize that most studies have focused on people undergoing IVF due to infertility rather than elective egg freezers. Infertility itself, along with other factors, could influence cancer risk, making it challenging to generalize findings from infertile populations to those opting for elective egg freezing.

Long-term data specific to egg freezing and cancer risk is still emerging. While current evidence is reassuring, ongoing research will provide more comprehensive insights into the potential long-term impacts. Findings can also be extended from egg freezing to egg donation, as the same process, medication, and risks apply to both scenarios.

Next steps

While there is still a degree of uncertainty and research is still ongoing, current findings provide a reassuring outlook for those considering egg freezing. Large-scale studies generally find no significant association between fertility medications and an increased risk of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. However, as with any medical procedure, it is essential to stay informed and consider emerging research. Ultimately, only you can determine your own comfort zone. 

If you have concerns about egg freezing and associated risks, reaching out to experts can provide clarity and guidance. At Cofertility, we are dedicated to helping you understand your egg freezing options, addressing any questions you may have, and help you freeze your eggs more affordably — even for free for those who donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive. To learn more and get started, click here. 

Sources

National Cancer Institute. Cancer Causes and Prevention. Published April 2015. Accessed September 2023. URL

Cullinane C, Gillan H, Geraghty J, et al. Fertility treatment and breast-cancer incidence: meta-analysis. BJS Open. 2022;6(1):zrab149. doi:10.1093/bjsopen/zrab149 URL

Kroener L, Dumesic D, Al-Safi Z. Use of fertility medications and cancer risk: a review and update. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Aug;29(4):195-201. doi: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000370. PMID: 28538003; PMCID: PMC5551049. URL

Guleria, S., Jensen, A., Albieri, V. et al. Endometrial cancer risk after fertility treatment: a population-based cohort study. Cancer Causes Control. 2021. 32, 181–188. URL

Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Fertility drugs and cancer: a guideline. Fertility and Sterility. 2024; 106: 1617-1626. URL

If you're considering egg freezing or donation and are just curious about its long-term effects, you may have heard a rumor: "Does egg donation cause early menopause?" It's a valid question, and in this article I will break it down for you with the latest scientific information and my professional insights as a board-certified OB/GYN.

I have guided countless patients considering egg freezing and donation processes, and I understand the importance of addressing these concerns head-on. After all, your reproductive health is a big deal, and you deserve clear, accurate information to help you make informed decisions.

In this article, I’ll explain the science behind egg freezing and donation, explore common misconceptions, and look at what the research really says about its impact on your future fertility. I'll also share some insights on what actually influences the timing of menopause and offer tips on how to take care of your reproductive health. Alright, let’s go!

The short answer

Let's start with the good news: No, neither egg freezing nor egg donation causes early menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). But I know you're looking for more than just a simple "no." You want to understand why, how we know this, and what these processes actually do to your body. So let’s go even deeper.

Understanding your ovaries and egg supply (aka ovarian reserve)

Before we get into the specifics of egg freezing and donation, let's refresh our understanding of how ovaries work. You were born with all the eggs you'll ever have – about 1-2 million of them! By the time you hit puberty, that number has already decreased to about 300,000-500,000. Throughout your reproductive years, you'll typically release one egg per month during ovulation.

Your body is constantly losing eggs, whether you're trying to get pregnant, on birth control, or not thinking about fertility at all. It's a natural process called atresia. Each month, several eggs begin to mature, but usually only one reaches full maturity and is released during ovulation. The rest are reabsorbed by the body.

What happens during egg freezing and donation?

When you freeze your eggs or donate them, you're given hormones to stimulate your ovaries to mature multiple eggs in a single cycle – typically anywhere from 10 to 20 eggs. These are eggs that would have otherwise been lost to the natural process of atresia. We're not dipping into some secret egg reserve or using up eggs that your body was "saving" for later.

The main difference between egg freezing and donation is what happens to the eggs after they're retrieved. With egg freezing, they're stored for your future use. With donation, they're provided to someone else who needs them to build their family. And with an egg sharing program like we offer at Cofertility, you keep and store half of your eggs retrieved for up to 10 years for free when you donate the other half to a family who can’t conceive otherwise.

Why the misconception exists

So, if the science is clear, why does this myth persist? There are a few reasons:

• Misunderstanding of ovarian stimulation: The process of stimulating multiple eggs to mature at once can sound unnatural, leading some to worry it's "using up" eggs too quickly.
• Confusion with natural fertility decline: As we age, our fertility naturally declines. Both the quantity and quality of our eggs decreases. Some people might attribute this normal process to their past egg freezing or donation.
• Individual variations: Someone who froze or donated eggs might experience fertility issues later, but this isn't necessarily caused by the procedure. Remember, 1 in 6 people are affected by infertility, whether they froze their eggs or not.
• Lack of long-term studies: While we have good medium-term data, very long-term studies (30+ years) are still ongoing. This can lead to uncertainty for some people.

What egg freezing and donation actually do to your body

Okay, so if these procedures don't cause early menopause, what do they actually do to your body? Let's break it down. During the stimulation cycle, you'll experience short-term hormonal changes, with higher levels of some hormones circulating in your system. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness – similar to what you might experience during your menstrual cycle, just more pronounced. These effects are temporary and typically subside after the egg retrieval process.

I break down all of the side effects and risks of egg freezing here. 

The medications used in egg freezing and donation will temporarily override your natural menstrual cycle. This is a necessary part of the process to stimulate multiple eggs to develop. After the egg retrieval, it usually takes about 1-2 months for your cycle to return to its normal rhythm. During this time, you might experience some irregularity in your periods, but this is generally nothing to be concerned about.

There is a minor risk of complications, primarily ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where the ovaries become swollen and painful. However, serious cases of OHSS are rare, especially with modern protocols and careful monitoring throughout the process. Your medical team will be vigilant in watching for any signs of OHSS and can adjust your treatment if necessary.

Perhaps most importantly, current evidence shows no significant long-term impact on your fertility or the timing of menopause from egg freezing or donation procedures. Your body continues its natural reproductive processes after these procedures, and your remaining eggs are unaffected. This means that your future fertility and the onset of menopause should follow their natural course, just as they would have without the egg freezing or donation process.

