egg retrieval

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process in which a woman's eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use. It has become an increasingly popular option for those who want to preserve their fertility for later in life, whether due to medical reasons or personal choice. We get a lot of questions from people wondering if egg freezing is an option for them, given their unique circumstances. In this article, we will share the most common questions we get and hopefully settle some debates once and for all. 

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 a greater number of eggs and the highest 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. 

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Can I freeze my eggs if I have endometriosis?

Yes. Some doctors will actually 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 worsen fertility by inadvertently removing healthy ovarian tissue or compromising vascular supply to the ovary, egg freezing should be done before any such surgeries.

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Can I freeze my eggs if I’m a virgin?

Being a virgin does not prevent you from being able to freeze your eggs for future use. The egg freezing process is the same for all patients, and it does not involve any kind of sexual contact. If you are considering egg freezing, reach out to see if we can help. 

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Can I freeze my eggs if I’m on birth control?

It depends on which type! 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.  

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Can I freeze my eggs if I have HPV?

An HPV diagnosis alone should not affect your ability to get pregnant or to freeze your eggs. Most fertility specialists will require an up to date pap smear and HPV test as part of their evaluation and you’ll usually be allowed to continue with the freezing process as long as the HPV is low-risk, since those cases are expected to clear on their own.

If you do have a high-risk HPV, you’ll need to discuss those results with both your OB/GYN and your fertility doctor to figure out what next step is right for you. Depending on the specific HPV strain, if there are any lesions and how advanced they are, your doctor will recommend continuing with egg freezing or delaying until after treatment. 

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Can I freeze my eggs if I’ve had gender affirming surgery?

It depends on what was involved in the surgery. If the ovaries were removed (an oophorectomy or total hysterectomy), you will not be able to freeze your eggs. This is because egg freezing requires the ovaries to produce mature eggs, which are then retrieved and frozen for future use. If the ovaries have been removed, then the eggs were removed too and egg freezing is not an option.

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Can I freeze my eggs if I have started hormone therapy?

If you have already started hormone therapy, such as testosterone (T) therapy, it may still be possible to freeze your eggs. However, your doctor will likely recommend discontinuing testosterone until your period returns (usually under six months) to begin the egg freezing process.  

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Can I freeze my eggs if I’m afraid of needles?

Yes, it does involve both injections and blood draws. This is because the process of egg freezing involves stimulating the ovaries with hormones (aka fertility medication) to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved with a needle. There are also blood draws to determine your hormone levels, and an IV for sedation during the retrieval itself.  If you are afraid of needles, it's important to acknowledge your fear and work through it. Ignoring or avoiding the issue will only make it worse. 

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Can I freeze my eggs if I vape?

While the effects of vaping on fertility are still largely unknown, many fertility clinics advise their patients to quit vaping in an effort to improve egg freezing outcomes related to quality and quantity based on the above research on smoking. Lower quality eggs with a higher DNA damage rate could impact the success of a future pregnancy using these frozen eggs, as these eggs may be less likely to fertilize into embryos (or result in a successful implantation). In addition, fewer eggs retrieved from those who vaped may result in fewer options for future use, which can increase the likelihood of needing additional egg freezing cycles.

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Can I freeze my eggs if I drink?

Yes, but alcohol consumption is not recommended during the egg freezing process itself. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility and may also increase the risk of certain complications associated with egg freezing. The good news is there are loads of EANABs (equally-appealing, non-alcoholic beverages) these days. Try a soda water with lime and no one will bother you!

Can I freeze my eggs if I’m a smoker?

Smoking is not recommended during the egg freezing process (or ever!). Studies have shown that smoking can negatively impact fertility and may also increase the risk of certain complications associated with egg freezing. Smoking can decrease the number and quality of eggs retrieved, and increases the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious complication of the egg freezing process.

Can I freeze my eggs if I'm over a certain age?

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) does not recommend egg freezing for people older than 38, but this isn’t a strict cutoff. Everyone’s ovarian reserves declines at a different rate. Having your fertility hormones checked can sometimes help you and your doctor get a general idea of what your ovarian reserve is. This can better help you decide if egg freezing is right for you.

Can I freeze my eggs if I'm not ready to have children yet?

Absolutely! Egg freezing is often chosen by those who are not yet ready to start a family, but want to keep options open for the future. It’s important to understand that the younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the higher the chances of success. 

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Can I freeze my eggs if I have already had children?

Absolutely. In fact, some people choose to freeze their eggs after having children, including those who went through divorce, as a way to preserve their fertility for future pregnancies.

Can I freeze my eggs if I have had my tubes tied?

If you have had a tubal ligation (commonly known as "getting your tubes tied"), you can still be a candidate for egg freezing as the process does not require the fallopian tubes to be open. 

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Can I freeze my eggs if I’m on antidepressants?

For sure. The most commonly used antidepressant (SSRIs) and anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) don’t have any clear, long-term impacts on egg quantity or quality, ovulation, or chances of conception (though SSRIs do have short-term effects on sperm). 

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Can I freeze my eggs if I have diabetes?

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

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Let us help you freeze those eggs!

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

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

The benefits for of working with Cofertility include:

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

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

The ability to freeze human eggs has been a major breakthrough in reproductive technology. It has empowered 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 (even free if you qualify for our Split program). But if you’re afraid of needles, you may wonder if you can handle the egg freezing process. The short answer is yes, but it's important to understand the process and what to expect. As someone who personally overcame a fear of needles to undergo several egg retrievals, I hope to provide some insight and tips to help you feel more at ease.

If you’re afraid of needles, you’re not alone!

If you have a fear of needles, know that you aren’t alone. In fact, 1 in 4 adults have strong fears around needles! The difference between a fear and a phobia is that phobias are considered unfounded fears when you are not actually in danger. Phobias are harder to control and need more work to overcome. 

Fears and phobias can vary from mild to severe – and it’s good to take stock of where you fall on that spectrum. Regardless, there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Needle phobia and egg freezing: can you freeze eggs without shots and blood draws?

Unfortunately, there is currently no way to freeze your eggs without needles (calling all scientists: if you invent a way to make this possible, it will be game changing!). This is because the process of egg freezing involves stimulating the ovaries with hormones (aka fertility medication) to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved with a needle while under anesthesia. There are also blood draws to determine your hormone levels, and an IV for sedation during the retrieval itself.  So, unfortunately, shots and blood draws are a necessary part of the process.

