egg retrieval

Your uterus creates extra tissue each month to create a cushy home for your potential baby. But if you have endometriosis, your uterine tissue grows wild, and can end up in places you don’t want it to be—including places where it could cause some serious fertility issues. In fact, a recent Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics study estimated endometriosis is to blame for between 25% to 50% of all infertility cases. 

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis develops when your body grows uterine lining (a tissue called endometrium) in places where it doesn’t belong. Most often, it shows up in areas near your uterus—your fallopian tubes and ovaries, on the outside of the uterus, in the vagina or cervix. In a few rare cases, it can even end up in other places, like your bladder. 

It may feel like you’re the only person in the world dealing with these symptoms, but the truth is, it’s just that people don’t talk about their symptoms. Endometriosis is extremely common. According to the Office on Women’s Health, more than 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have developed it. Of those women, 30% to 50% experience some form of endometriosis infertility challenges. This is most common in women who: 

• Are in their 30s and 40s, especially those with family members who have had it 
• Started their period at a younger age
• Have never had children
• Have extremely long or short menstrual cycles

Signs of endometriosis

The most common red flag that you might have endo is severe cramping and pain, especially during your period. Here are some of the other telltale signs that you’re growing uterine tissue in odd places:

• Pelvic pain: Women with endometriosis often develop chronic severe back and pelvic pain. They may also experience severe menstrual cramps, pain when they pee, and even painful sex (which will definitely be a fertility hurdle). 
• Digestive upset: Stomach cramping, diarrhea, constipation and bloating occasionally accompany endometriosis, especially if you have your period. 
• Heavy periods—and spotting in between them: Women with endometriosis may bleed outside their typical menstrual cycle, or develop heavy bleeding when they have their period. Fun times! 
• Infertility: Scarring and excess tissue can literally cause a roadblock that can keep eggs and sperm from meeting, or even prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

How endometriosis can affect fertility

In case its other symptoms didn’t suck enough, endometriosis can also cause infertility, thanks to the scarring and excess tissue buildup. Ironically, all that uterine tissue that your body is producing for a baby could actually block the pathways to conception. 

“Endometriosis is thought to cause infertility because of the scarring and adhesions that result when endometrium grows on pelvic organs,” says Dr. Nataki Douglas, M.D., Ph.D, director of translational research for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health at Rutgers University in New Jersey. The more extensive the disease and scarring, the greater the negative impact on fertility. “For instance, the adhesions can make it more difficult for an egg to be swept up by a fallopian tube and become fertilized.”

Can and should I freeze my eggs if I have endometriosis?

Absolutely. Some doctors will recommend egg freezing for women with endometriosis, while they're young and the condition is still in the early stages. Because some surgeries for endometriosis can actually worsen fertility by inadvertently removing healthy ovarian tissue or compromising vascular supply to the ovary, egg freezing should be done before any such surgeries.

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 is making egg freezing more empowering, positive, and accessible — even free — when you give half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. 

What your doctor might recommend

The good news is, endometriosis can often be treatable. Depending on your situation, treatment might include:

• Hormone therapy: Often in the form of birth control pills, this prevents additional tissue growth and damage. 
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the pain that comes with endometriosis at certain points in your cycle.
• A diagnostic workup: Thankfully, some women with endometriosis are still able to conceive, but talk to a reproductive endocrinologist if you don’t get a positive pregnancy test on your own within 6 to 12 months. A full diagnostic workup might be a good idea. Dr. Marra Francis, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN in The Woodlands, TX, notes that this workup would likely include both diagnostic procedures for endometriosis and a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which will show if your tubes are blocked. This may prevent pregnancy or increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, so you’ll want to work with your doctor on figuring out the best course of action.  
• Surgery: This is one of the most effective methods for treating endometriosis and preserving fertility, according to Dr. Douglas, but also the most invasive. These surgeries can remove adhesions and ovarian cysts, clearing tissue out of the fallopian tubes and making pregnancy a real possibility. 

Still, you might need a little boost to make that baby happen. While there are tons of treatments out there, depending on a host of factors—age, number of years trying, status of fallopian tubes, status of sperm—women can proceed with standard fertility treatments, like oral medication and IUI. However, while it is the most invasive, “IVF has the best results in the majority of women with endometriosis,” says Daniel Kort, associate medical director and practice director at Neway Fertility in New York City. 

Bottom line

Endometriosis can be a real pain—literally and figuratively—and infertility is one of the most common complications associated with it. Fortunately, with a little help from a reproductive endocrinologist, it’s still possible to conceive if you’ve developed endometriosis infertility.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome isn’t just a single issue, but a constellation of symptoms that many women have. And if you have a messed-up menstrual cycle, significant weight gain, or infertility, there’s a chance you may have it. You can thank an imbalance in your male and female hormones (androgen and progesterone) for getting you on this crazy train.

Even if you don’t have PCOS, it’s likely you know plenty of people who do—one in 10 women of childbearing age have the syndrome. And while any woman can develop PCOS, you’re more likely to have it if your mother or sisters had it, or if you’re overweight or obese. For some women, the symptoms start as soon as they get their first period, while others develop the syndrome later on—after significant weight gain, for instance.

Your body on PCOS

PCOS is one of those issues that may require some detective work (and some testing) before you get a diagnosis. Some of the most common PCOS symptoms include:

• Irregular periods: Your period may not follow a set schedule, may not occur often, or it may extend long beyond the typical five to seven days (lucky you). Women may also experience painful periods or pain during ovulation, says Dr. Janelle Luk, medical director and founder of Generation Next Fertility in New York City. 
• Hormonal imbalances: The increased levels of androgen can cause male-like hair patterns—including male pattern baldness, facial hair, and excess body hair—along with severe acne. You may also have a lower than normal level of progesterone, a key female hormone associated with fertility.
• Blood sugar fluctuations: We all get hangry from time to time, but if you have PCOS, this goes one step further. “Sometimes, women may also experience sugar cravings and blood sugar fluctuations that physically manifest themselves in a lack of energy or feeling light-headed,” Dr. Luk says. These blood sugar issues can sometimes lead to weight gain that’s hard to lose. PCOS can also boost your chances of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. 
• Polycystic ovaries: Normally, ovary follicles release eggs during ovulation. But if you have PCOS, the excessive androgen could be working against ovulation. Your ovaries may appear swollen, and may contain several follicles that are holding on to eggs and not releasing them. That said, this isn’t a dead giveaway that you have PCOS. Having cysts alone isn’t enough for a PCOS diagnosis, and your doctor should assess your menstrual cycle (or lack thereof), hormone levels, and weight fluctuation. 

And just because you don’t check the box for every symptom, doesn’t mean you don’t have PCOS or PCOS infertility. You don’t have to have all the symptoms to be diagnosed with PCOS, and sometimes PCOS actually flies a bit under the radar. Your best bet is to head to a doctor who can specifically check for PCOS. 

How PCOS could impact your fertility

If the PCOS symptoms—like that insane menstrual cycle—don’t suck enough, they can also do a number on your ability to become pregnant. According to Dr. Luk, PCOS often creates infertility issues due to its impact on periods and ovulation; if you aren’t ovulating, you aren’t releasing an egg.

PCOS can make getting pregnant challenging, but it’s hardly impossible. While it’s super common, it’s actually one of the most treatable causes of infertility in women. If you know you have PCOS, Dr. Douglas suggests talking to your doctor about proactive steps you can take to balance your hormones and create a plan if and when you decide to try to get pregnant. 

So can I freeze my eggs if I have PCOS?

Absolutely. Like others, women with PCOS may want to freeze their eggs to proactively increase their chances of having children down the road. It’s best to freeze when you are younger, in order to get the most high quality eggs possible. 

You’ll want to make sure you work with the best doctors, because women with PCOS are more susceptible to developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during egg freezing. This is because they are likely to have more follicles, and the more follicles an ovary has the more likely it is to be overstimulated by HCG, one of the drugs used during egg freezing. One study of 2,699 women with PCOS undergoing IVF found that 75.2% had a normal response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), while 24.8% developed OHSS.

Interested in freezing your eggs? We can help! Freeze by Co is a better approach to egg freezing, where you can freeze for free when you give half to a family who can't otherwise conceive.

What your doctor might recommend for managing PCOS

Medication is generally the first step to try to get everything moving. If you’re trying to conceive soon, progestin therapy might be used to level out your hormones. Metformin, a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes, can also help treat PCOS. Although metformin isn’t FDA approved for the treatment of PCOS, decreasing insulin resistance in women with PCOS has been shown to give spontaneous ovulation rates a boost, says Dr. Marra Francis, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN in The Woodlands, Texas. 

Some women may need to move on to ovulation-inducing medications, like Clomid, but women with PCOS need to be carefully monitored if they do. If you have PCOS and take Clomid, you may be at increased risk of releasing more eggs than the one or two typically released with each Clomid cycle, which could result in twins. 