Factors that actually influence menopause timing

Now that we've cleared up the egg freezing and donation myth, let's talk about what really can influence when you'll hit menopause:

1. Genetics: The age your mother went through menopause is a good indicator of when you might do so.
2. Your period: The age when you had your first period can influence the timing of menopause, especially if you got your first period before age 11. So can an irregular menstrual cycle.
3. Number of pregnancies: Compared to those who had never been pregnant or who had been pregnant for less than six months, women who had one full-term pregnancy had an 8% lower risk of early menopause. Those who had two pregnancies had a 16% lower risk, and those who had three pregnancies had a 22% lower risk.
4. Lifestyle factors: The use of tobacco and alcohol, as well as your level of physical activity, can influence when menopause occurs.
5. Medical history: Procedures that remove your ovaries or uterus can affect menopause timing. So too can autoimmune diseases.
6. Diet: Your diet, particularly the consumption of polyunsaturated fats, may have an effect.

Notice that egg freezing and donation aren't on this list!

Taking care of your fertility

Whether you're considering egg freezing, donation, or neither, there are several important steps you can take to support your reproductive health. First and foremost, regular check-ups are key. Keeping up with your gynecological exams allows you to stay on top of your reproductive health and provides opportunities to discuss any concerns with your doctor. These regular visits can help catch potential issues early and ensure you're taking the best possible care of your reproductive system.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is another key aspect of maintaining your fertility. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support reproductive health, exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight and promote overall well-being, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. These lifestyle choices not only benefit your reproductive health but also contribute to your overall health and longevity.

If you're concerned about your future fertility, considering options like egg freezing can be a proactive step. At Cofertility, we understand the importance of having options when it comes to your reproductive future. 

• 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.

Final thoughts

So, there you have it – the long and short of egg freezing, egg donation, and menopause. The bottom line is that current scientific evidence does not support the idea that these procedures cause early menopause. Your body is incredibly resilient, and these processes work within your natural reproductive system, not against it.

That being said, egg freezing and donation are still significant medical procedures. It's important to work with reputable clinics (like our partner clinics!) that prioritize your health and provide comprehensive information.

Understanding your body and your options is key to making informed decisions about your reproductive health. Whether you're considering egg freezing, thinking about donation, or just curious about how it all works, I hope this information has been helpful.

If you have more questions about egg freezing, donation, or reproductive health in general, don't hesitate to reach out. At Cofertility, we're here to support you every step of the way on your fertility journey.

Read more:

• What are the Side Effects and Risks of Egg Freezing?
• Does Donating Eggs Affect Your Fertility?
• What’s the Best Age to Freeze My Eggs?

As you embark on your egg freezing journey, you'll quickly become familiar with a big aspect of the process: monitoring appointments. These regular check-ins during the 10-14 day egg freezing cycle are essential for ensuring the success and safety of your cycle. While the prospect of frequent medical visits might seem daunting, understanding what to expect can help you approach these appointments with confidence. Let's dive into the details of monitoring appointments during your egg freezing cycle.

The purpose of monitoring appointments during egg freezing

After you begin your fertility medications, your body will start producing multiple eggs. This is where monitoring appointments come into play. These visits serve several critical purposes:

• Tracking your response to medication
• Ensuring multiple eggs are developing properly
• Determining the optimal time for egg retrieval
• Preventing overstimulation and the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Egg freezing medications are not one-size-fits-all. Every woman's body responds differently to fertility drugs, which is why individualized monitoring is so important. Your doctor will use these appointments to fine-tune your treatment plan, adjusting medication dosages if necessary and pinpointing the ideal moment for egg retrieval. These visits also provide an opportunity to address any concerns or questions you may have. 

During these appointments, your care team will work to ensure that you are neither overstimulated nor understimulated. Overstimulation can potentially lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) while understimulation may result in a lower yield of mature eggs. Through monitoring, your healthcare team will optimize your chances for a successful outcome while also prioritizing your health and well-being above anything else. 

Location and frequency of egg freezing monitoring appointments

Typically, these appointments take place at your fertility clinic. However, if you're not located near your primary clinic, arrangements can often be made for monitoring at a local fertility clinic or monitoring center like an OBGYN office.

As for frequency, be prepared for regular visits. Monitoring appointments usually occur every 2-3 days during your stimulation cycle. However, depending on your individual response and your doctor's assessment, you might find yourself at the clinic more or less. On average, you can expect around 5-6 appointments during your cycle.

What to expect during monitoring appointments

Your monitoring appointments will primarily consist of two key components: transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests. Let's break down what you can expect from each:

1. Transvaginal ultrasounds

The star of the show during monitoring appointments is the transvaginal ultrasound (some folks in the fertility world jokingly call this “dates with Wanda”). This imaging technique uses an ultrasound wand to allow your doctor to visualize your ovaries and uterus, providing crucial information about your progress. 

When you arrive for your appointment, a nurse will escort you to a private room. You'll be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups. The ultrasound technician or doctor will then insert a thin, wand-like device called a transducer into your vagina.

The word “transvaginal” means the ultrasound transducer goes in the vagina. Now, let's address the elephant in the room: does it hurt? While the sensation can be uncomfortable, most women describe it as pressure rather than pain. The procedure is generally quick, lasting only a few minutes.

During the ultrasound, your doctor will be looking at several key factors:

• Follicle count: Each follicle is a fluid-filled sac that contains an egg. The number of follicles present indicates how well you're responding to the fertility medications.
• Follicle size: Your doctor will measure the size of each follicle. This measurement helps determine the maturity of the eggs within. As you continue your medications, these follicles will grow – typically about three millimeters every two days.
• Uterine lining: Although not directly related to egg freezing, your doctor will also assess the thickness and quality of your uterine lining.

The goal is for most follicles to reach a size between 18 and 20 millimeters before egg retrieval, though this can vary based on individual circumstances.

2. Blood Tests

In addition to the ultrasound, you'll likely have blood drawn at some or all of the monitoring appointments. These blood tests primarily measure your estrogen levels, which rise as your follicles grow and produce more estrogen. Your doctor will use these results, in combination with your ultrasound images, to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your medication protocol.