How do I get over my fear of egg freezing needles?

If you are afraid of needles, it's important to acknowledge your fear and work through it. Ignoring or avoiding the issue will only make it worse. Here are some strategies that may help you overcome your fear:

• Education: Learn as much as you can about the egg freezing process. Knowing what to expect can make it less scary. Talk to others who have gone through the process. 
• Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which consists of directly facing the object (needles) that causes you fear. You would work with a therapist through graduated exposure until you are no longer fearful. 
• Deep breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to help you relax.
• Visualization: Visualize yourself going through the process successfully and feeling proud of yourself for facing your fear.
• Distraction: Listen to music, watch puppy videos, or chat with the nurse to take your mind off the injections. The good news is that they are quick!

Talking to your egg freezing doctor about your needle phobia

Talking to your doctor or nurse coordinator about your needle phobia is an important step in managing your fear and making the egg freezing process more manageable. When discussing your phobia with your doctor, be open and honest. Remember that there is no shame, and that your doctor has worked with many patients like you! 

Explain your fear and how it affects you, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your doctor can provide you with information and support to help you feel more comfortable during the process. Together, you can work out a plan to manage your fear and find ways to make the injections less intimidating. Remember, your doctor is there to help you, and communication is key to a successful egg freezing experience.

How many injections are needed for egg freezing?

The number of injections required for egg freezing can vary depending on the individual and the specific protocol used, but typically ranges from one to three injections per day for the duration of the stimulation which is typically between 10-12 days. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust the dosage as needed.

How many blood draws are needed for egg freezing?

You will likely need several blood draws during your egg freezing journey to see how your hormones are responding. Blood draws, also known as venipuncture or phlebotomy, is a procedure in which blood is taken from a vein in your arm for laboratory testing. 

Inform the technician about your needle phobia, as they may be able to use a smaller needle or a different technique to minimize pain. And if you are prone to experiencing lightheadedness when getting your blood drawn, make sure to let your technician know. Asking if they can do the blood draw while you’re laying down rather than sitting up can make a huge difference!

Insider tricks: reducing pain during egg freezing shots 

While egg freezing injections can be uncomfortable, I found the shots to not be as bad as I thought they would be. Plus, they go by very quickly. Here are strategies you can try to make them easier and less painful:

• Numbing cream. Use a numbing cream on the injection site before the shot can help reduce discomfort (get your doctor’s approval before doing this). 
• Buzzy Bee. I learned about the Buzzy Bee on Shark Tank, and it actually worked for me! The combination of vibration and ice pain-blocking methods is actually FDA 510(k) for pain control.
• Phone a friend. Try having someone else administer the shot while you distract yourself. My husband was my shot-giver, and he did a way better job than I could have!
• Warm shower. Take a warm shower before the injection can help relax your muscles, making it easier for the needle to be inserted. 
• Deep breathing. Practice deep breathing or relaxation techniques. Focusing on your breath and practicing mindfulness can help to distract you from the pain and reduce your perception of it.
• A treat. Set aside a treat for the end, as your reward for being brave! For me, it was chocolate and TV. 

If you're still experiencing significant pain, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe pain medication or suggest other strategies to make the injections more manageable. 

Are there different types of needles that are easier to administer or less painful?

There are different types of needles that can be used for injections based on each medication, but the type used for egg freezing is typically a small, thin needle that is relatively painless. If you are concerned about pain from needles, talk to your doctor about any alternative options.

The benefits of facing your fear of needles and freezing your eggs

Freezing your eggs can be an empowering way to take control of your fertility, but it can be daunting if you have a fear of needles. While the process does involve injections, there are strategies you can use to manage your fear and make the experience more comfortable. Educate yourself about the process, practice relaxation techniques, and communicate with your doctor to find the best approach for you. By focusing on the big picture of future fertility and celebrating your courage, you can empower yourself to face your fears and take control of your reproductive health.

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.

As women, we are often tasked with making complex decisions about our bodies, our health, and our future. Among the myriad of choices, one of the most significant is the decision of whether or not to freeze our eggs. But once you've made the decision and plan to go through the process, you now may be wondering, "What exactly happens to my eggs after I freeze them? Where do they go? How long can they remain frozen?"

Egg freezing, also called oocyte cryopreservation, offers a chance to focus on other stuff now while planning for your future family. But how does it work, and what happens to your precious eggs once they are safely frozen? Let's delve into this fascinating, sometimes bewildering world of fertility preservation.

The egg freezing process: a quick recap

Before we venture further, let's refresh our understanding of the egg freezing process. It starts with hormone injections that stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure, and once retrieved, they are immediately frozen in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Following the retrieval and freezing process, your eggs are stored in a secure and carefully monitored cryo-storage facility. 

Egg freezing and preservation

Vitrification is a newer and more effective method of freezing eggs that has largely replaced older methods such as slow freezing. With vitrification, eggs are quickly frozen using a high concentration of cryoprotectants and then plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. This process creates a glass-like state that preserves the eggs in a nearly perfect condition. In fact, vitrification ensures a very high rate of survival of the eggs, typically 95% or above.

Compared to slow freezing, which can damage the eggs and reduce their viability, vitrification has a higher success rate of producing healthy embryos for later use. It has become the preferred method of egg freezing for most fertility clinics and has allowed more patients to successfully preserve their fertility.

If you have any doubts about your clinic, you can ask them what type of method they use for egg freezing. It's important to do your research and choose a reputable fertility clinic with experience in vitrification if you're considering egg freezing.

Long-term storage and monitoring

Once the eggs are frozen, they are stored in liquid nitrogen. Some clinics keep those frozen eggs stored at an onsite lab, but in most cases they are shipped to an offsite facility. As soon as you’re ready to use them, they can be safely shipped back. 

In either case, the frozen eggs' care doesn't end at storage. They are monitored regularly to ensure the liquid nitrogen levels remain constant, and the facility's temperature control and security systems are working correctly. A well-maintained facility prioritizes meticulous record-keeping, tracking the storage duration and any other pertinent details about each egg. 

Cofertility members can take advantage of our partnership with TMRW Life Sciences, a fertility technology company that has developed the world's first automated solution for storing and managing frozen eggs and embryos. 