If these treatments still can’t help you conceive, your doctor may move onto other protocols. Get ready—here come the injections, like Follitism or Menopur. If the injections alone still don’t get you pregnant, IVF may be your best bet, according to Daniel Kort, associate medical director and practice director at Neway Fertility in New York City.

Summing it up

PCOS can lead to some really crappy symptoms. But fortunately, there are plenty of tools and treatments you can use to combat your PCOS and boost your chances of getting pregnant.

If you think you probably want kids someday—just maybe not, like, today—you might be considering freezing your eggs. Women who choose to do it can find it really empowering, but it can also be a huge personal and financial investment. We’ve gathered the basic info you’ll need to decide whether egg freezing is right for you. 

What’s the process like?

The whole point of egg freezing is to trick your ovaries into sending a whole crop of eggs out into the world in one go. This starts with nearly two weeks of intense, at-home prep work on your part. Here’s how it all plays out:‍

Shots/Sonograms/More Shots

Starting on day 2-3 of your period, you’ll give yourself daily injections of follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH). In a natural cycle, your brain makes smaller doses of these hormones on its own to signal to the ovaries that it’s time to make a single egg ready for ovulation. With this treatment, the brain’s natural process is overridden by the injections in order to encourage the ovaries to release as many eggs as possible.

But not so fast, ovaries! You’ll also be given a third drug in combination with these that will keep your eggs from releasing before the doctor is ready to catch them. Depending on which one you’re prescribed, you’ll start taking this at the same time as the stimulants, or about halfway through the stimulant cycle. Don’t worry, you’ll receive specific instructions on all of these and before you know it, you’ll be an expert at giving yourself a shot. Look at you go!

You’ll take these daily injections for 10-12 days, during which time you’ll also be carefully monitored by the clinic with trans-vaginal ultrasounds that examine your follicles (the ovarian sacs that release the eggs), and blood tests to track your hormone levels. Your medications will be adjusted based on the info from these tests.

When follicles are nice and plump, you do a trigger shot and then go into the center for your egg retrieval. This actually triggers ovulation and it’s what’s needed for the DNA to become mature, but your eggs will be retrieved right before they’re released from the follicles.

Retrieval

An egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure. Most centers use twilight anesthesia, so you’ll be under sedation through an IV, but breathing on your own. The doctor performing the egg retrieval will insert a trans-vaginal sonogram. Now, here’s the kinda weird part: on the tip of that sonogram wand is a small needle, which pierces the vaginal wall, and then enters the ovary on the other side (the doctor is watching all of this happen on the sonogram screen). The needle drains the fluid (containing the microscopic egg) from each of the mature follicles. The entire thing takes about 20 minutes, and you can go home soon after. 

In the lab, each egg is isolated from the fluid by an embryologist, then stripped of its surrounding cells, and checked under a microscope for maturity. Mature eggs are frozen, post-mature eggs are discarded, and immature eggs may be observed overnight, to see if they are ready to be frozen the next day. 

Recovery

Depending on how many eggs are retrieved, getting over the procedure might be no big deal, or you could have post-retrieval symptoms. Some women experience bloating, cramping, nausea, and potentially some weight gain for a few days after the procedure. Time to stock up on coconut water and get cozy with some Netflix. 

How many eggs will I get?

“People always ask, ‘why can’t you just give every woman enough drugs so that everyone makes 20 eggs?’ But that’s not how it works. Our ovaries have a set number of follicles every menstrual cycle,” explains Dr. Talebian. And of course, each woman is different, so the expectation for egg retrieval has to be set on an individual basis. 

“You can have a 30-year-old who has 30 follicles and produces 30 eggs; and you can have a 30-year-old with 4 follicles and produces 4 eggs.” Once you begin the process, your doctor will monitor your follicle count as well as a blood test of your anti-Müllarian hormone (AMH), which are both good predictors of how many eggs you can expect. It’s super personal and varies case-by-case.

Once your eggs are frozen, the next important number to seek when interviewing a clinic is their thaw rate. This number indicates the percentage of frozen eggs actually survive the warming process in order to be used for IVF. Beyond that, there isn’t really enough data to provide success rates for pregnancy using a woman’s own frozen eggs (versus frozen embryos, for example.

“Anyone who says they can give success rates based on egg freezing is probably not giving an accurate answer,” says Dr. Talebian. “We can give you success rates for healthy donor eggs, but most women who come in to freeze eggs at ages 30-35 have not come back to use those eggs. So there isn’t enough data to give a success rate.”

At what age should I freeze my eggs? 

As we’ve said before, everyone is different, but Dr. Talebian provided some basic guidelines.

• If you have no fertility risk factors: between ages 30-34
• If you have some fertility red flags: consider testing at an earlier age, if, for example, if you have a history of endometriosis, family history of early menopause, or any history of radiation or chemotherapy exposure

“Unfortunately, there’s no magic blood test or ultrasound or MRI that says ‘oh you could wait until you’re 38, or you need to do it at 28,’” says Dr. Talebian. What the centers do have are the stats for the average women at each age and then your personal history and the follicle counts they can take when you come in for your first appointment. Based on all this information, you can have a straightforward convo with the doctor about your likelihood of success, so you can make the best call for your future. 

Read more: A Breakdown of Egg Freezing Success Rates by Age

How much will it cost?

It can totally vary, depending on where you live and from center to center. We can help with this. In our Freeze by Co program, we get special pricing from clinics and on medications. Plus, you get access to an amazing community of women freezing at the same time.

We also offer free egg freezing through our Split program, where you freeze your eggs for free when you donate half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive.

Want to learn more? Take our quiz to see if you’re eligible. 

So, you’ve already taken the first step and decided you want to pursue egg freezing, but now you’re asking yourself, “how do I tell people I’m freezing my eggs?” 

We get it, deciding to freeze your eggs is a huge decision, and talking about it with the people in your life can feel even more overwhelming, especially your romantic partner. However, having an open and honest conversation is a great way to ensure that both of you are on the same page. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation.

Educate yourself first

Before you try to explain the egg freezing process to your partner, it’s important to have a clear understanding of it all yourself. Your partner is definitely going to have a lot of questions about the process, so make sure to spend some time researching the process, success rates, and cost involved so that you’re prepared to answer their questions. This will also help you approach the conversation with confidence and show that you’re not taking this decision lightly.

Talk about what this means for your future

We know, talking about family-building with your partner can sometimes feel a little uncomfortable, especially if the relationship is still new. However, it’s important to make sure your partner understands what freezing your eggs means for your future family planning (and why you’re choosing to freeze eggs instead of embryos). Whether you know you want to have kids someday or you’re still not sure, freezing your eggs is a great way to give yourself and your partner options down the line. And with Cofertility’s Split program, you can do so without the financial strain, by freezing your eggs entirely for free when you give half to another family. 

Freezing eggs vs. embryos

If you’re in a relationship with a biologically male partner, you may be wondering if you should freeze embryos instead of eggs. While it’s true that thawing success rates can be slightly higher for embryos than eggs (at a 95% survival rate vs 90% for eggs), the downside is that once an egg is fertilized with sperm, there’s no going back, so freezing eggs instead of embryos will give you more options down the line. We know, this might be a little bit of an awkward one to bring up with your partner, but it might come up at some point, so the best you can do is be prepared with the facts.

Prepare for their questions

If you think through the possible questions they could ask, you’ll feel more prepared and confident in answering them. This could include:

• Why are you freezing your eggs?
• What are the potential risks and side effects of egg freezing?
• What if you don’t need the eggs down the line?
• How long can you keep frozen eggs?
• How many eggs should you freeze to maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy?
• How many eggs do you think you’ll get? How many do you want?
• Are there any potential emotional or psychological effects of egg freezing?

Obviously you can’t predict every question that may be thrown your way. And if they ask a question that throws you off, you can just say “Great question, let me think about how to best answer that and get back to you”. 

Revisit the conversation often

Something as important as your fertility and reproductive future should never be a one-and-done conversation, so keep this conversation an ongoing one. It’s likely that your perspectives will evolve over time, so it’s important to keep the conversation fresh so you can address any concerns as they come up. If at any time you or your partner have questions, our team at Cofertility is always here to help.

Summing it up

The decision to freeze your eggs is extremely personal and life-changing in a lot of ways, so it’s crucial that you feel supported in this decision. We know approaching the conversation can be scary at first, but by following the tips we just mentioned, you’ll be able to have an honest, empathetic, open conversation with your partner about your egg freezing journey and your future.