The blood draw is typically quick and straightforward. If you're someone who gets nervous around needles, don't hesitate to let the staff know. They're experienced in working with patients who have a range of comfort levels with medical procedures.

Interpreting your results

After your ultrasound and blood tests, you might be eager to know what it all means. While your doctor will provide personalized feedback, here are some general guidelines:

• Follicle count: A higher number of follicles generally indicates a good response to the medication. However, quality is just as important as quantity.
• Follicle size: Your doctor is looking for consistent growth. Ideally, most follicles will be growing at a similar rate.
• Estrogen levels: Rising estrogen levels typically indicate that your follicles are developing well. However, if levels rise too quickly, your doctor might adjust your medication to prevent overstimulation.

Remember, these results are just snapshots in time. What matters most is the trend over multiple appointments. Don’t be afraid to ask questions so you can understand how your egg freezing cycle is progressing!

Tips for egg freezing monitoring appointments

To ensure your monitoring appointments go smoothly and provide the most accurate information, consider the following tips:

1. Schedule wisely: Most clinics will try and schedule your appointments first thing in the morning. This allows for the most accurate hormone measurements and can help you avoid disrupting your work day.
2. Stay hydrated: While you'll need an empty bladder for the ultrasound, staying well-hydrated in general can make blood draws easier.
3. Wear comfortable clothing: Opt for easily removable bottoms to make the ultrasound process more convenient.
4. Take notes: Jot down any questions you have between appointments so you don't forget to ask your doctor.
5. Be flexible: Your body's response to the medications might necessitate last-minute changes to your appointment schedule. Try to maintain some flexibility in your calendar during this time.

Monitoring appointments can be a lot. The frequent medical interventions, the uncertainty of each appointment's outcomes, and the general stress of the egg freezing process can take a toll.

Remember, it's entirely normal to feel a range of emotions during this time. Some women find it helpful to bring a friend or family member to appointments for support. 

Leading up to the egg retrieval

As your monitoring appointments progress, your doctor will be looking for signs that your eggs are nearing maturity. When most of your follicles reach the target size, and your hormone levels are appropriate, your doctor will schedule the exact day and time for your egg retrieval.

You'll be given specific instructions for this final stage, including when to administer your trigger shot – a medication that prompts final egg maturation and sets the stage for retrieval.

If you do decide to cycle multiple times, there are some benefits to repeating the process. Each cycle provides valuable insights, helping your care team identify the most effective type of care and medication regimen tailored specifically for you. This personalized approach can enhance the efficiency and success rate of subsequent cycles.

Summing it up

Monitoring appointments are a big part of the egg freezing process. While they require time and commitment, they're important for ensuring the safety and success of your cycle. By understanding what to expect, you can approach these appointments with confidence and use them as opportunities to stay informed about your progress.

Remember, every woman's egg freezing journey is unique. Your experience may differ from others, and that's perfectly normal. Trust in the process, communicate openly with your medical team, and don't hesitate to ask questions. You're taking a proactive step towards your reproductive future, and that's something to be proud of.

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.

In an era where women are increasingly taking control of their reproductive futures, egg freezing has grown in popularity, with a 30% increase in egg-freezing cycles from 2021 to 2022 alone!  But as with many aspects of modern relationships, this scientific advancement has given rise to new and complex questions. One we hear often: Should your partner contribute financially to your egg freezing journey?

This question, unimaginable just a generation ago, is now a reality for many couples navigating the intersection of love, career, and family planning. It touches on deeply personal issues of autonomy, commitment, fairness, and shared futures, all against the backdrop of what can be a significant financial investment. In this article, we’ll share some of our learnings about paying for egg freezing from our members.

How much does egg freezing cost?

The cost of egg freezing, which can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per cycle (not including storage fees), is substantial. For many egg freezers, it represents a significant portion of their savings or might require taking on debt. In this context, the idea of sharing the cost with a partner can seem appealing, even logical. But it's far from straightforward.

A relationship litmus test

This decision to share the cost of egg freezing is as much about your relationship as it is about fertility. It requires couples to have honest conversations about their future together, their financial situations, and their views on family planning.

Indeed, the question of whether a partner should contribute to egg freezing costs is a litmus test for many aspects of a relationship. It forces couples to confront their level of commitment, their financial compatibility, and their visions for the future.

For Sarah* (names have been changed), a real estate executive in New York, the decision to ask her boyfriend of five years to share the cost of her egg freezing was natural. "We've talked about having kids someday, but we're both focused on our careers right now," she explains. "It felt like an investment in our shared future." Her partner agreed, viewing it as a way to support Sarah's choices while keeping their options open.

But not all couples find the decision so straightforward. Lauren, a startup marketer in San Francisco, grappled with whether to even bring up the topic with her partner. "I worry that asking him to contribute financially might put too much pressure on our relationship," she confides. "Would he expect me to freeze embryos? What if we break up?"

There’s a lot to think through. Should you freeze eggs or embryos? If a relationship ends, what happens to the eggs? Do you need to have a contract? Could contributing to egg freezing create a sense of obligation or expectation that might not otherwise exist? 

The decision to share the cost of egg freezing also intersects with broader questions of gender equality and financial independence. In a world where women still earn less on average than men, is it fair to expect women to shoulder the entire cost of fertility preservation? Or does asking a partner to contribute reinforce outdated notions of male financial responsibility?

Sarah Elizabeth Richards, author of Motherhood, Rescheduled, shared with NPR, "I do think there's a place to say, 'There's a cost to me for staying in this relationship, and it's fair if you help me absorb it.'” 

What matters most is that you feel empowered to make an informed choice that's right for you, whether that means paying for it entirely yourself or seeing it as a shared investment in a future family.

Key conversations to have with your partner

If you're considering asking your partner to contribute to your egg freezing, here are some key points to discuss:

• Your individual and shared visions for the future
• Your current financial situations and how this expense fits in
• How you typically handle shared expenses and major financial decisions
• Your feelings about fertility, family planning, and personal autonomy
• If you plan to freeze eggs or embryos
• What would happen if you were to break up
• Your understanding of the medical process and its potential outcomes

Remember, there's no universally right or wrong answer. Only the answer that works best for you. We’ve seen it all. The key is to approach the conversation with honesty, empathy, and a willingness to listen to each other's perspectives.