TMRW's technology platform digitally identifies, tracks, monitors and stores patients' frozen eggs and embryos with safety, accuracy, efficiency and transparency. TMRW's platform sets a new standard of care by reducing potential points of failure by 94% compared with manual systems.

So what is TMRW doing differently? 

• Digital labeling - instead of handwritten labels, TMRW uses digital labeling and RFID tracking. With this tracking system, clinics always know exactly where your eggs and embryos are and can easily find them when you’re ready to use them.
• Automated management - instead of relying on manual processes, TMRW has a new fully-automated digital system that helps eliminate 94% of potential failure points
• Real-time inventory - TMRW has gone the extra mile by creating a 24/7 cloud-based monitoring system with real-time inventory updates to provide new levels of safety, transparency, and peace of mind. 
• Active monitoring - TMRW provides 24/7 digital monitoring (thousands of daily checks!) and expert human oversight to identify potential issues before they become a problem.

Will my eggs survive the thaw?

Several factors can impact the success of egg thawing, including your age when the eggs are frozen, the number and quality of the eggs, the technique used to freeze the eggs, and the quality of the clinic’s laboratory. 

The quality of the eggs is also a crucial factor in egg thawing. Good quality eggs have a higher chance of survival and fertilization. However, even with good quality eggs, there is no guarantee of success, and the process may need to be repeated to achieve pregnancy.

If and when you decide to use them

When you decide the time is right to use your frozen eggs, they are thawed in the lab using a warming solution. 

But keep in mind that thawing is just the first part. The eggs will then need to be fertilized with sperm and grown into embryos. The surviving eggs are then fertilized using a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.

After fertilization, the resulting embryos are monitored for a few days as they begin to develop. The most viable embryos are then transferred to your uterus in a procedure similar to a pap smear. If successful, the embryo implants in your uterus and grows, leading to pregnancy.

Generally, the younger you are when freezing your eggs, the better the chances of success. Eggs frozen in your late 20s or early 30s have a higher chance of survival and successful fertilization compared to those frozen in your late 30s or 40s.

If you decide NOT to use them

What if, down the line, you decide not to use your eggs, or you have more than you need? 

One study of egg freezing patients at UCSF found that 89% believed they would be glad they froze their eggs, even if they never used them to conceive a child. So if you don't end up needing your frozen eggs down the line, there are a few options for what to do with them.

• Keep them in storage. Most storage facilities offer long-term storage options (our partnership with TMRW includes plans up to 10-years long), allowing you to keep your eggs frozen for as many years as  necessary. This may be a good option if you're not yet ready to use the eggs but want to keep them as a backup plan.
• Donate the eggs to someone else who may need them. Egg donation is a process of donating eggs to another person or couple who needs them, such as LGBTQ+ families or those suffering from infertility. This can be a wonderful gift for those who may not be able to have a child otherwise. If you go through our Split program, you will have already been cleared as a donor and can easily donate these additional eggs. If you’re not part of the Split program but think you may be interested in this down the line, talk to your doctor as they may be able to do some additional donor-related screening during your egg freezing process. 
• Dispose of them.  If you decide that you no longer need your frozen eggs and don't want to continue storing them or donate them, simply request that they are disposed of by the clinic or storage facility.
• Donate to science. Many research studies rely on donated eggs to investigate new techniques and treatments for infertility. Ask your clinic if this is an option.

Emotional considerations

Aside from the practical aspects, it's important to acknowledge the emotional journey involved in egg freezing. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions – relief, hope, anxiety, or even sadness. Know that these feelings are common and valid. Don't hesitate to seek support, be it from a trusted friend, family member, a professional counselor, or the Cofertility community.

Summing it up

The journey of your eggs from freezing to potential future use is complex and exciting, underscored by sophisticated science and meticulous care. Deciding to freeze your eggs can be an empowering choice, giving you autonomy over your fertility and future family planning. Knowing what happens to your eggs after freezing them can provide comfort and clarity as you navigate your fertility journey.

In the end, egg freezing is an investment in your future, offering an opportunity to expand your family when the time is right for you. It's a testament to the advancements in reproductive science and a tool for you to take control of your fertility. Trust in the process, seek support when needed, and above all, know that your choices are valid, and your feelings are heard. After all, the journey to parenthood, in whatever form it takes, is a voyage of hope, love, and extraordinary potential.

If you’re ready to freeze your eggs, we’re here to help. Reach out or learn more about our Freeze program.

Read more:

• Egg Freezing: How Long Can My Eggs Be Stored?
• Egg Freezing Thaw Rates
• When Should I Freeze My Eggs?

Wanting to donate your eggs to help others grow their family is an incredible act to do for another person or couple. And something that should be fully researched, understood and not be taken lightly. Aside from the physical and medical side effects, you should also be aware of any potential emotional and psychological and legal ramifications of donating your eggs. 

How egg donation works

Each egg donation requires psychological and medical screening to determine if certain requirements are met in order to become an egg donor. The actual process does not begin until you are matched and legal paperwork has been completed.  Once that happens, you will attend approximately six to eight visits to the medical clinic over a two-week period. You will typically be getting ultrasounds to check how many eggs are being produced and how you are reacting to the hormones. These hormones will be self-injected several times a day for seven to 10 days. These hormone injections are given using a small needle under the skin of your abdomen. The hormone injections stimulate your ovaries to enlarge and produce eggs, more than are typically produced during your natural cycle which is typically one egg per cycle. 

On the day of your retrieval, you will be put under sedation. Using an ultrasound guided needle your doctor will vaginally insert the needle into each mature follicle to retrieve each egg. Day of and day after retrieval you may need to take time off from school or work to recover. But because the process is minimally invasive, you should be back to normal within a few days. 

Read more in How Does Egg Donation Work?

Biological vs. legal parenthood

Because you are donating a piece of your genetic material, it is important for you to understand that you are biologically related to any child that is born from your eggs. And it is important for you to understand that your future children will be half siblings with the children born from the eggs that you donate. 

However, being a biological parent is different from legal parenthood. You will not have any legal responsibilities for the child born from your donated eggs because you will sign a legal document surrendering any and all parental rights.  

Legal parents have a family relationship to the child by law. This relationship does not need to be formed by blood or DNA, for example in the case of an adopted child. Even though the resulting child is very much the child of the recipients,  it’s important to understand that you are genetically related to that child. If down the road you did a DNA test and the child did a DNA test, the relationship would read “biological mother.” 