Considering egg donation is an extremely rewarding experience, and one that you may want  to share with your family, friends and significant other. And because of the nature of the entire process — the lengthy application that asks about your family medical history, a psychological and medical evaluation, hormone injections and medical retrieval ( where you will need someone to accompany you after) —   it is definitely not something you should do alone. And donating your eggs doesn't just impact you, it can very well impact your partner, your family and future children.  So, if you’re thinking to yourself, “I am ready to donate my eggs to help out another family. Now how do I tell people I’m donating my eggs?” — we’re here for you.

One of the most important people to start this conversation with is your partner. Having an open and honest conversation is a great way to ensure that both of you are on the same page and have a clear understanding of what donating your eggs means. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation.

Educate yourself first

Since you have already decided that egg donation is for you, you have most likely already done a lot of research. But, explaining it to someone else can be another story.  Especially if they start asking about how it may impact them in the future. our partner might have questions about the egg retrieval procedure and the potential risks, they may also ask about what happens to your eggs after you donate them, and what happens when that egg becomes a human and wants to meet you.  So make sure you spend some time doing the research for yourself. You can do that by talking to Cofertility, an IVF doctor or fertility psychologist. Ask a lot of  questions. Do your homework.  You want to become an expert so that you’re ready to field those important questions that will be asked.

Start with your partner

Once armed with all your egg donation knowledge, start the conversation with your partner. Having an open and honest conversation is a great way to ensure that both of you are on the same page and have a clear understanding of what donating your eggs means. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation.

Talk about what this means for your future

Donating your eggs is a huge decision that can have an impact on your life far beyond your retrieval, so it’s important to have an open and honest discussion with your partner about what that might look like. For example, if you’re participating in Cofertility’s Split program (where you donate half of your retrieved eggs and keep half for yourself for for free for your own future use) and you and your partner think you may want to have children of your own in the future, it will be important for those children to know about your egg donation. After all, they’ll likely have at least one biological half-sibling out there that they may be curious about someday. Additionally, when you match with intended parents, both parties will agree on a desired disclosure status and outline what the relationship between you (the donor), the intended parents, and the donor-conceived child will look like. So it will be important for your partner to be in-the-know about the details 

Prepare for their questions

If you think through the possible questions they could ask, you’ll feel more prepared and confident in answering them. This could include:

• Why are you donating your eggs?
• What are the potential risks and side effects of egg donation?
• What is the egg donation procedure like?
• Will donating your eggs impact our ability to have children of our own someday (hint: it won’t)
• What do you imagine our relationship with the recipient family will look like?
• Are there any potential emotional or psychological effects of egg donation?
• Do you think you’ll donate more than once?

Obviously you can’t predict every question that may be thrown your way. And if they ask a question that throws you off, you can just say “Great question, let me think about how to best answer that and get back to you”. 

Revisit the conversation often

A decision as meaningful as donating your eggs should never be a one-and-done conversation, so keep this conversation an ongoing one. It’s likely that your perspectives will evolve over time, so it’s important to keep the conversation fresh so you can address any concerns as they come up. If at any time you or your partner have questions, our team at Cofertility is always here to help.

Summing it up

By donating your eggs, you’re truly making a life-changing impact on another family’s life, by giving them the opportunity to grow the family of their dreams. You should feel 100% confident in this decision before going into it, and having a supportive partner will make the egg donation process infinitely easier. Open and honest communication is key to any healthy relationship, and by involving your partner in this conversation early on, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful donation experience that you can feel good about.

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by ovarian follicles. It is commonly used as a marker of ovarian reserve and can be measured in the blood. A high AMH level is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it can also have other causes. In this article, we will explore what a high AMH result means and answer some common questions about AMH testing.

First off, what is AMH?

AMH is a hormone that is produced by the granulosa cells in the ovarian follicles. It plays a role in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in females. AMH levels are relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle and can be measured in the blood.

AMH is commonly used as a marker of ovarian reserve, which is a rough number of eggs that a female has remaining in her ovaries. Since females are born with a fixed number of eggs, this number naturally declines over time. 

What are normal AMH numbers?

What is considered a “normal” AMH level depends on your age, as well as the lab where you take the test. Since there is no international standard, it’s best to use the reference ranges included on the test results (your doctor can share those with you if you did a test through a clinic). 

In general, however, an AMH between 1.0 and 3.5 ng/mL suggests a “normal” range that is likely to have a good response to egg freezing.

If you are looking to donate your eggs, however, minimum AMH requirements may be slightly higher. For example, with Cofertility’s Split program, we require a minimum AMH of 2.0, though clinics may have their own unique requirements. This is to increase the chances of retrieving enough eggs to actually split, to ensure positive outcomes for both parties involved.

What AMH level is considered high?

In healthy females of reproductive age, higher levels of AMH mean that the ovaries have a larger supply of eggs. This means one would be expected to have better than average outcomes for egg freezing. 

Remember, there is no universal standard for AMH, so it can vary depending on the lab where the test is run. Your test results will include if your range is “normal”, “low”, or “high” and the cut-off can differ. For example, Atlanta Fertility considers over 4.5 ng/mL high. Advanced Fertility considers anything over 4.0 ng/ml high. While RMA would consider an AMH over  3.0 ng/ml as “very high”.

With high levels of AMH, you may be at higher risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This means your doctor may choose a specific protocol and/or do extra monitoring to decrease the risk of complications during egg freezing.

What AMH level is considered too high?

Again, this question depends on the lab. Your test results will come with a reference range, and will indicate if your number is high for your age. If your doctor considers your levels abnormally high and has concerns, they will discuss the results with you. 

Common reasons for high AMH

The most common reason for high AMH is that you are very fertile and likely to retrieve more eggs in an egg freezing cycle.  

But a high AMH level may also indicate PCOS, which is a hormonal disorder that affects 8–13% of females of reproductive age. Those with PCOS typically have high levels of androgens (male hormones) and may have irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth. Patients with an average AMH level ≥ 4.45 ng/ml have a 9.35 times higher likelihood of developing PCOS, but not all patients with a high AMH have PCOS.

In rare cases, abnormally high AMH could be a sign of an ovarian tumor. Certain types of ovarian tumors, such as granulosa cell tumors, can produce high levels of AMH. 

Does high AMH always mean PCOS?

While an increase in AMH levels has been reported to be associated with PCOS, high AMH alone is not enough to diagnose PCOS. 

Not all patients with PCOS have high AMH levels, and not all patients with high AMH levels have PCOS. Diagnosis of PCOS requires a combination of symptoms, hormone levels, and imaging studies, such as ultrasound.

Does high AMH mean good egg quality?

Not necessarily. While a high AMH level is often associated with a larger number of ovarian follicles and eggs, it does not necessarily mean that the eggs are of good quality. Egg quality is determined by factors such as your age, genetics, and environmental factors, and cannot be measured directly by AMH levels.

Am I ovulating if my AMH is high?

AMH levels do not indicate if you’re ovulating or not. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary and can be confirmed by monitoring the menstrual cycle and/or performing ultrasound studies.

Will I get a lot of eggs if I have a high AMH?

The success of egg freezing outcomes largely depends on the number and quality of eggs retrieved. Studies have shown that AMH levels can be used as a predictor of egg quantity, and can thus help to predict the potential success of egg freezing. Those with higher AMH levels tend to have better outcomes with egg freezing, as they are likely to have more eggs retrieved and a higher chance of success in future fertility treatments. 

But by no means does a high AMH level guarantee a lot of eggs during an egg retrieval procedure for fertility treatments. The number of eggs retrieved during an egg freezing cycle depends on several factors, including your age, ovarian response to stimulation medications, any other underlying medication conditions, and the skill of the doctor performing the procedure.

What is a good AMH level for egg freezing?

Research has found that AMH is a good predictor of the response to ovarian stimulation and the number of eggs retrieved. Because of this, fertility doctors typically use your AMH levels (along with other biomarkers) to determine the drugs and dosages you will need to maximize your response to ovarian stimulation. 

Now, what about a correlation between AMH and actual babies born (live birth rate)? Well, while AMH does seem to have some association with live birth rates after IVF, its ability to actually predict a live birth is not that great. This is especially true for younger people. A 2021 study found that AMH is a good predictor of live birth in older (>39 years old), but not younger, people. They found that younger participants (≤38 years old) could get pregnant even with low AMH levels as long as they had frequent egg retrievals. 

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

One option to make egg freezing better is working with Cofertility. 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. It also enables access to exclusive guidance, free expertise, and community events. 

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.

Summing it up

A high AMH level is generally a good sign for your ability to successfully freeze your eggs. But for some, it can also be one indicator of PCOS. While a high AMH level is often associated with a larger number of ovarian follicles and eggs, it does not necessarily mean that the eggs are of good quality (egg quality is more dependent on age). 