Read more in How to Talk to Your Partner About Freezing Your Eggs

A new approach to funding egg freezing

Cofertility is a human-first, tech-enabled fertility ecosystem that provides people agency over if, how, and when they have babies — today or someday. We have two programs for potential egg freezers:

Our Split program offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you qualify for the program and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure —  medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge. We don’t even need a payment or credit card up front, as the family you match with covers all the expenses.

Our self-pay Keep program allows women to freeze their eggs and keep them all for their future use. Through Keep, we offer our members partnerships and discounts to lighten the financial load of egg freezing, as well as access to our member community.

Ready to learn about more affordable (even free!) egg freezing with Cofertility? Fill out this quick quiz to learn about our accessible egg freezing options and see if you qualify for our programs — it only takes one minute.

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where a woman's eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for later use. This allows women to preserve their eggs at their current age, potentially increasing their chances of having a biological child in the future.

Egg freezing is becoming more and more common, with a 30% increase in egg-freezing cycles from 2021 to 2022 alone! 

I’m Dr. Meera Shah, a double-board certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI). I have helped countless women freeze their eggs as a fertility doctor and as a Medical Advisor to Cofertility. This article is a guide to everything you need to know to make a confident, informed decision about egg freezing.

Why people choose to freeze their eggs

There are many reasons why women opt for egg freezing. Here are some of the most common reasons we hear:

• Focusing on other priorities: Women focusing on career or personal goals can freeze their eggs until they're ready to start a family.
• Waiting for the right partner: As the average age of first marriage continues to rise, some women choose to freeze their eggs instead of rushing into a marriage.
• Medical reasons: Women facing medical conditions or treatments that could impact fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can freeze their eggs before undergoing these treatments.
• Genetic predisposition: Women with a family history of early menopause may choose to freeze their eggs to ensure they have viable eggs for future use.
• Peace of mind: Some women simply want the peace of mind knowing they have a backup plan for their fertility.

At what age should you freeze your eggs?

There is no perfect age at which to freeze your eggs. However, the younger you can do it, the better. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), an optimal time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s and early 30s, while you have a higher ovarian reserve and eggs are healthier. 

A large 2020 study at a fertility clinic that specializes in this area looked at egg freezing cycles for over 1,200 people. It compared the average number of eggs people of different ages were able to freeze versus the “optimal” or goal number of eggs they should freeze. This goal number was based on how many eggs would give them a 70% live birth rate after doing 1 or 2 egg freezing cycles (this rate is calculated using some other numbers and it typically goes up as we age to make up for the lower number of healthy eggs). 

The study found that younger people, unsurprisingly, have an easier time freezing the goal number of eggs in one cycle. As people aged, they needed multiple egg freezing cycles to reach that goal number.

Read more in What’s the Best Age to Freeze My Eggs?

Is it worth freezing eggs after age 35?

The findings from the study above bring up a common question–is it worth freezing eggs after age 35? Well, it depends. The ASRM does not recommend egg freezing for people older than 38, but this isn’t a strict cutoff. 

Your biological clock is not a cliff. Everyone’s fertility decreases down at a different rate. Having your fertility hormones checked can sometimes help you and your doctor get a general idea of your ovarian reserve and chance of a future pregnancy. This can better help you decide if egg freezing is right for you.

Egg freezing success rates by age

Success rates with egg freezing depend on a lot of factors: your health, your ovarian reserve, your response to egg freezing medication, and the quality of the clinic. That being said, generally, younger women have higher success rates due to better egg quantity and quality. 

A study of 1,241 women found that the average number of eggs retrieved on the first egg freezing round was:

• 21 eggs for women under 35
• 17 eggs for women 35-37
• 14 eggs for women 38-40

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Because women in their 30s tend to produce less eggs, at this age you may end up having to either settle for fewer eggs for freezing or undergo multiple rounds to collect enough eggs to have on hand for later implantation. As you can imagine, those costs can creep higher and higher the more rounds you endure. 

Now, you might be thinking: isn’t 14 eggs a lot?  It’s true that eggs retrieved from women under the age of 36 will have a 95 percent survival rate after being thawed.  But, not all thawed eggs will become viable embryos and lead to a live birth. The probability of a live birth varies with the age of the woman trying to conceive and the number of mature eggs available. In short, the older the woman, the more eggs required to achieve a high probability of a live birth. 

A study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics further supports this point. For example, a woman under 35 will need nine eggs to achieve a 70% chance of having at least one live birth. If you’re trying to conceive in your mid to late 30s, you may need double as many eggs to achieve that same 70% success rate. 

The right number of eggs to freeze for your age

Different folks have different reasons for freezing their eggs. Some may be thinking about prolonging their fertility into the future. Others may be freezing some eggs but also hoping to donate some eggs to help others grow a family — something that’s done via our Split program, where you freeze for free when donating half of the eggs to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. 

Either way, studies have found that the optimal number of eggs to freeze really comes down to your age. That’s because the number of eggs in the body isn’t the only thing to decrease as you get older — egg quality decreases too, and egg quality is the number one factor in determining whether an egg can eventually result in a live birth. 

Here are the number of eggs you’ll want to freeze based on your age in order to obtain an optimal live birth rate:

Should I do multiple egg retrievals?

What happens if you don’t get as many eggs as you had hoped during your egg retrieval cycle? 

If you’ve undergone one round of egg freezing and the number of eggs your reproductive endocrinologist retrieved from your ovaries wasn’t as high as you’d hoped, you may want to talk to them about trying again. A fertility specialist can help you talk through all of your options.

There is technically no limit to the number of egg freezing rounds a person can undergo, but it’s not recommended that egg donors undergo more than six cycles. If you’re hoping to split your eggs with intended parents (donating half of the eggs retrieved) as part of our Split Program, you may find that additional retrievals help you provide the optimal amount of eggs for a live birth for you and for the intentend parents too. 

The right number of eggs to freeze to have multiple children

If you’re planning to have a big family one day, you may want to look at the number of eggs it’s recommended you freeze to achieve one live birth and talk to your Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) about freezing more eggs. 