Type of relationships

Depending on the type of relationship you have with the recipients of your eggs, you can have a relationship with the child born from your donated eggs, if you and the recipients agree to that type of relationship.  The different types of relationships include, disclosed, undisclosed and open ID. In a disclosed donation, you will exchange contact information with the recipients and communicate directly. This does not mean you will have an ongoing relationship into the future. It just means that both parties will have each other's names and contact information.  

In an undisclosed donation you will not exchange contact information with the recipients and will not communicate directly. Finally, with an open ID you again do not exchange contact information, but you legally agree to have your identity disclosed to the child born from your donation once the child reaches a certain age, typically at 18 years. So, once the child reaches the agreed upon age, they can contact the clinic, bank or attorney and will be able to contact you. 

Conclusion

Women are born with all of their eggs. And as time goes on, the quality and quantity dramatically declines, specifically after the age of 35.  It can be devastating when a woman is ready to start a family, only to find out that it’s too late.  So the only way a family will ever be formed is by  having access to donor eggs. Same is true for gay couples or single men. So deciding to donate your eggs can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life; from dreaming of being a parent to actually being a parent. As a donor, it is your job to be fully informed of all the potential legal, medical, emotional and psychological side effects of donating your eggs. Ask all the questions until you feel fully ready to donate. 

Egg donation with Cofertility

At Cofertility, we are striving to be the best place to be an egg donor (or what we call, a Split Member). We offer a supportive and transparent process that empowers donors to make informed decisions about their egg donation journey.

With our innovative approach, donors get to keep half of the eggs retrieved, plus:

• Free storage of their own eggs in cryopreservation for up to 10 years
• Coverage of all medical costs for the egg donation process
• Connection to the Cofertility community for support all along the way and after too
• The ability to work with the intended parents to decide together what your relationship will look like

If giving your eggs to intended parents sounds like something you would like to do, you may be able to qualify for the free egg freezing process and have your donation process covered too.

Find out more about Cofertility, and take our quiz to see if you qualify for Split!

We believe that every donor deserves to have a positive and empowering experience, and we are committed to making that a reality. That’s why Cofertility was named one of the Best Egg Donor Programs by Egg Donor Connect.

Of the many decisions you have to make when freezing your eggs is if you want to freeze eggs or embryos. The answer for you may be influenced by myriad factors such as age, relationship status, or your fertility goals. 

We’ve written about making this decision here. But we wanted to make it a little more personal. To shed some light on this topic, we interviewed four of our egg freezers. Two of them opted to just freeze their eggs, while the other two chose to fertilize those eggs and freeze embryos. 

Through their stories and perspectives, we explore the motivations behind their decisions, the pros and cons they considered, and the impact this choice has had on their lives.

Only first names are being used to protect the privacy of these egg freezers. 

Empowering the future with frozen eggs

Sarah, a successful career woman in her early 30s, decided to freeze her eggs. She emphasized the sense of empowerment and choice it provided her, stating, "I never even considered freezing embryos. I do have a boyfriend, but there’s no ring on my finger. And to be honest I have no idea if he’s the one I want as the father of my future children. Freezing my eggs allowed me to feel less pressured to rush my current relationship."

Mia, a woman in her early 40s, carefully considered her options and decided to freeze her eggs as well. While we at Cofertility support all paths to parenthood, Mia decided against becoming a single-mom-by-choice for now. She explained, "I discussed the idea of using donor sperm with my doctor, but ultimately opted against it…While there are uncertainties, I value the ability to choose my path and have the freedom to explore different possibilities down the road." 

Embryo freezing as a family building strategy

Nazanin, in her late 20s, chose to freeze embryos with her partner. Reflecting on their decision, she shared, "Having frozen embryos gives us peace of mind and a tangible plan for our future. I think it brought us closer as a couple and gave us both a sense of security knowing that we have already taken steps towards building our family." 

Olivia, a woman in her mid thirties, shared her perspective on freezing embryos, stating, "I’m married so it was a no-brainer for us to freeze embryos. My husband and I are both running startups, so now is just not the right time for us to have kids. But we know we want them some day, and chose to freeze embryos to give us a higher chance of success when we are ready."

Pros and Cons of Egg Freezing and Embryo Freezing:

Both egg and embryo freezing offer unique advantages and considerations. Egg freezing provides women with the most flexibility, as Sarah explained, "I valued the freedom to make choices on my own terms without the pressure of finding a partner right away." However, when freezing eggs, there is the uncertainty of successful fertilization and embryo development.

On the other hand, embryo freezing provides people with ready-to-use embryos, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. Emily emphasized this advantage, saying, "Having frozen embryos gives us a higher sense of certainty and a stronger foundation for our family-building journey." As Olivia highlighted, "Embryo freezing involves joint decisions and a deeper level of commitment."

Summing it up

The decision to freeze eggs or embryos is one you’ll have to decide before starting your egg freezing treatment, Nazanin, Mia, and Olivia's stories provide insight into the different motivations and considerations that led them to their chosen path. 

If you feel stuck on this decision, consider talking to your therapist or others who have gone through the process (if you freeze your eggs with Cofertility, you’ll get access to our online community). 

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

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

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

In either of these options, you have the option to freeze eggs or embryos. 

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

If you are part of Cofertility’s Split Program, or even donating your eggs elsewhere, this is a helpful guide to share with your partner.

At Cofertility, we are on a mission to support individuals and families across different phases of the fertility journey. Our work transcends the boundaries of traditional fertility care, forging connections that breathe life into the dreams of thousands of families, both today and the future. 

Through our unique Split Program, we've had the privilege of working with many egg freezers and donors, and know the experience varies widely. We've witnessed joy, apprehension, hope, and triumph, and we've come to recognize that the process of egg sharing is multifaceted and profound. Our journey with these remarkable individuals has not only exposed us to the wide spectrum of emotions and decisions, but has also underscored the indispensable role of a robust support system throughout the journey. 

Becoming an egg donor presents a multitude of emotional, physical, and ethical considerations. How, then, can friends, family, or significant others support a Split member during this journey? 

In the following guide, we hope to share the insights we've gathered, offering a pathway for those seeking to support a loved one through this journey.