AMH levels are commonly used as a marker of ovarian reserve and can be helpful, in conjunction with other measures, in predicting the number of eggs that can be retrieved during an egg freezing cycle. However, it is important to keep in mind that egg quality is determined by several factors and cannot be measured directly by AMH levels. If you have concerns about your fertility or AMH levels, it is important to speak with a fertility doctor for personalized advice and treatment options.

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Read more:

• Which Matters More for Fertility: AMH or Age?
• What AMH Level Do I Need to Freeze My Eggs?
• Do’s and Don’ts During Egg Freezing: Alcohol, Baths, Exercise, and More

More and more people are freezing their eggs; in fact, in 2021 we saw a 46% increase in egg freezing cycles in the United States. If you’re exploring egg freezing, you may have a lot of questions, including if you can stay on birth control or not. In this article, we will discuss how birth control works and answer common questions about egg freezing while on various types of birth control.

How birth control works

Birth control methods work in various ways to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal methods, such as the pill, patch, ring, and injection, regulate hormones in the body to prevent ovulation. Without ovulation, there is no egg available for fertilization.

Non-hormonal methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), physically prevent sperm from reaching the egg or alter the environment in the uterus to prevent implantation. IUDs can be either hormonal or non-hormonal, depending on the type.

If you are freezing your eggs, do not start or stop your current birth control regimen without talking to your fertility doctor. 

Can I freeze my eggs while on the pill?

You will need to stop taking the pill before the actual egg freezing cycle. That’s because hormonal birth control is intended to prevent ovulation, but during freezing you want to do exactly the opposite. Some doctors will have you stop during your egg freezing cycle, and some may have you stop for the month leading up to the retrieval. 

The irony is that in preparation for an egg freezing cycle, the birth control pill is commonly prescribed for two to three weeks to sync your cycle and reduce the chance of inducing a cyst from the ovulation follicle. It can also help synchronize the cohort of follicles for a more optimal response. So if you’re not on the pill, you may be prescribed birth control pills with the start of the menstrual cycle in which you plan to undergo the egg freezing cycle.

Can I freeze my eggs while on Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is an injection that contains a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Since this shot can interfere with hormonal medications, you You may have to wait up to three to six months after the last shot until your ovaries are in an optimal state to be stimulated.

While Depo-Provera can affect the timing of ovulation, it does not impact the number or quality of eggs that are retrieved during the egg freezing process.

Can I freeze my eggs with an IUD?

Yes! Unlike other forms of birth control, IUDs do not prevent ovulation and therefore will not get in the way of stimulating egg production during your freezing cycle. If you have an IUD, there’s no need to remove it before your cycle. Although if you’ve been meaning to take it out, ask the doctor if they can do it during your procedure. 

Studies show that egg and embryo freezing results are the same for patients with or without IUDs.

Can I freeze my eggs with Nexplanon (birth control implant)?

Nexplanon is a small rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and contains a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It can remain in place and does not appear to impact the number or quality of eggs that are retrieved during the egg freezing process.

Can I freeze my eggs with the patch?

Like the pill, the patch contains synthetic hormones that regulate the body's natural hormone levels and prevent ovulation. In order to begin an egg freezing cycle, you will need to remove the patch. 

Can I freeze my eggs with NuvaRing?

The NuvaRing is a vaginal hormonal birth control ring. Because it’s using hormones to prevent ovulation, like the pill and the patch, you will need to remove the NuvaRing before your cycle. However, your fertility doctor will give you instructions and there’s no need to remove it until they tell you to. 

Why is my doctor prescribing birth control to freeze my eggs?!

While it may seem counterintuitive, many fertility doctors recommend or prescribe birth control at the beginning of the egg freezing process. There are several reasons why:

• To coordinate the timing of stimulation start. Hormonal birth control pills can be used to offset the menstrual cycle to help facilitate the best timing for your cycle with your clinic/lab.
• To reduce the likelihood of ovarian cysts. Birth control pills may help to suppress the growth of ovarian cysts, which can interfere with the egg retrieval process. 

So while it may seem counterintuitive, using birth control pills before egg freezing is pretty typical. 

Summing it up

Hormonal birth control methods work by regulating hormones in the body to prevent ovulation, while non-hormonal methods physically prevent sperm from reaching the egg or alter the environment in the uterus to prevent implantation. While it is possible to freeze your eggs while on various types of birth control, it depends on which one. 

• Definitely okay: condoms, diaphragms
• Generally okay: IUD, birth control implant
• Need to stop: the pill, the patch, NuvaRing
• Potential wait of three-six months: Depo-Provera

Of course, do not start or stop your current birth control regimen without talking to your fertility doctor first.  

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

Cofertility is in the “family” business, striving to make egg freezing and third-party reproduction more human-centered and accessible for all. Our Freeze by Co program allows you to freeze your eggs for free when you give half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can't otherwise conceive.

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has grown in popularity, with a 46% increase in egg freezing cycles from 2020 to 2021 alone! While egg freezing is generally considered safe and effective, there are potential side effects that you should be aware of before making the decision to undergo the procedure. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common side effects of egg freezing and what you can expect during and after egg freezing.

How does egg freezing work?

Egg freezing is a process by which your eggs are removed from the ovaries, frozen, and stored for your future use. A typical egg freezing cycle is 10-14 days and involves a process called ovarian stimulation, where hormonal medication is used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Once the eggs have matured, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure.

During this time, you’ll have 4-6 appointments at your clinic. For the first, you’ll do some initial testing. Then, throughout the process, you’ll go in for some bloodwork and transvaginal ultrasounds so the doctor can see how your eggs are developing. The last time you go in will be for the actual egg retrieval.

Egg freezing is a low-risk (but not no risk) procedure 

Egg freezing is considered a safe procedure. In a single egg freezing cycle, the risk of a serious adverse event is under 2.5%. Severe OHSS accounts for the majority of complications, occuring in 0.1-2% of cycles. The risk of other acute complications, including pelvic infection, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, or ovarian torsion, is small (<0.5%).

That being said, many women do experience minor side effects – like bloating, constipation, nausea – from the medications and egg retrieval. 

Side effects of egg freezing medication

While fertility drugs for egg freezing are considered safe, they do occasionally cause side effects including:

• Mild bruising and soreness at the injection site
• Nausea and, occasionally, vomiting
• Temporary allergic reactions, such as skin reddening and/or itching at the injection site
• Breast tenderness and increased vaginal discharge
• Mood swings and fatigue
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

The biggest risk to ovulation induction medication is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) – a serious complication that can occur with the use of these medications. OHSS occurs when the ovaries become swollen and painful due to the overproduction of eggs. 

Fortunately, severe OHSS is rare (0.1%–2% of cycles) and can usually be prevented by carefully monitoring hormone levels and adjusting the dose of medication as needed. Women who experience symptoms of OHSS should contact their healthcare provider right away.

If you are at high risk of OHSS, your doctor may prescribe a trigger medicine called leuprolide instead of hCG, which can prevent OHSS. Another medicine called cabergoline also can help reduce the fluid accumulation. Or they may give you extra IV fluids at the time of egg retrieval. 

Side effects and risks of the egg retrieval

The egg retrieval is the final culmination of the egg freezing process. During an egg retrieval, you will be under twilight anesthesia as the eggs are removed from the ovaries. This is done with a thin needle that is inserted through the vagina and into the ovary, guided by ultrasound imaging. Fluid is gently suctioned through the needle to remove the eggs from the follicles. 

Anesthesia is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks. The type and severity of the risks depend on the individual patient and the type of anesthesia being used. Some common risks associated with anesthesia include allergic reactions, breathing problems, and blood pressure changes. However, these risks are rare and the benefits of anesthesia typically outweigh the potential risks.

The procedure itself can cause common side effects such as constipation, bloating, cramping, spotting, and pain. These symptoms can typically be managed with rest, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and stool softeners, and staying hydrated. For those experiencing cramping or pain, heating pads can be beneficial. In the case of bleeding, it's important to use pads instead of tampons for easier monitoring of the amount.

Most people can resume normal activities by the next day. However, it is advisable to take it easy and rest at home for the remainder of the day with the presence of another adult just in case. 

There are some post-retrieval red flags to look out for:

• If you notice any of the symptoms below, report them to your healthcare provider asap:
• Temperature above 101 F
• Severe abdominal pain or swelling which does not improve with over the counter pain medications
• Severe nausea or vomiting that doesn’t go away
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour; some light bleeding is normal)
• Difficulty urinating, or painful urination
• Fainting or dizziness

If you experience any of the above symptoms, reach out to your doctor immediately. 

Emotional side effects

Egg freezing can be an emotionally challenging experience for some people. Especially for those freezing their eggs because they are concerned about their ability to have children in the future, the procedure can be a source of anxiety and stress. Not to mention the hormone medication used in egg freezing can cause mood swings and emotional instability.