As we shared above, a woman under age 35 will need to freeze about nine eggs to achieve a 70% chance of a successful pregnancy and live birth. If you’re under age 35 now and thinking you might want to use frozen eggs to conceive twice in your future, you will want to freeze closer to 18 eggs.

The number of eggs necessary will increase with your age at time of the retrieval, and the number of children you hope to have via those eggs. 

Can frozen eggs guarantee a successful pregnancy in the future?

When trying to decide if you should freeze your eggs, it’s important to know that egg freezing is not an “insurance policy” for your fertility. While egg freezing can take some of the stress of having a baby right now off your shoulders, it is not a guarantee that you’ll have a baby in the future. 

Why not? Well, for one, not all the eggs that get frozen will actually be viable. It’s expected that some eggs will not survive the warming process when it comes time to use the eggs. In addition, the chances of the eggs that do survive being successfully fertilized depends on a variety of factors, including how old you were when you froze them (more on this later). 

This is not to sway your decision one way or another. Ultimately, only you and your doctor can decide if egg freezing is the right decision for you. But it's important to go in knowing that it’s not meant to be a done deal. As egg freezing has gotten more popular, many companies will gloss over this fact. We don't think that's right and want to be straight with you from the outset.

Freezing your eggs when you’re unsure if you want kids

Perhaps the biggest benefit of egg freezing is that it puts the decision-making power entirely in your hands. Whether you’re freezing your eggs because you want to focus on your career or you’re about to undergo medical treatment that may affect your fertility later on, or you’re waiting to find the right partner, freezing your eggs allows you to preserve some of your fertility independently. 

While you might not be sure about having kids today, if you do decide you want kids down the road, especially if you’re in your mid- to late-thirties, having eggs on ice will increase the chances that you’re able to do so.

Know this: most people do not regret their egg retrieval procedure. We looked at five studies on egg freezing. The rates of regret reported in these studies varied, likely due to the sample size, study design, and the follow-up period. However, taken together, these studies suggest that the vast majority of those who freeze their eggs have zero regrets.

There also appear to be factors that reduce the chances of regret, including feeling fully informed beforehand, and getting adequate support during the egg freezing process. In other words, if you take the time to think things through and feel supported throughout the journey, you’re less likely to regret making this decision for yourself.

The egg freezing process: step-by-step

The egg freezing process is about a two-week journey. You will work closely with a Reproductive Endocrinologist (fertility doctor) and the clinic team throughout the process. 

Here's a detailed breakdown of what you can expect from start to finish, and beyond:

1. Ovarian stimulation: You'll take hormone medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, and have multiple monitoring appointments and blood tests to see how the eggs are maturing.
2. Egg retrieval: Your eggs will be retrieved through a minor surgical procedure using ultrasound guidance.
3. Vitrification: Your eggs will be rapidly frozen using a technique called vitrification, which helps preserve their quality.
4. Storage: Your frozen eggs will be stored in a secure facility until you're ready to use them.
5. Thawing and fertilization: When you're ready to conceive, your eggs will be thawed, fertilized with sperm (either your partner's or a donor's), and transferred to your uterus.

Will egg freezing hurt my future fertility?

Egg freezing actually rescues all the other eggs that your body would otherwise allow to die during a normal menstrual cycle. So the process of egg freezing doesn’t take anything away from your egg reserve, it actually helps you save some extra eggs! And since during each cycle, your body goes through the ovulation process again with a new set of competing eggs, your chances of getting pregnant unassisted in the future also aren’t affected by egg freezing. 

What egg freezing does do is give you additional options for if and when you’re ready to start growing your family.

Is egg freezing safe?

Like any other procedure, there are risks and side effects when freezing eggs, including risks of anesthesia, bleeding, pain, and infection. Thankfully, the majority of people who go through with it deal with side effects for a few days at most. When it comes to the ovaries themselves, they generally recover quickly. The overall data indicate that the potential risks of surgical complications from egg retrieval are generally very small. However, in people with a history of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic adhesions or previous pelvic surgery, the risks are slightly increased so make sure to speak to your doctor about your medical history if you fall into any of these categories.

Egg freezing vs embryo freezing 

There’s one major difference between freezing eggs and freezing embryos. When you freeze your eggs, they stay unfertilized. We all know that to make a baby, you need an egg and a sperm because each of them provides half of the material needed. On its own, an egg can’t function (and neither can a sperm).

An embryo, on the other hand, is an egg that has already been fertilized by a sperm. Once they combine, the egg and sperm become a single cell. Over the next three to four days, the embryo divides several times, going from one to two to four to eight cells, and so on until it reaches the blastocyst stage and is ready to be frozen. Once an embryo has developed, there’s no going back– that is, there’s no way to turn that embryo back into a separate egg and sperm. 

If you don’t know who you want to have children with, then freezing your eggs may be the best approach. This option gives you the freedom to hold off on thinking about having a baby until you’ve met someone or are ready to choose a sperm donor. 

On the other hand, if you are currently with a partner who you know you’d like to have children with but now isn’t the right time, then frozen embryos might be the way to go with the goal of a future embryo transfer. The caveat here is to be 100% certain—stars like Sofia Vergara and more recently, Anna Kendrick, have run into trouble after freezing embryos with partners they didn’t end up with. 

Read more in Should I Freeze Eggs or Embryos?

Cost of egg freezing

The question of how much does it cost to freeze your eggs will come down to a few factors. These include the number of cycles you undergo to retrieve eggs and how long you keep the eggs in storage. Overall, the typical egg freezing can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 for one cycle plus the cost of storage fees.

Another option? Freeze by Co offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when they donate half of the retrieved eggs to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. The cost of the entire process, including 10 years of cryopreservation, is fully covered — we think it’s a win-win. 

Or, if you want to freeze and store your eggs for your own future use without donating, Freeze by Co offers lower prices on things like consultations and storage, along with access to our community of freezers. ‍We partner with lenders, like Sunfish, to offer you fertility financial resources.

Learn more about egg sharing

Egg sharing programs exist worldwide to help make fertility care more accessible. Egg sharing is when a woman undergoes an egg retrieval, and some of the resulting eggs are donated to a family that can’t otherwise conceive.