Understand the process

It’s helpful for you to understand the logistical and medical process your partner or loved one is going through. Here are a few guides to get up to speed:

• What's the Egg Retrieval Process Like?
• Everything You Need To Know About Egg Freezing Medication
• The Ultimate Guide to the Split Program
• Disclosed vs. Undisclosed Egg Donation: How Should I Choose?
• What are the Side Effects and Risks of Egg Freezing?

Offer assistance

The Split members' journey with egg freezing will require numerous medical appointments for ultrasounds and bloodwork. Your presence at these appointments can provide a reassuring sense of companionship. 

But the most important task is being their reliable ride home from the egg retrieval procedure (in fact, it’s required that they do not drive after this procedure). This might be a clinic near home or you may be asked to travel with your partner to a clinic near the intended parents (if this is the case, travel expenses for both of you will be covered).

Once they get home, ensuring they have the things they need to be comfortable—whether it's a favorite blanket, soothing tea, or just your comforting presence—can make a significant difference in their experience. These thoughtful actions underscore the human connection at the heart of this medical process, turning what could be a solitary journey into a shared experience of empathy and care.

Egg freezing is considered a safe procedure, and complications are rare. But you should know the red flags. If you notice any of the symptoms below, report them to the healthcare provider asap:

• Temperature above 101 F
• Severe abdominal pain or swelling
• 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

Help with the shots

The first step in the egg freezing process is to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs to be retrieved. This is done with the use of fertility medication, administered in the form of injectable hormones over 10-12 days. 

Helping your loved one with these required injections is huge. This is not a task for everyone, and it's completely understandable if it falls outside your comfort zone. If you do have the capacity and willingness to assist with administering the shots, your help would undoubtedly be appreciated. 

However, even if you prefer not to take a hands-on role, your presence while they give themselves the shot can still make a meaningful difference. 

Simply keeping them company, offering words of encouragement, or offering a little treat (chocolate?) or surprise after each shot can transform an intimidating necessity into a shared moment of support and connection. 

Respect the decision

Friends, family, and partners should respect the donor's autonomy in this deeply personal decision. Recognize that this choice belongs solely to the person making it, and it may reflect a multitude of considerations, both practical and emotional.

Respecting this decision requires acknowledging your partner's autonomy and avoiding any attempts to influence or question her choice. Supporting her means listening without judgment, asking thoughtful questions to understand her perspective, and reassuring her of your support.

Research shows that egg donors are generally happy with their decision and the vast majority do not regret it (in one study of an egg sharing program, only 2.1% regretted their decision to participate). And anecdotally speaking, donors we work with at Cofertility are grateful for the opportunity to donate their eggs and keep half of the eggs retrieved for their own future use, for free. 

Concerns and curiosity are natural, but they must be handled with delicacy and empathy. Being there for her doesn't mean agreeing with her on every point but rather offering a safe space where she can express her feelings and thoughts freely.

Empirical studies on autonomy and healthcare decisions reinforce the importance of respecting individual choices, particularly those concerning one's body and reproductive rights. In the context of egg donation, this principle becomes paramount, reflecting the ethical, emotional, and personal dimensions of the choice at hand.

Celebrate the achievement

Egg freezing and donation can be an expression of personal values, a decision that encapsulates a woman's beliefs, or simply an achievement that deserves acknowledgment and celebration.

Celebrating this achievement can take many forms, from simple words of congratulations and admiration to more elaborate expressions of support. It might mean throwing a small celebration, writing a heartfelt letter, or finding another personal way to convey pride and gratitude.

Celebration does not necessarily mean a public declaration but rather an authentic and personal acknowledgment of the strength, courage, and compassion embodied in the decision itself. The act of recognizing and honoring this choice can create a shared moment of joy and connection, strengthening the bonds between the donor and those closest to her.

In summary

Through our work with hundreds of donors, we've learned that the path is never solitary, nor should it be. The role of friends, family, partners, and significant others in this process cannot be overstated.

From understanding the technical aspects of the process to being a comforting presence during medical appointments, offering assistance with injections, respecting personal choices, and celebrating the decision, the support system surrounding a donor becomes an integral part of the experience. These connections not only ease the logistical and emotional challenges but transform the process into a shared journey that's imbued with empathy, respect, and love.

Our commitment to supporting individuals and families remains unwavering. By fostering a robust network of support and sharing our insights, we hope to make the journey not only more approachable but also more meaningful. The dreams of creating and nurturing life are collective ones, and we at Cofertility are honored to be part of these intimate and extraordinary stories.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is so common that “nearly all sexually active men and women get the virus at some point in their lives.” With at least 150 types of HPVs that we know of, it’s no wonder that 79 million Americans have at least one type. But fear not! 

While it’s true that some STIs can lead to infertility, there’s no need to freak out in the case of HPV. HPV on its own shouldn’t affect your ability to conceive. However, because HPV is often asymptomatic (meaning there aren’t any obvious signs or symptoms), it’s also one of the least treated STIs. Most of the time, that isn’t a big deal. But depending on the type of HPV someone has, there can be an increased risk of developing cancer or precancerous cells on the cervix, which do require treatment. The treatments to remove these abnormal cervical cells can, in turn, affect fertility—this is when discussing fertility if you have HPV becomes really important so let’s talk about it.  

What is HPV and what causes it?

We’re gonna back up for a second here and explain the basics of HPV. HPV is actually an umbrella term for a group of over 200 related viral infections that affect the outer skin layers of the genitals, mouth, hands and feet. So, while transmission can happen without sexual intercourse, the vast majority of HPV infections are the result of unprotected sex.

In these cases, you can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus but it’s most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.

Because of this, if you’re sexually active at all, you can get HPV—even if you’ve had sex with only one person. You can also develop symptoms years after having sex with someone who has the infection. This is why doctors usually can’t tell you when you might have gotten it.

Types of HPV and treatments

Of the many types of HPV, only some are of actual concern and could therefore affect fertility, either due to the virus itself or the treatments used to manage it. Low-risk HPVs mostly cause no disease and typically go away on their own within 2-3 years. However, a few low-risk HPV types can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. High-risk HPVs can cause several types of cancer. There are about 14 high-risk HPV types including HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. Two of these, HPV16 and HPV18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.