It is important to have a strong support system in place during the egg freezing process. This can include friends, family, and healthcare providers who can provide emotional support and guidance. If you freeze your eggs through Cofertility, you’ll be connected with a cohort of others freezing their eggs at the same time. We offer an online support group, and our entire team of experts will be behind you the entire time. 

Will I gain weight during egg freezing?

Weight gain can also be a potential side effect of egg freezing. The hormonal medication used in the egg freezing process can cause fluid retention and increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain in some patients. However, in just two weeks, it’s unlikely you’ll gain noticeable weight. 

Not all those who undergo egg freezing will experience weight gain (some end up losing weight due to nausea or anxiety). Strategies such as regular exercise and a healthy diet may be recommended to help you feel good during this time.

Rare side effects and complications of egg freezing

While rare, there are some potential complications of egg freezing that can be more serious. These acute complications occur in under 0.5% of egg freezing cycles:

• Ovarian torsion is when a stimulated ovary twists on itself since the ovary is heavier from more follicles, cutting off the blood supply. Surgery is required to untwist the ovary, or in severe cases, to remove the ovary. 
• Intraperitoneal hemorrhage happens when the egg retrieval needle accidentally punctures a blood vessel, causing bleeding within the abdominal cavity.
• Infection can occur if bacteria enter the uterus or ovaries during the egg retrieval procedure.

Your fertility doctor can tell you more about your individual risks based on your health history, and we encourage you to talk to them and ask lots of questions!

Long-term side effects

There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that egg freezing or donation increases the risk of cancer, including invasive ovarian and breast cancers. The hormones used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs for freezing are similar to those used in fertility treatments and are generally considered safe. 

If you have concerns about the potential risks of egg freezing, it's important to discuss these with your fertility doctor who can provide you with personalized advice based on your individual health history and circumstances.

Summing it up

Egg freezing is generally considered safe and effective, with mild and temporary physical side effects being the most common. The most common side effects include bloating, cramping, and breast tenderness. These symptoms are typically caused by the hormonal medication in the lead-up to egg retrieval. These hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which can cause swelling and discomfort in the abdomen. Emotional side effects can also occur, but with proper support and self-care, can be managed. 

Some patients may also experience bleeding or spotting after the egg retrieval procedure. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern. However, if bleeding persists or is heavy, let your fertility doctor know right away.

Serious complications such as severe OHSS, infection, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, and ovarian torsion occur in under 2.5% of cycles, and it’s important to understand the symptoms and red flags.

Egg donation is a medical procedure by which a qualified egg donor donates their eggs to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. There are various reasons a family may need donor eggs, from infertility to cancer treatments to being LGBTQ+. Egg donors give these families the opportunity to become parents. 

If you are already an egg donor and considering donating again, or if you’re considering donating for the first time, you may be wondering how many times you can donate your eggs. 

While there’s no limit on how many times you can freeze your eggs, there are industry guidelines that United States clinics follow on how many times you can donate. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know. 

How long is the egg donation process?

If you freeze your eggs with Cofertility's Split Program, where you get to keep half of the eggs retrieved for free when donating the other half, you can think about the process as two parts: before and after you match with a family.

The time to match with a family can vary; some donors match within a few days while some it can take several months. You can increase your chances of matching by ensuring your application is comprehensive and shows off your personality, accomplishments, and motivations for joining Cofertility’s Split program. Additionally the more photos, the better!

After you are matched, you can expect the entire process to take about two to four months. This includes screening, a legal agreement, and the two-week cycle. The timeline can vary based on your schedule, the intended parents schedule, and clinic availability.

Why some people donate eggs multiple times

There are various reasons why some individuals choose to donate their eggs multiple times. For some, egg donation provides an opportunity to help others achieve their dream of starting a family, and the desire to make a significant impact on someone else's life may be a motivating factor. 

Some people are drawn to the idea of preserving their own fertility at the same time. At Cofertility, our Split members keep half of the eggs retrieved. By undergoing several cycles, our egg donors can get more control over their own reproductive future. 

One study found that people who participate in egg share programs like ours are happy with their decision. In fact, 83.3% would donate again and only 2.1% regret their decision to participate.

How many times can you donate eggs?

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is an organization that provides guidance and recommendations to fertility clinics and professionals. One of the guidelines that the ASRM has established is regarding the maximum number of egg donation cycles that an egg donor can undergo in their lifetime. According to their recommendations, egg donors should undergo no more than six cycles of egg donation throughout their lifetime. 

This recommendation is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the egg donor, as undergoing multiple cycles of egg donation can increase the chances of potential complications. By setting a limit on the number of cycles, ASRM aims to protect the health of egg donors.

Why can't you donate eggs more than six times?

The reason ASRM recommends six donations maximum is partly to reduce risks for the egg donor, and partly to protect the potential offspring. While ASRM states that “existing data cannot permit conclusive recommendations”, they nonetheless suggest sticking with the number six due to limited data on the long term safety risks of undergoing over six ovarian stimulation cycles.

Egg donor health

Egg freezing is considered a safe procedure. In a single egg freezing cycle, the risk of a serious adverse event is under 2.5%. Severe OHSS accounts for the majority of complications, occuring in 0.1-2% of cycles. The risk of other acute complications, including pelvic infection, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, or ovarian torsion, is small (<0.5%). However, after six cycles, the risk compounds to 8%-13%. Therefore, out of abundance of caution, ASRM recommends capping the procedure to six cycles. 

Inadvertent consanguinity

Another reason there are recommended limits on egg (and sperm) donation is because of inadvertent consanguinity. This refers to the accidental conception of a child by closely related individuals. This can occur when undisclosed biological connections exist. The resulting offspring are at risk for genetic disorders and other health complications if they inherit two copies of a recessive gene from the closely related parents. 

There are donor registries to help prevent this, but if a parent does not disclose to their child that they are donor-conceived it may still occur. The chances are small in today’s world of genetic testing, but it’s still a consideration. 

What disqualifies you from multiple egg donations?

Donating once doesn’t necessarily guarantee you will be able to donate your eggs again. Certain factors can disqualify you from additional egg donations. For instance, if anything major in your medical history has changed like a serious diagnosis or surgery. 

Additionally, if your first egg retrieval was unsuccessful (due to low number of eggs or a complication), it’s unlikely you’ll be able to donate again.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo additional egg donation cycles should be made in consultation with a fertility doctor, taking into account the potential risks and benefits for you and the intended parents.

How much time do I have to wait between egg donation cycles?

You may be wondering how long you’ll need to wait between egg freezing and donation cycles, or if you can do them back to back. It is generally recommended to wait at least one menstrual cycle before starting another cycle. Some people like to give their body a break and wait three to six months between cycles, while others prefer to get it over with and complete back to back egg freezing cycles. We suggest talking to your fertility doctor for guidance.

Instead of donating for money, keep half the eggs retrieved

Cofertility’s Split program offers qualified candidates the chance to freeze their eggs for free when donating half to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you’re eligible for the program, by meeting Cofertility’s requirements, and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, your egg freezing procedure, medications, and ten years of storage will be 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. 

Depending on the number of eggs that you are able to retrieve in the first cycle, you may want to complete a second Split cycle so that you’re donating and keeping a sufficient number of eggs.

The ability to freeze human eggs has been a major breakthrough in reproductive technology. It has provided egg freezers with the option to delay childbearing, preserve their fertility in the face of medical conditions or treatments, and allow them to focus on their careers or personal goals without feeling so much of the pressure of the "biological clock." 

At Cofertility, we help people navigate egg freezing and make it more affordable (and even free if you qualify for our Split program). One common question we get about egg freezing is how many times you should, or can, freeze your eggs. In this article, we’ll address this question.

Should I do multiple rounds of egg freezing?

As much as we wish egg freezing was a “one and done” thing, for many people, multiple rounds are recommended. The number of times you should freeze your eggs depends on several factors, including your age, ovarian reserve, and desired number of children. The younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the higher the chance of success. Those who freeze in their 20s and early 30s tend to have higher success rates compared to those who freeze in their late 30s and 40s. That’s not to say those in their late 30s or 40s can’t be successful, it just may take more cycles.

So the question really isn’t how many times should you freeze your eggs, but how many times do you need to freeze your eggs in order to get the number of frozen eggs you desire. 

The right number of eggs to freeze for your age

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. 

Studies show that for a woman under age 35, nine eggs give you a 70% chance of at least one child. As medicine and technology advances, we hope to see this number increase even further!

Studies show that for a woman under age 35, nine eggs give you a 70% chance of at least one child. 

Once you’ve decided how many eggs you want to freeze to give yourself a good chance at success down the line, you can back into the number of cycles. The good news is that the number of eggs you’ll retrieve is highly predictable, and your clinic should be able to give you a range based on your follicle count and hormone levels. From there, you can estimate how many cycles may be necessary to get to your target number 

But of course there are other considerations. One is how many cycles you can afford. Egg freezing is expensive, and most of us don’t have insurance coverage.  Read more in How to Pay for Egg Freezing.