In Cofertility’s Split program, women can freeze their eggs for free when they donate half of the retrieved eggs to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. 

Ask us anything

If you’d like help figuring out when to freeze your eggs, you can contact us for more information. While every woman’s fertility preservation path differs, we can connect you with reputable clinics who can offer basic guidance about when the time is right for you to freeze your eggs during a consultation or dig into specifics by going through a preliminary exam in a provider’s office.

We understand that the timing may not be right for you to start a family right now, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about what choices will be available to you when that time comes. As you can see, a lot goes into preparing for an egg retrieval process.  The earlier you consider your fertility, the more options you’ll have. 

Whether you decide to freeze or not, we’re here for you to answer any questions or talk through any concerns. 

The demands of medical school can make it seem like there's never a good time to focus on personal goals like proactive family planning. But if egg freezing is on your mind, understanding the best timing can make the process much smoother. Medical school actually offers some unique advantages. You are better positioned to understand everything involved in the medical procedure.

When it comes to egg freezing, your age is the most important factor influencing future success rates with frozen eggs, so acting while you're younger (under 35) gives you the best possible options. Additionally, certain phases of med school might have slightly more flexibility than the intensity of residency.

So, when should you consider freezing your eggs during medical school? Optimal windows include summer breaks (most time available), fall/spring breaks (if you're a meticulous planner), or potentially elective periods (depending on your choices). Let’s dive in to learn more.

A quick overview of egg freezing

The egg freezing process itself typically takes a few weeks. It begins with ovarian reserve and fertility testing along with a consultation with a fertility doctor where you map out the plan. Once you’re ready to go, you'll take hormonal medications for about 10-12 days to encourage the development of multiple mature eggs. During this time, you'll have regular monitoring appointments to track your progress.  Once the eggs are ready, they'll be retrieved in a short, outpatient procedure under sedation.  After retrieval, your eggs are frozen and stored for future use.

A guide to the ideal timing during medical school

Here's the essential timeline to keep in mind:

2-3 months before your egg freezing cycle:

• Initial consult: Discuss your goals, the process, and costs with a fertility doctor.
• Baseline testing: Bloodwork and ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve.
• Stop birth control: Depending on the type of birth control you are taking, you may need to stop taking it ahead of the egg freezing cycle. 

The egg freezing cycle:

• Medications and monitoring: Begin ovarian stimulation with daily hormone injections for 10-12 days. This phase requires several monitoring appointments (ultrasounds and blood tests) at your fertility clinic or a local remote monitoring clinic. If you work with Cofertility in our Split program, we can work with you and your program to find the most convenient place for these appointments, including at your hospital.   
• Egg retrieval: Short, outpatient procedure under sedation where eggs are retrieved and frozen.
• Recovery: Expect a few days of cramping and/or bloating. Most people can return to light activities soon after.

Expect about 3 to 6 monitoring appointments (which last no more than an hour) and one day for the retrieval.  Ideally, you'll want to align the cycle with a break in your medical school schedule– such as spring break, summer break, or otherwise– to ensure you have the flexibility you need for appointments.

The key is being proactive! Don't wait to start the conversation with a fertility clinic. The earlier you plan, the less stressful it will be. Since medical schools publish their calendar in advance, use one of the week-long breaks as a target for the egg retrieval. You can then work backwards from that date to start the cycle. 

Be your own advocate with your school's administration about needing some flexibility for medical appointments. If you work with Cofertility, we can help you map out the egg freezing schedule and find a cycle start date that works with your schedule. 

If you join our Split program, you will be assigned a Member Advocate who will take the extra steps to understand your busy schedule and help schedule appointments in the most convenient way possible. In some cases this means reaching out to the hospital(s) connected to your medical school program for availability to perform labs and ultrasounds.

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

Cofertility is a human-first, tech-enabled fertility ecosystem that provides people agency over if, how, and when they have babies — today or someday. We have two programs for egg freezers:

1. Our Split program offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you qualify for the program and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure —  medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge. We don’t even need a payment or credit card up front, as the family you match with covers all the expenses.
2. Our self-pay Keep program allows women to freeze their eggs and keep them all for their future use. Through Keep, we offer our members partnerships and discounts to lighten the financial load of egg freezing, as well as access to our member community.

The benefits of working with Cofertility include:

• Power of choice: Freeze your eggs more affordably or, if you qualify, freeze for free when you give half to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
• Community: Our inclusive online spaces allow you to connect with others going through the process in our private online community.
• Compassion: We’ll always treat you with care, and our Split program gives you the opportunity to make someone’s family building dreams a reality.
• Data-driven: We provide you with trustworthy guidance and evidence-based research so you can make informed decisions about your fertility.
• Free egg freezing: Freeze and store your eggs for 10 years, entirely for free if you qualify for our Split program.

Ready to learn about more affordable (even free!) egg freezing with Cofertility? Fill out this quick quiz to learn about our accessible egg freezing options and see if you qualify for our programs — it only takes one minute.

If you're considering egg freezing, you may have come across the term "vitrification." This rapid freezing technique is a game-changer in the world of egg freezing, offering significantly improved success rates compared to older freezing methods. Let's dive into what vitrification is and why it's so important for preserving your fertility.

Vitrification vs. slow freezing

Eggs (oocytes) are unique cells. They contain a high amount of water, which makes them particularly vulnerable to damage during freezing. But why do we need to freeze them to begin with? The freezing portion of egg freezing is important because freezing cells to sub-zero temperatures stops all biologic activity and preserves them for future use. 

Up until recently, fertility clinics used a process called “slow-freezing”. Traditional slow-freezing methods often led to the formation of ice crystals within the egg. These crystals could pierce the cell membrane and cause irreversible damage, lowering the egg's viability after thawing.

Through vitrification, a special solution containing cryoprotectants protects the cells from the damaging effects of freezing. This solution, combined with ultra-rapid cooling, transforms the water molecules in the cells into a glass-like state instantly, preventing the formation of harmful ice crystals.

This has improved the overall survival rate of eggs (when they are later thawed) from 75% to over 95%. 

How does vitrification work?