As mentioned earlier, most HPV infections don’t cause cancer. Your immune system is usually able to control HPV infections so they don’t progress to cancer. However, high-risk HPV infections are more likely to persist and can eventually cause cervical cancer. In these cases, the immune system is not able to control the HPV infection and as the high-risk HPV infection lingers for many years, it can lead to abnormal cell changes that, if untreated, may worsen over time and become cancer.

If your doctor decides that they need to remove abnormal cells, they’ll use one of the following treatments:

• cryotherapy, or freezing and eliminating the abnormal tissue
• a cone biopsy (conization) to remove part of the cervix
• a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), which involves removing cells with a wire loop that has an electrical charge

We’ll talk more about how these procedures can affect your fertility later on.

How does HPV impact fertility?

While most HPV infections clear up on their own (and rarely make themselves known through noticeable symptoms), the infections that persist can have a negative impact on fertility for all genders—either due to the infection itself or the treatments used.

Fertility risks associated with HPV include:

• Damage to the cervix via HPV itself or the treatment used to remove affected tissue from the cervix
• Decreased ovarian reserve
• Damage to sperm or parts of the male reproductive system

HPV and cervical function

First and foremost, HPV can damage the cervix directly over time if left untreated. This is why it’s so important to get those annual exams and routine pap smears with HPV testing! Most of the time, testing is the only way to know for certain whether a person has HPV or not. Once HPV has persisted for a long time or is getting more severe, it’s time to remove abnormal cells with one of the procedures mentioned earlier–cryotherapy, cone biopsy, or a LEEP. These procedures can most notably affect your ability to reach full term in a future pregnancy but this depends on several factors including how large and deep the area to be treated is.

In all cases, cell removal can change your body’s cervical mucus production. The procedures may also cause stenosis, or a narrowing of the opening of the cervix. This can slow down sperm and make it harder for an egg to get fertilized. Cones and LEEPs can also cause the cervix to weaken. While this won’t cause infertility or difficulty getting pregnant, it can lead to cervical insufficiency, which can cause your cervix to painlessly open and thin before your pregnancy has made it to term, and lead to a preterm delivery.

HPV and ovarian reserve

There have been several interesting studies about HPV and ovarian function but overall the literature is a bit of a mixed bag. Overall, research has suggested that HPV infection may be associated with a higher rate of spontaneous loss or underdevelopment when undergoing IVF. One study that compared HPV positive and HPV negative people found that a decreased ovarian reserve was more common in the HPV positive over the HPV negative group. Another study looked at HPV positive and HPV negative people undergoing IVF and their response to stimulation. No significant difference was seen in the responsiveness to controlled ovarian stimulation in terms of the number and maturity of retrieved eggs or in terms of fertilization rates. Finally, a recent study published this year showed no effect on live birth rates when comparing people with and without HPV.

HPV and its effects on male partners

Several studies have shown a link between HPV and decreased fertility for male partners. In particular, sperm containing HPV has been shown to negatively contribute to both male and couple infertility. One study done in 2011 found that men who had HPV were more likely to have an impairment of certain sperm parameters, like motility. This was confirmed in another study done in 2015. On top of that, if sperm containing HPV fertilizes an egg, there may be an increased risk of early miscarriage.

Can I freeze my eggs if I have HPV?

The good news with all of this is that an HPV diagnosis alone should not affect your ability to get pregnant or to freeze your eggs. Most fertility specialists will require an up to date pap smear and HPV test as part of their evaluation and you’ll usually be allowed to continue with the freezing process as long as the HPV is low-risk, since those cases are expected to clear on their own.

If you do have a high-risk HPV, you’ll need to discuss those results with both your OB/GYN and your fertility doctor to figure out what next step is right for you. Depending on the specific HPV strain, if there are any lesions and how advanced they are, your doctor will recommend continuing with egg freezing or delaying until after treatment. 

If there are precancerous cells in the cervix, minor treatment through cryosurgery or LEEP will be necessary and this is almost always recommended before trying to get pregnant or undergoing any other fertility treatments, including egg freezing or IVF. For the most part, these procedures don’t affect reproductive potential though and most people go on to have healthy pregnancies once they’ve recovered.

Risks and benefits of egg freezing with HPV

The main risk of freezing with HPV is the concern for a lower yield and the quality of eggs retrieved. As mentioned before, some studies have shown that HPV does have an effect on ovarian reserve but others have shown little to no differences in IVF outcomes. There are also so many additional factors that affect a person’s fertility. Your provider is going to be the best person to tell you whether your case warrants clearing the HPV before moving ahead with egg freezing. The benefit of egg freezing with HPV is that you’re taking a proactive step to preserve your future fertility. Whether your HPV is low- or high-risk, whether you require treatment or not,  you’ll know you’ve safeguarded your options.

Can I donate eggs if I have HPV?

The donor egg screening process will vary somewhat from clinic to clinic but here at Cofertility, our goal is to be as clear as possible about what this involves. All potential donors will be assessed in terms of their age, AMH levels, medical and family history, psychological and physical health. Making sure your pap smear and HPV testing are up to date is included in this process. 

HPV won’t automatically disqualify you from becoming an egg donor since it’s not transmittable through your eggs. However, as mentioned before, this will depend on which HPV type, whether it’s low or high-risk, and whether there are any precancerous or cancerous lesions found during the screening process. For a full list of disqualifications for egg donation through Cofertility, click here. 

Conclusion

The takeaway from all of this at the end of the day is that preventive care is king! Protecting yourself from HPV by getting vaccinated and making sure to get your pap smears on time can not only decrease your cervical cancer risk (which is a pretty good reason all on its own) but it can also lower your risk for preventable pregnancy or fertility concerns down the road. 

While there’s still more research to be done on the effects of HPV on fertility in all genders, it can safely be said that discussing HPV and fertility with your healthcare providers should be at the top of your list. This is especially true if you have HPV and end up requiring more invasive management—your providers can help you make a plan about your fertility future before any treatments begin.

Egg freezing and HPV can be confusing individually so you’re not alone when it comes to questions and concerns around both topics and how they affect each other. Freeze by Co is here to help you every step of the way. With our Split program, people between 21 to 33 years old have the chance to freeze their eggs for free! After a “Split” cycle, you would donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family that’s trying to conceive and freeze the remaining half for yourself. 

If you’re over 34 or not interested in donating half the eggs retrieved, you can still participate in the Keep program up to age 40. You would be able to freeze your eggs and keep them all for yourself, on your timeline while having access to an additional valuable resource in our support community. Our private, online community allows you to engage with other people freezing their eggs at the exact same time! 