You’ll also need to determine how many cycles you can physically and mentally handle. For some people, the procedure is a breeze. But for others it can be hard and exhausting. It’s okay to do one round and decide you don’t want to put yourself through that again.

How long do you have to wait between egg freezing cycles?

You may be wondering how long you’ll need to wait between egg freezing cycles, or if you can do them back to back. It is generally recommended to wait at least one menstrual cycle before starting another cycle. Some people like to give their body a break and wait three to six months between cycles, while others prefer to get it over with and complete back to back egg freezing cycles. We suggest talking to your fertility doctor for guidance.

How many times can I freeze or donate my eggs?

While there’s no limit on how many times you can freeze your eggs, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that egg donors undergo no more than six cycles of egg donation in their lifetime. At Cofertility, we follow these ASRM guidelines.

Does egg freezing increase the risk of cancer?

There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that egg freezing increases the risk of cancer, including invasive ovarian and breast cancers. The hormones used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs for freezing are similar to those used in fertility treatments and are generally considered safe. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with egg freezing.

If you have concerns about the potential risks of egg freezing, it's important to discuss these with your fertility doctor who can provide you with personalized advice based on your individual health history and circumstances.

Making egg freezing more affordable

One option to make egg freezing better is working with Cofertility. 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. It also enables access to exclusive guidance, free expertise, and community events. 

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.

Bottom line

When trying to determine how many egg freezing cycles you should undergo, you’ll first want to answer the question of how many eggs do you want to freeze. Based on your age, ovarian reserve, and experience, it may end up being one or more egg freezing rounds. The good news is that your doctor can help you determine how many eggs you are likely to retrieve based on your antral follicle count and hormone levels. Wishing you an abundance of eggs!

So you’ve scheduled your appointment with an OBGYN (like me) or fertility doctor, time to relax until the appointment right? Wrong. At some point before that appointment, it is so important that you take a little bit of time to prepare what questions you want answered. 

But what questions should you be asking? Lucky for you, I’m here to give you a curated list of the top questions to ask depending on which specialist you’re seeing and what your goals are. Let’s get into it!

What’s the Difference between an OBGYN and an REI?

So first things first, let’s explain what the difference is between an OBGYN and an REI. OBGYN stands for “obstetrician-gynecologist” and these physicians are considered generalists in women’s health. An OBGYN completes four years of medical school and four years of residency training after college. They take care of both pregnant and non-pregnant adults, so they’re the doctors who deliver babies, do pap smears and checkups, and provide annual breast exams (among other things). REI stands for “reproductive endocrinology and infertility”. An REI physician is an OB/GYN who has completed three additional years of training focused solely on fertility, pregnancy, and hormones. For the most part, this means they only take care of patients who are having difficulty becoming pregnant. Some REIs also specialize in certain hormonal conditions as well.

 Questions to ask your OBGYN

Now that we’re on the same page, let’s start off with questions to ask your OBGYN. An OBGYN is typically able to perform the fertility evaluation process which includes getting your medical history, an exam, labwork, imaging, and/or genetic testing. While they can answer most questions about egg freezing, they often won’t know the specific nuances when it comes to outcomes and statistics. 

Here is a list of some great questions to ask them.

• Can you explain fertility to me? 
• How does my age affect my fertility? What else can affect my fertility?
• How is my ovarian reserve?
• Is there anything from my history or exam that you think could impact my fertility?
• What is egg freezing?
• What does the general process of freezing eggs look like?
• What are the risks and benefits of egg freezing?
• Will freezing my eggs affect my natural fertility?
• Do you think I am a good candidate for egg freezing? Why or why not?
• What’s an ideal age for freezing my eggs?
• How soon do you think I should start?
• How long do you think I can wait if I’m not ready yet?
• Do you have a recommendation for an REI or other specialist I should see?
• What lifestyle choices can I make to improve my health and fertility?
• What is the most common question you get about egg freezing?

Questions to ask an REI

As mentioned before, REIs are specialists who are trained specifically in the field of fertility and hormones. They are the ones who actually manage an egg freezing cycle as well as other infertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).  They are experts when it comes to outcomes and statistics for all assisted reproductive technologies (ART) so your questions can be very specific.  

Below you’ll find a list of questions to ask them. Since this list includes a lot of specific questions, they’ve been split into different categories.

General

• What is the most common question you get about egg freezing?
• What is the best age to freeze your eggs?
• Will I need to stop my birth control to freeze my eggs?
• Will I need to come off any of my other medications to freeze my eggs?
• Are there any lifestyle changes or supplements you recommend to improve my egg freezing outcomes?
• What are your thoughts about using alternative medicine (acupuncture, meditation, homeopathy) in addition to your treatments?

About the clinic

• How many fertility doctors are there in the clinic? 
• Will I meet with all the doctors in the clinic or just you? 
• Who else will I meet with regularly? 
• Will I be seeing you for all of my monitoring procedures? 
• How does communication work here? 
• Who can I contact when I have questions and what is the response time?
• How does your staff communicate updates to patients? 
• Who should I contact if I have questions outside of office hours?
• What procedures are done here? 
• Do you have a lab onsite? 
• What technology and equipment does your lab use to freeze eggs?
• Do you store eggs and embryos onsite?
• Does the clinic assist in finding sperm, egg, or embryo donors if that’s needed? 
• Does your clinic provide recommendations for fertility specific acupuncturists or mental health support for interested patients? 

About the clinic’s success rates

• What is the clinic’s “Egg Thaw Rate” for egg freezing?
• What are your success rates for thawing frozen eggs and creating embryos?
• What is the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) Fertilization Rate? 
• What is the chance that a fertilized egg becomes a "blastocyst" stage embryo by Day 6? 
• What is your ongoing pregnancy rate after one genetically-normal embryo is transferred?
• What is your live birth rate for eggs previously frozen at your facility?

About testing

• What specific tests do you recommend for me? 
• What specific tests do you recommend for my partner (if you’re freezing embryos)?
• Is testing performed in the clinic? 
• How many office visits can be expected?

About treatment cycles

• What are the steps of the egg freezing process at your specific clinic?
• Does your clinic batch cycles or will I be able to start based on my own cycle?
• How long would the wait time be for me to start a cycle?
• How long will I be on fertility medicines before the egg retrieval? 
• Where do the injections go?
• What are the common side effects of fertility medications?
• What time am I able to come in for monitoring appointments?
• Where is the egg retrieval done?
• Can I have sex during my egg freezing cycle?
• Can I work during my egg freezing cycle?
• Can I still exercise during my egg freezing cycle?
• How long after the egg retrieval does it take for your period to return?
• How many eggs should I freeze?
• Do you think I will need more than one cycle to reach this number? How many cycles do you think I will need?
• How many eggs do you think I’ll be able to freeze in one cycle? 
• Where would my eggs be stored after they’re frozen? 

About costs

• How much is one egg freezing cycle?
• What does the price of one egg freezing cycle here include?
• How much are medication costs?
• Can I use my insurance for some or all the costs of my cycle?
• What financial assistance or payment plans does your practice offer?
• How much does storing my eggs cost?

About what happens after your eggs are frozen

• What happens to my eggs if I move out of state?
• How long can my eggs stay frozen after egg freezing?
• What happens if/when I want to use my eggs?
• What do you think are my chances of having a baby using my frozen eggs?

This may seem like a lot of questions but this is not an exhaustive list and not all the questions will be relevant to everyone. These questions should serve as a starting point for you as you prepare for your appointment. Whether you’re scheduled to move forward with egg freezing already or you’re just beginning to think about it, our goal is to make sure that you feel confident and armed with the information you need to help make the best decision for you and your family-building future. For more information on egg freezing, check out our Learn page.

As more women prioritize their careers and delay starting a family, egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option. In fact, in 2021 there were nearly 25,000 egg freezing cycles in the United States, up 46% from the previous year. 

For those with a full-time job who are considering freezing their eggs, it may bring up the question: Should I tell my boss? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of disclosing your decision to your employer, and provide tips for navigating the conversation.

Talking to your boss about freezing your eggs

The decision to freeze your eggs is a personal one, but it can have professional implications. If you are considering starting the egg freezing process, it's important to think about how it might affect your work schedule and commitments. If you need to shift your schedule for appointments, or if the egg retrieval itself requires time off, it's best to let your boss know ahead of time. But you don’t have to be specific about the egg freezing part if you’re not comfortable doing so. Saying you have a medical procedure coming up that requires XYZ days off

When approaching the conversation, it's important to be clear and concise. If you want to share the specifics, that’s fine. But you don’t have to. Be prepared to answer questions, and provide information about the process if your boss is unfamiliar with it. It may also be helpful to let them know that you are committed to fulfilling your work obligations and that you will do everything in your power to minimize any disruptions.