Vitrification is a multi-step process that carefully protects the egg during the freezing process. Here's a simplified breakdown:

• The eggs are placed in solutions with increasing concentrations of cryoprotectants. These substances essentially replace the water within the egg, minimizing the risk of ice crystal formation. 
• The eggs are then plunged into liquid nitrogen, which cools them at an incredibly fast rate (thousands of degrees per minute). This speed is crucial to prevent ice crystals from having time to form. 
• The vitrified eggs, now in a glass-like state, are safely stored in cryogenic tanks until they are ready to be used.

The length of time that frozen human eggs can be stored depends on several factors, including the quality of the eggs, the storage method used, and the regulations of the country or state where the eggs are being stored.

Scientifically, if you work with a good clinic in the United States using vitrification, you can keep them stored indefinitely. However, some countries, such as the United Kingdom have a cap on the number of years you can store eggs (for the UK, you can store your eggs for up to 55 years). Currently there is no limit in the United States.

Typically, I see patients that store their eggs for two to five years. With vitrification, the chances of damage during storage are usually quite low.

What happens when the vitrified eggs are thawed?

When you're ready to use your frozen eggs and turn them into embryos, you’ll first have them shipped from the storage facility to the clinic you are working with. Then, a careful warming process using a specialized procedure reintroduces water and reverses the vitrification process. 

An embryologist will then examine the thawed eggs to determine how many survived the freezing and thawing process. As I shared above, survival rates for vitrified eggs are generally quite high. 

Next, the surviving eggs are fertilized with sperm (either from a partner or donor) in a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The fertilized eggs, now embryos, are allowed to develop in the lab for several days. Finally, one or more of the healthiest embryos are transferred to your uterus (or the uterus of a gestational carrier) with the hope of implantation and a successful pregnancy. Not every frozen egg will result in a successful pregnancy. Several factors, including egg quality, the fertilization process, and embryo development contribute to the overall success rates.

Summing it up

Vitrification has revolutionized egg freezing, making it a more reliable and successful option for women who want to freeze their eggs for potential future use. By understanding this process, you can feel confident that your eggs are being protected in the best possible way, maximizing your chances of building the family you desire.

If you have further questions about vitrification or egg freezing in general, don't hesitate to consult with a fertility specialist. They can provide personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions about your reproductive future.

Read more:

• What Happens to My Eggs After Egg Freezing?
• Egg Freezing Thaw Rates
• Egg Freezing: How Long Can My Eggs Be Stored?
• What Happens to My Frozen Eggs if I Never Use Them?
• How to Increase Egg Freezing Chances of Success

Egg freezing (also known as oocyte cryopreservation) is a way to preserve your eggs today for potential use in the future. It offers women more control over their reproductive timeline. While the thought of freezing your eggs might seem intimidating, the actual egg retrieval portion of the process is a minimally invasive procedure. Let's break down what egg freezing involves and whether it requires surgery.

Egg freezing: a step-by-step overview

The egg freezing journey typically involves several phases. Understanding each step can help ease any anxieties and make you feel more prepared for the process. Let's break it down in more detail:

1. Medical screening: Before embarking on the egg freezing process, you'll undergo a comprehensive medical screening with your fertility doctor. This evaluation helps determine if you're a good candidate for egg freezing and ensures the process is right for you. The screening might involve reviewing your medical history to identify any underlying health conditions that could impact egg quality or the success of the procedure. Additionally, you might have a physical exam to assess your overall health. Ovarian reserve testing— which includes blood tests to measure hormone levels (especially AMH) and ultrasounds to assess the number of follicles in your ovaries— is common for evaluating ovarian reserve (your body's supply of eggs).
2. Ovarian stimulation: Once you’re ready to get started, you'll take hormonal medications for about 10-12 days.  These medications work by stimulating your ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle, rather than the usual one.  The goal is to increase the number of eggs available for retrieval, giving you more options for the future.
3. Monitoring:  During the ovarian stimulation phase, you'll visit your fertility clinic for regular checkups.  These appointments typically include ultrasounds to track how your follicles (where the eggs develop) are growing, and blood tests to monitor your hormone levels. This close monitoring helps your doctor personalize your medication dosage and determine the optimal time for egg retrieval.
4. Trigger shot:  When your eggs are nearing maturity, you'll receive a final injection of a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).  This "trigger shot" essentially gives the eggs the final push to fully mature in preparation for retrieval.
5. Egg retrieval:  Approximately 36 hours after your trigger shot, you'll undergo the egg retrieval procedure.  This is an outpatient procedure done under sedation, meaning you'll be asleep and won't feel any pain.  Your doctor will use a thin needle guided by ultrasound to carefully aspirate the eggs from your ovarian follicles.
6. Freezing:  Immediately after retrieval, the eggs are taken to a specialized lab. Here, they undergo a process called vitrification, which involves flash-freezing them in liquid nitrogen. This ultra-rapid freezing preserves the eggs in a way that maximizes their viability for future use.

Does egg freezing require surgery?

Many women are understandably curious about the egg retrieval process and whether it requires surgery. The reassuring answer is no – egg retrieval is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. It doesn't involve any incisions, stitches, or the extended recovery time typically associated with surgery.

The procedure itself takes place at a fertility clinic and usually lasts less than 30 minutes. You'll receive sedation, ensuring you're entirely relaxed and won't experience any discomfort. To retrieve your eggs, your doctor will use a thin needle guided by ultrasound imaging.  This needle is carefully inserted through your vaginal wall and into your ovarian follicles to delicately extract the mature eggs.

While egg retrieval isn't surgery, some mild side effects are common afterward.  You may experience some cramping, bloating, or tenderness – similar to what you might feel during a menstrual period. Over-the-counter pain relief typically manages these symptoms, and they generally fade within a day or two.  Most women can resume their regular activities quickly after the procedure.

Deciding if egg freezing is right for you

Egg freezing empowers you to take charge of your reproductive timeline. It is a proactive approach to family planning, offering the potential to build the family you desire on your own terms. While the decision to freeze your eggs is personal,  this option opens up possibilities that might not have existed otherwise.

If you're considering egg freezing, the most important step is to consult with a reputable fertility doctor. They can provide the personalized guidance, realistic expectations, and expert support you need to make an informed decision that aligns with your individual goals and circumstances.  By exploring all aspects of egg freezing, you pave the way for a more confident and empowered journey towards future family planning.