Regardless of which path you choose, our Freeze by Co team and medical experts will be there to guide you through the process as we work to keep your family-building options on the table.

Egg donation is an incredible way for women to help others fulfill their dreams of parenthood — but you might be wondering, what does “egg donation” actually mean? The process involves several steps, and it’s important to have a rock-solid understanding of what’s involved before moving forward with donating your eggs. 

In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of egg donation, why women choose to donate their eggs, dispel common myths about egg donation, and share more about how the Cofertility Split program is a unique approach to egg donation. 

How egg donation works

Egg donation is a medical process in which a woman provides her eggs to assist another individual or couple in conceiving a child. This process can be a beacon of hope for those struggling with infertility, same-sex couples, or individuals who cannot use their eggs for various medical reasons, like cancer survivors. 

The egg donation process, step-by-step

Screening and matching

As a first step, if you’re interested in donating your eggs, you can apply to Freeze by Co’s programs by answering a few quick questions about yourself. If you qualify, you’ll move on to the full application where you’ll provide some information about your family medical history, genetic background, and motivations for going through the process.  

Once you’ve been accepted into Freeze by Co’s Split program — where you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive — you’ll immediately join our member community, where you can connect with others at the exact same point in the process, lean on each other, and learn from one another. 

As you await your intended parent match, you’ll undergo some bloodwork at a local lab to get an idea of your potential ovarian reserve (or egg count) ahead of time. This helps give everyone the confidence that you’ll get enough eggs to share. Once you match with an intended parent, you’ll then undergo in-person medical and psych testing before moving on to legal contracts, your stimulation cycle, and retrieval. 

Donating eggs is a big deal, and not to be taken lightly on either end — so these first screening steps are incredibly important!  

Legal 

Once you’ve entered into a match with intended parents and you’ve passed your initial physical screening, you will enter into a legal agreement with the intended parents. This document will lay out all specifics regarding your and the intended parents’ rights throughout the process. Specifically, it will note that by donating your eggs, you waive all rights to those eggs and are not considered the parent of any resulting embryos or children.

This contract also provides the opportunity to put into writing your preferences around disclosure and communication, and intended parents will do the same. Ultimately, this is a vital step throughout the process — and at Cofertility, we provide members of our Split program legal counsel to ensure they are represented fairly.

Stimulation and retrieval

Once you’ve been given the green light, you’ll begin your egg donation cycle. During your 10-14 day cycle, you’ll take injectable hormone medications daily to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple egg-containing follicles. Frequent monitoring via quick blood tests and ultrasounds will ensure that your eggs are reaching peak maturity prior to retrieval. As the eggs mature, you may feel some bloating.

When the eggs reach maturity, a minor surgical procedure known as an egg retrieval is performed under sedation. A specialized needle is used to extract the eggs from your ovaries, and it’s a relatively quick procedure, and you’ll go home that day to get some rest. Your doctor will monitor you closely afterwards and check in after the procedure to ensure there are no complications. 

Your half of the eggs will be frozen and safely stored for up to 10 years for free. The other half will go to the family you matched with. 

Read more:

• Egg Freezing: How Long Can My Eggs Be Stored?
• Egg Freezing Thaw Rates

So, why would a woman donate her eggs? 

There are many reasons why someone might donate her eggs, but the main rationale we tend to hear falls into a few main categories: 

• Empathy and compassion: Many women choose to donate their eggs out of a desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood. They want to make a meaningful difference in someone's life and recognize the emotional struggles of those trying to bring children into the world, especially if they know someone first-hand who has faced family-building challenges.
• Ethical considerations: Many egg donors share a strong belief in reproductive autonomy, allowing individuals and couples to make choices about their family-building journey.
• Opportunity to freeze your eggs for free: Egg donation can also offer financial compensation to donors, though the exact amount varies by location and agency. Our Split program instead offers a unique approach, allowing women to freeze their eggs for free when they donate half the eggs retrieved to another family. 

Facts and myths about egg donation

When it comes to egg donation, there’s a ton of misinformation out there — let’s dive into some of the big myths you may come across and dissect which ones are fact vs. fiction.

Can you still have kids after donating eggs?

Yes. Donating eggs does not affect a woman's ability to have children in the future. A stimulation and retrieval cycle involves such a small fraction of a woman’s total egg supply, which the body replenishes. That said, it's essential to consider your own family-building goals with a healthcare provider before becoming a donor — which is why we offer our Split program. Those participating in the program are able to preserve a bit of their own fertility while doing something amazing for another family.

Read more in Does Donating Eggs Affect Your Fertility?

Are donor eggs your baby?

Nope. Donor eggs are *not* babies. They are half of the genetic material used for the child of the intended parent(s), with the remaining genetic material coming from the sperm provider (the intended parent or a sperm donor). A donor's contribution is solely the eggs, not the full genetic makeup of the child. And, as mentioned above, as part of the process you’ll sign a legal agreement clarifying that you do not have rights to any embryos or children resulting from these eggs. 

Will I experience psychological impact? 

Yes — but in a good way! If screened and educated properly (this is a big “if”), anyone donating eggs should have full informed consent about the donation process and everything involved. All egg donors should undergo thorough psychological assessments and have access to counseling before, during, and after the process to ensure their emotional well being.

At Freeze by Co, our model removes cash compensation from the egg donation process (rather, enabling women in our Split program to freeze half of the eggs for their own future use for free). We’ve designed the program to provide Split members with the opportunity to not only preserve some of their own fertility future, but also help another family. This way, everyone involved can feel good about the journey.

Read more in Will I Regret Donating My Eggs?

Donating eggs through Cofertility's Split program

Cofertility's Split program is a unique approach to egg donation that distinguishes itself from traditional methods rooted in cash compensation and icky practices. Our program helps provide everyone — both the person freezing and donating their eggs and the intended parent(s) — with autonomy to grow their family, whether that’s today, or maybe some time in the future. 

Members of our Split program get to keep half of the eggs retrieved, plus:

• Free storage of their own eggs in cryopreservation for up to 10 years
• Coverage of all medical costs for the egg donation process
• Connection to the Cofertility community for support all along the way and after too 
• The ability to work with the intended parents to decide together what your relationship will look like

If giving your eggs to intended parents sounds like something you would like to do, you may be able to qualify for the free egg freezing process and have your donation process covered too.