Use this email template to get time off for egg freezing 

Here’s a template you can use if you are NOT sharing the specific procedure:

Hi [Boss’s Name],

I am writing to request time off work for a medical procedure next month. I have a few pre-appointments that will also shift my work time on [Date / Time], [Date / Time], and [Date / Time]. I will update my calendar accordingly. 

The procedure is scheduled to take place on [Date], and I will need to be absent from work on [Date(s)].

I will do my best to ensure that all necessary tasks are completed before I leave, and I will also arrange for colleagues to take over my responsibilities during my absence. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns that you may have.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Here’s a template you can use if you are mentioning egg freezing:

Hi [Boss's Name],

I hope you're doing well! As you may know, I've been considering freezing my eggs as a way to preserve my fertility options in the future. I've decided to move forward with the process and wanted to give you a heads up that I'll need some time off for appointments.

I'm planning on scheduling the appointments for [Date] and [Date] mornings, starting next week and continuing for the next few weeks. I'll do my best to schedule them as early as possible to minimize the impact on my work schedule. The egg retrieval is scheduled to take place on [Date], and I will need to be absent from work on [Date(s)].

I'll make sure to communicate with my team to ensure that everything runs smoothly in my absence. I appreciate your understanding and support as I go through this process. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Can I freeze my eggs if I have a full-time job?

Absolutely! Most of the people who freeze their eggs with Cofertility have full-time jobs or are in graduate school. It does require some time and effort, such as attending appointments for ultrasounds and blood work during the egg freezing cycle. However, many clinics offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointments to accommodate busy schedules. 

We’ve found that most employers are supportive of their employees' decisions to prioritize their reproductive health and may even offer benefits that cover some or all of the costs associated with egg freezing. So don't let your job hold you back from exploring this option if it's something you're considering.

Asking about fertility benefits

Some employers offer fertility benefits as part of their healthcare packages, which can include coverage for egg freezing. If your company offers these benefits, it may be worth exploring whether you are eligible, and what the process entails. The first step is to check your employee benefits package, or speak with your HR representative or benefits coordinator to get more information.

If you are part of the majority of Americans who do not have an egg freezing benefit through your employer, there are other options. At Cofertility, we support our members with all the nitty-gritty details of egg freezing – like finding the best clinic, financing the journey, getting discounts on medications, and more. We offer two egg freezing programs:

• In our Split program, you can freeze and store your eggs for up to 10 years for free when you donate the other half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t conceive otherwise.
• In our Keep program, you freeze and store your eggs for your own future use, with lower prices on things like storage, as well as access to our community.

Our team is here for you every step of the way, and our online community connects you with others starting their egg freezing cycles at the same time for peer support.

What to do if your boss isn’t supportive

Unfortunately, not all employers are supportive of their employees' decisions to freeze their eggs. Some may be awkward when discussing reproductive health, while others may not give you the flexibility. If your boss is not supportive, it can be a difficult situation to navigate.

First, it's important to remember that you have the right to make decisions about your own reproductive health. If your boss is not supportive, you may want to consider speaking with someone in HR or a higher-up in the company. They may be able to provide more information about the company's policies, or offer support and guidance.

If you feel uncomfortable discussing your decision with your boss, you may also want to seek out support from friends or family members. Having a strong support system can make a big difference during this time.

Can FMLA be used for egg freezing?

Unfortunately no. FMLA is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain medical and family reasons, such as the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or a personal serious health condition. Currently, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) does not cover egg freezing as a qualifying reason for taking leave. 

However, some employers may offer their own fertility or medical leave policies that could potentially cover egg freezing. Check with your employer's HR department or benefits office to find out what leave options are available to you. The good news is that you shouldn’t need more than a few days.

The bottom line

Freezing your eggs can be an exciting decision, but deciding whether to tell your boss can add an extra layer of stress. While it's ultimately up to you whether you choose to disclose your decision, it's important to be prepared for the conversation. By being clear, concise, and respectful, you can help ensure that your boss understands your decision, and that you are committed to fulfilling your work obligations. 

Cofertility is in the “family” business, striving to make egg freezing and third-party reproduction more human-centered and accessible for all. Our Freeze by Co program allows you to freeze your eggs for free, when you give half to a family who can't otherwise conceive.

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Read more:

• What Employers Offer Egg Freezing Benefits?
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Your Eggs
• Does Insurance Cover Egg Freezing?

In recent years, advancements in reproductive medicine have provided more options for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who desire to have children. Egg freezing has become an increasingly popular opportunity to help people preserve their fertility and plan for future family-building. 

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of egg freezing, discussing its benefits, fertility options, and the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) specifically for lesbian couples.

Egg freezing

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is the process of extracting and freezing eggs for later use. It offers several advantages, including:

• Increasing chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby down the line. By freezing your eggs at a younger age when egg quantity and quality is higher, lesbian women can preserve their chances of conceiving in the future, even if you are not ready to start a family at present.
• Relationship timing. Egg freezing allows you to better synchronize your desire for children with relationship, career, or personal goals in the meantime. 
• Transitioning. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and Endocrine Society both recommend that all transgender patients be counseled on options for fertility preservation (egg freezing) prior to transition. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) also put out a statement that providers should offer fertility preservation counseling to individuals before gender transition.

Ultimately, egg freezing gives you more options down the line, especially if you plan to do reciprocal IVF (more on that below).

How much does it cost to freeze your eggs?

This is always a difficult question to answer, because it depends! It depends on the clinic you’re going to, where you are located, the medications you are prescribed (it differs based on your age and body), and where/how long you store the eggs. Average egg freezing cycle costs range from $10,000 - $20,000 for consultations, testing, ultrasounds, medications, and the egg retrieval, plus the ongoing cost of annual storage. 

But, there are ways to make egg freezing more affordable. Here are a few options to consider when paying for egg freezing:

• Insurance coverage: A minority of insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of egg freezing and/or medications. It's always best to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the procedure, and if so, what the specific coverage details are.
• Employer-provided benefits: Some employers offer coverage for egg freezing as a benefit to their employees. Check with your handbook or HR department to see if this is an option for you.
• Financing options: At Cofertility, we partnered with lenders to offer you fertility financial resources and support  
• Donate half your retrieved eggs: Our Freeze by Co Split program allows you to freeze and store your eggs for free for 10 years, when you give half to a family who can't otherwise conceive.

To see if you're eligible for our Split program, take our quiz to tell us more about yourself.

Why do people freeze their eggs?

So we’ve covered the “what”, now it’s time for the “why”. Like I mentioned earlier, egg freezing is a way to keep your reproductive options open for later by preserving younger, healthier eggs for future use. Our team spends hours each week chatting one-on-one with our members and almost everyone says the same things:

• “I’m going back to school and focusing on my career right now.”
• “I want to travel more first.”
• “I haven’t found my ‘person’ yet, and don’t want to feel rushed to settle down just based on my biology.”
• “I’m not even sure if I want to have kids or not, so I want to keep my options open.”

Seeing a pattern here? Nearly everyone who works with us knows that even if right now is the best time biologically to have children, it’s just not something they’re ready for yet. While you’ll never find us referring to freezing your eggs as an “insurance policy,” it does allow optionality for owning your future fertility by being proactive and giving yourself choices later in life.

Fertility options for lesbian couples

Whether you are single or coupled, or if you want kids or down the line, it’s important to know what fertility care options are available to cis-gendered lesbian couples when it’s time to have kids:

• Donor sperm insemination: This method involves inseminating one partner with donor sperm, either at home or via intrauterine insemination (IUI) at a fertility clinic. The chances of IUI working is 5-15% per cycle.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF is a popular option for lesbian couples. One partner's eggs are retrieved and fertilized with donor sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the other partner's uterus for pregnancy in what is called Reciprocal IVF. The chances of IVF working is 30-50% per cycle. 

If you choose to go the IVF route, the chances of success depend greatly on the quality of the eggs. As females age, their egg quality and quantity decreases, which can lead to lower rates of successful fertilization, implantation, and live births. 

In fact, your age when the eggs are retrieved is far more correlated to IVF success than the age you are when carrying the pregnancy.

What is reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF, sometimes known as shared motherhood, is a form of IVF specifically designed for lesbian couples (and for some couples where at least one partner is transgender or nonbinary). 

Here's how it works: one partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. The resulting eggs are then fertilized with sperm and transferred to the other partner's uterus for pregnancy. 

Since one partner's egg is used and the other partner carries the pregnancy, each partner gets to play a role. This could help both partners feel super involved in the pregnancy and connected to the baby.

How is IVF done for lesbian couples?