Read more:

• What's the Egg Retrieval Process Like?
• I'm Afraid of Needles; Can I Still Freeze My Eggs?
• Questions to Ask Your Doctor at an Egg Freezing Consultation

How Cofertility can help

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 offers two programs for egg freezers:

1. Our Split program offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you qualify for the program and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure —  medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge. 
2. Our self-pay Keep program allows women to freeze their eggs and keep them all for their future use. Through Keep, we offer our members partnerships and discounts to lighten the financial load of egg freezing, as well as access to our member community.

Ready to learn about more affordable (even free!) egg freezing with Cofertility? Fill out this quick quiz to learn about our accessible egg freezing options and see if you qualify for our programs — it only takes one minute.

Egg freezing can provide amazing reproductive optionality in the event that you may need to use your frozen eggs to have children down the line — but what happens to unused frozen eggs if you don’t end up needing them? In this article, we’ll discuss what happens after you freeze your eggs and some options for what to do with any unused frozen eggs. 

Because it can be beneficial for anyone with ovaries to freeze their eggs — we offer a program to freeze your eggs for free through our Split program, when you donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t otherwise conceive. Our hope is that whenever you’re ready to start trying for a baby, you’ll be able to get pregnant unassisted. That being said, with 1 in 6 individuals experiencing fertility challenges, egg freezing allows you to be a little bit more prepared, just in case. 

Once you freeze your eggs, there are various paths you can decide on in the future, whether or not you choose to use them. Let’s dive in. 

What are the chances I’ll need to use my frozen eggs? 

As we mentioned, fertility challenges are — unfortunately — not entirely uncommon. Again, our hope is that your experience trying to conceive, whenever you’re ready, is easy-breezy. But that just may not be the case, which is why we’re on a mission to make egg freezing more accessible, empowering, and positive for all. 

It's an especially valuable option for those who know they want to build a family, but know they might need to use IVF down the line. This includes single moms by choice and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who often rely on assisted reproductive technologies to achieve their family-building dreams.

If you do end up wanting to use those eggs in the future, that involves: 

• Shipping them from storage
• Thawing them
• Fertilizing them into embryos in a lab (otherwise known as IVF, or in vitro fertilization)
• Letting those embryos develop for several days, with the option to have them genetically tested
• Transferring an embryo into your uterus or that of a gestational carrier to hopefully develop into a live birth 

The data on frozen egg thawing

It’s a relatively straightforward process, but given that egg freezing was only recently popularized, there’s not a ton of long term data around how many people end up needing to use those eggs in the future. We do have some data around thaw rates, as the success of thawing frozen eggs is not guaranteed. One study from 2009 found that the overall survival rate of eggs from vitrification (the most commonly used method of egg freezing today) was 95%. 

A 2023 UK-based study followed a cohort of 167 women that underwent 184 social egg freezing cycles between January 2006 and March 2022, and showed that 16% of the women have returned to use their frozen eggs so far. That statistic, however, should be examined with a grain of salt — the biggest reason being that if someone froze her eggs as late as 2022, the odds of her moving forward with IVF only one year later may be unlikely. 

Another 2022 study led by experts at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the NYU Langone Fertility Center looked at 15 years of frozen egg thaw outcomes. Of 543 women, 61% moved forward with at least one embryo transfer. While this doesn’t tell us exactly how many women thawed their eggs, it was likely greater than 61%, assuming that some of these eggs unfortunately either didn’t survive the thaw or didn’t fertilize into embryos. 

Read more in Egg Freezing Thaw Rates

What happens if I *don’t* use my frozen eggs? 

Before you move forward with egg freezing, you’ll sign a contract with your clinic (or long-term storage facility), where you state your preferences about what to do with your eggs if, at any point, you decide not to move forward with fertilization and transfer. Don’t worry — you can always change your mind later on. 

If you don’t end up needing your frozen eggs, or decide down the line that you don’t want to keep them in storage for any reason, here are your options.

Unused frozen eggs option #1: discard them 

If you know you don’t want to keep storing your frozen eggs, and would rather not pursue other options (listed below), you can always request that the clinic or storage facility dispose of them. 

Unused frozen eggs option #2: donate them to science 

The biggest reason why egg freezing technology has made so much progress over the years is because of individuals volunteering to provide reproductive material for research. The ability to study frozen eggs and embryos, along with the medications, techniques, or devices used among various cycles can help improve success rates for others pursuing fertility treatment in the future. 

If you don’t see this listed in your initial contract but want to pursue this as an option, ask your clinic if this is possible.

Unused frozen eggs option #3: keep paying for storage

Frozen egg storage fees will vary depending on the location of the storage facility, the time you’re willing to commit to storage (some facilities offer discounts for bulk pricing — say, paying for 5 years upfront), transportation fees, and more. Typically, this ranges between $500 - $1,500 per year. 

As part of the free egg freezing provided through Cofertility’s Split program outlined above, you’ll receive 10 years of frozen egg storage. And of course, you can always remove, thaw, or ship them somewhere else before those 10 years are up if you’d like. After all, they’re your eggs! And if you’re working with a good clinic in the US using vitrification methods (and don’t mind paying storage fees), you can even store your frozen eggs indefinitely. 

Unused frozen eggs option #4: donate them to another family

Many individuals or couples — including LGBTQ+ families, those with infertility, or cancer survivors — may rely on egg donation in order to grow their families. If you’re interested in pursuing egg donation, talk to your clinic. You’ll need to undergo some screening to see if you qualify, but this could be an incredible option. 

Conclusion 

If you’re not 100% certain you won’t be using your frozen eggs and you are comfortable with the storage expense, our recommendation is to continue storing your eggs until you’re sure you no longer need or want them. You never know. 

If you have not yet begun the egg freezing process and you are interested in more affordable (even free) egg freezing, take our quiz to see if you qualify for Cofertility’s Split program. It only takes a minute! 

Read More:

• Egg Freezing: How Long Can My Eggs Be Stored?
• Does Donating Eggs Affect Your Fertility?
• What to Look For in an Egg Freezing Clinic