IVF for lesbian couples (aka reciprocal IVF) involves several steps:

1. Ovarian stimulation. The partner who will provide the eggs undergoes ovarian stimulation, which involves the administration of fertility medications to stimulate the development of multiple eggs.
2. Egg retrieval. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration. The eggs are then either frozen for future use, or fertilized to make embryos.
3. Fertilization. The eggs are then fertilized with donor sperm in a laboratory setting. This can be done using standard IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), depending on the specific circumstances.
4. Genetic testing. Many couples opt to have the embryos genetically tested. This can help rule out embryos that are chromosomally abnormal. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGT) can also tell you the sex of the embryo. 
5. Embryo transfer: Finally, one or more embryos are transferred into the uterus of the other partner, with the goal of achieving pregnancy.

Egg freezing is simply doing the first two (or even three and four) steps in advance, and waiting to transfer any embryos until you are ready. By retrieving eggs at a younger age, you increase the chances of IVF success.

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.

The bottom line

Egg freezing can provide cis-gendered lesbian women with the opportunity to preserve their fertility and plan for future family-building. With advancements in reproductive medicine, various fertility options, including IVF and reciprocal IVF, are available to lesbian couples. By knowing your options, you can make an informed decision about your reproductive journey and take steps to fulfill your dreams of having a family… some day!

Commonly asked questions

Should I freeze my eggs if I'm not sure I want children yet?

If you are not sure about wanting children in the near future, but still want to preserve the option, freezing your eggs can be a good idea. Egg freezing allows you to preserve your eggs at a younger age when the quality and quantity are typically better. By freezing your eggs, you give yourself the flexibility to delay parenthood while increasing the likelihood of having biological children later in life. 

How much does it cost to freeze your eggs?

This is always a difficult question to answer, because it depends! It depends on the clinic you’re going to, where you are located, the medications you are prescribed (it differs based on your age and body), and where/how long you store the eggs. Average egg freezing cycle costs range from $10,000 - $20,000 for consultations, testing, ultrasounds, medications, and the egg retrieval, plus the ongoing cost of annual storage. 

Can two women's eggs make a baby?

While today two human eggs cannot directly create a baby, two cis-gendered women can both contribute to the process of family-building process. One woman's eggs can be fertilized using donor sperm, and the resulting embryos can be transferred into the uterus of the other woman, who carries the pregnancy. 

Can a woman carry another woman's egg?

Absolutely! In IVF, fertilization of eggs is separated from implantation. That means you can retrieve and fertilize eggs from one person, then turn them into embryos and have them transferred to the uterus of someone else. When someone can’t carry a pregnancy for medical reasons, this process is called gestational surrogacy. When one partner is carrying an embryo made with their partner’s sperm, it’s called reciprocal IVF.

How can a same sex female couple have a baby?

A same-sex female couple can have a baby through assisted reproductive techniques such as donor sperm insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or reciprocal IVF. These options allow for one or both partners to have a biological connection to the child.

Can two females have a baby without sperm?

No. Sperm is necessary for fertilizing an egg and initiating the process of conception. However, same-sex female couples can explore options such as donor sperm insemination, IVF, or reciprocal IVF to achieve pregnancy and have a child together.

Can a lesbian couple have a baby without IVF?

Yes, a lesbian couple can have a baby without IVF. They can choose donor sperm insemination, where one partner undergoes artificial insemination using donor sperm, or explore options such as fostering or adoption to build their family.

At Cofertility, we believe that freezing your eggs should be an empowering experience that more women have access to. With our Keep program, you can more affordably freeze your eggs with partnerships that lighten the financial load and ongoing support from our team.  As a Keep member, you’ll benefit from discounts on things like consultations, treatment and cycle fees, and storage costs. You’ll also access our private Freeze by Co community, where you can connect with our team and with other women going through the egg freezing process at the same time.

Freezing your eggs is a big life decision — much like moving cross country, going back to school, or getting married. The process is often filled with unknowns, difficult to navigate, and financially inaccessible. Our goal is to support you every step of the way, and make it the best experience possible.

Why should I freeze my eggs, anyway? 

Whether you’re thinking about going back to school, wanting to invest in your career, unsure whether you want to have kids yet, or just haven’t found your ‘person,’ there are many different reasons why freezing your eggs might make sense for you. Over 70% of our members cite building their career or going back to school as the most important factors to them right now. Egg freezing is a way to keep your reproductive options open for later by preserving younger, healthier eggs for future use. What’s more, the prime time for freezing your eggs is actually a lot earlier than you think. Freezing your eggs while you’re still in your 20s can boost your chances of successful pregnancy, no matter your age when you decide to start your family. 

Overall, deciding to freeze your eggs can do more than provide family building options later in life. Going through the process of retrieving and freezing your eggs can give you insights into your health and offer you peace of mind about how you’ll accomplish your goals.

To learn more, check out our articles: Why Do People Freeze Their Eggs? Should I Be Thinking About It Too?, What’s the Best Age to Freeze My Eggs?, and When Should I Freeze My Eggs? 

How do I know if I am eligible for the Keep program? 

Unlike our Split program, where you freeze your eggs for free when donating half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive, the Keep program’s eligibility requirements are much less stringent. In fact, the decision to freeze your eggs through Keep will ultimately be between you and your doctor, once you both review your medical history and test results.

For example, while you must be between 21-33 to participate in Split, you can still take part in the Keep program as long as you are under age 40 (these are the clinics’ rules, not ours).

So whether you don’t qualify for egg donation, or simply are not interested in egg donation, the Keep program could be a great option for you. 

What are the benefits of the Keep program? 

By freezing your eggs through Cofertility’s Keep program, you’ll gain access to:

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

What does the Keep process look like? 

Step 1: Fill out the intro quiz 

To kick off the process, take our quiz and tell us a bit about yourself. This only takes about a minute and gives a sense of what programs you might qualify for.

Step 2: Provide your desired location and timeline for the egg freezing process 

After you complete the intro quiz, you’ll receive an email from us with more information on our programs. We’ll ask you to respond back with more details on where (in which city or cities) and when you would like to freeze your eggs. This allows us to make custom recommendations tailored to your needs! 

Step 3: Receive fertility clinic recommendation and pricing 

We aim to share at least one pre-vetted, recommended fertility clinic near you based on patient reviews, outcomes, and success rates. We know this process can be expensive (between $10,000 to $20,000 per cycle), so we do our best to get you the best pricing. With many clinics, we negotiate preferred pricing for our Keep members, including discounted cycle fees and/or initial consultations. 

If we don’t yet have a clinic recommendation near you, we’ll add you to our waitlist for that city and reach out as soon as we do. Keep members are welcome to work with any clinic of their choosing and still be part of the program, but we aim to have at least one recommendation in each major market. 

Step 4: Set up an initial consultation with a fertility clinic 

Once you decide which clinic you would like to work with, we’ll help get you set up for an initial consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist. Most preferred clinics have guaranteed turnaround times for our members - so no more long waitlists! 

Step 5: Get added to the private Freeze by Co members-only community 

Once you book your initial consultation and confirm that you would like to be part of our Keep program, we’ll add you to the members-only, Freeze by Co community. This is where you can connect with others going through egg freezing at the exact same time and receive direct access to egg freezing experts through Q&As and webinars. 

Step 6: Get support with every step of your egg freezing journey 

We will stay coordinated with your fertility clinic and help guide you through every step of the egg freezing process. We’re here for you in a ‘been there, done that’ kind of way, and we will work with our medical advisors to get you answers to any questions you have! 

We also have several informative articles on our website that can serve as a primer for what to expect with the egg freezing process: 

• I Want to Freeze My Eggs: What's the Egg Retrieval Process Really Like? 
• What are the First Steps Towards Freezing my Eggs? 
• Everything You Need to Know About Egg Freezing 
• The Egg Freezing Process: a First-Timer’s Overview 
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Your Eggs 

How much does it cost to be a Keep member? 

There is no fee to join the Keep program. The only costs you’ll pay are those directly related to your cycle (e.g., consultation fees, cycle fees, storage fees, and medications). There are a variety of different ways to fund your egg freezing journey, and we are flexible to work with you however it makes sense based on your needs. 

Have coverage through your employer or insurance for egg freezing? You can still use these benefits and join our Keep program! Your general health insurance may cover some of your screening and upfront blood work, so we suggest discussing it with the clinic you move forward with if you go through our Keep program.

Need help financing your cycle? We got you! We've partnered with lenders to offer you fertility financial resources. Sunfish offers the most comprehensive marketplace of financial options for egg freezing up to $100,000 at industry-low rates. Some clinics may also offer financing programs for egg freezing cycles. 

To learn more, check out our article: How to Pay for Egg Freezing 

Where do I sign up? 

There is no cost to join the Keep program. Take our quiz today and get your egg freezing process started!