Take our quiz to see if you qualify for our Split program today! 

We believe that every donor deserves to have a positive and empowering experience, and we are committed to making that a reality. That’s why Cofertility was named one of the Best Egg Donor Programs by Egg Donor Connect.

The number of people choosing to freeze their eggs has been rising steadily for the past several years. At the same time, antidepressant use in the US has also been on the rise, especially during and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It goes without saying that given both these trends, many of the people who are freezing their eggs are also people who struggle with mental health conditions. If you’re on any medications for your mental health and you’re considering freezing or donating your eggs, you may be wondering if you’ll need to stop your antidepressant during the process. This is a common question and we’ll be answering it in today’s article so read on to find out. 

What is egg freezing?

Before we dive into the world of antidepressants, let’s briefly talk about what egg freezing even is. In a nutshell, egg freezing (aka oocyte cryopreservation) is a way to collect some of your eggs and preserve them for future use. The process takes about 10-14 days and involves taking hormone medication to stimulate your ovaries to grow mature eggs. The eggs are collected during a 30-minute outpatient procedure called an egg retrieval and then frozen until you’re ready to use them. 

Given how expensive egg freezing can get, you might be wondering why so many people are choosing to do it. There are many reasons but most of them go back to the same core issue: egg freezing is a way to keep your reproductive options open for later by preserving younger, healthier eggs for future use. 

Research has shown that many people are delaying starting their families for reasons that can be personal, professional, financial, psychological, or all of the above. In our own survey of Cofertility users, we asked over 28,000 gen Z and millennial women about their family planning and goals. The majority of responders (73%) said that building their career or going back to school is the most important thing to them right now. This was followed by traveling (53%), finding a life partner (43%) and cultivating new hobbies (32.1%). Additionally, egg freezing has received more and more media attention over the last several years which has certainly helped to increase public awareness of this intervention as a way to keep future fertility options as open as possible.

The low-down on antidepressants

Antidepressants are a group of drugs used to treat depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the 2 classes (or types) of antidepressants that are most often prescribed but atypical antidepressants are another, newer class that are also used in certain cases. Each class of antidepressant has a different mechanism for how it changes neurochemical levels in the brain to improve the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. When used correctly, they can improve mood, increase energy levels, and enhance overall functioning. Antidepressants as well as other drugs like benzodiazepines have also been found to be effective as anti-anxiety medications, though only two SSRIs are specifically FDA-approved for anxiety disorders.

Use of both antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications has been rising for over a decade in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.2% of adults aged 18 and over use antidepressant medications. Women, older adults, and non-Hispanic whites are the highest users.

Overall, during the decade between 2009 and 2018, antidepressant use increased to 14% from 11% and in all age groups, it was higher among women than it was in men. 

Based on these stats, it’s fair to ask why women are more depressed than men. The answer is complicated but women aren’t necessarily more depressed than men. While there is some evidence that fluctuating hormones and more sensitivity to internalized triggers (like relationship drama) may contribute to higher rates of depression in women, there’s also the simple fact that women are more likely to actually go see a doctor to take care of their symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to report depressive symptoms, be diagnosed, and be prescribed appropriate medication. 

Do antidepressants affect cycle outcomes?

Alright, let’s get into the reason you’re here: do antidepressants affect egg freezing or in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle outcomes? The most commonly used antidepressant (SSRIs) and anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) don’t have any clear, long-term impacts on egg quantity or quality, ovulation, or chances of conception (though SSRIs do have short-term effects on sperm). 

Studies of people using IVF to conceive suggest no effect of SSRI use on hormone levels, number of eggs retrieved, number of eggs that develop into blastocysts, number of embryos rated as “high quality,” or number of embryos transferred. So overall, antidepressants do not appear to affect cycle outcomes.

Let’s dive deeper into this. Since we know SSRIs and other antidepressants often work by changing levels of neurochemicals in the brain like serotonin, there is also the question of whether or not these medications influence reproductive hormones. Unfortunately, there are fewer studies to look at when assessing this (because most studies are done on men in order to avoid the hormonal fluctuations seen in women–lame, we know) but one study did look at almost 1,000 people with ovaries. The study found no differences in menstrual cycle characteristics as a function of SSRI use and no significant differences in pregnancy rates. Other larger studies have had similar findings and showed no differences in chances of conception between people using or not using SSRIs or benzodiazepines.

One thing to note though: there is some evidence that SSRIs increase prolactin levels and very high prolactin levels can mess with your period and prevent you from ovulating. That being said, there are other studies that have not shown this link between SSRI use and prolactin levels and even the studies that do, haven’t shown that prolactin levels are elevated to a high enough level to affect ovulation.

In the context of natural fertility, there is one sneaky, easy-to-miss way that these meds could impact chances of conception — by lowering your sex drive. Having sex less often during your fertile window could definitely lower chances of conception (the general rec is to have sex every 1-2 days in that window). However, how much an antidepressant affects sexual function will be different from person to person and will depend on the specific medication being used.

The CDC and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) consider antidepressant use to be safe during fertility treatments. Other organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) also  recommend that people do not change their SSRI or benzodiazepine use once they’re pregnant unless instructed to by their provider.

Can you donate eggs if you’re on an SSRI?

This is a pretty common question for people considering donating their eggs. Current use of SSRIs or other antidepressants is considered a “relative exclusion criteria” by the ASRM. This means that it does not automatically disqualify someone from being an egg donor, however, it will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the fertility provider or clinic. Current use of antidepressants may be totally fine with one clinic, but not with another. Many providers feel that common antidepressants are overprescribed in the face of more situational challenges, like the pandemic or other big life changes. Some antidepressant use may also point to another medical condition that would disqualify someone.

Here’s a list of rejection criteria from the ASRM that would automatically make someone ineligible to donate:

• Having been institutionalized for a mental health disorder
• A positive family history of psychiatric disorders
• Two or more first-degree relatives with substance use disorders
• A history of emotional, sexual, or physical abuse without professional treatment
• Excessive stress
• Relationship instability 

If you’re interested in what the psych screening for an egg donor entails, you can find more information about it here.

We’re here to help

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to egg donation–and the psychological aspect of the screening is only one part of a larger process to ensure we’re doing right by you and by the receiving parents. The Cofertility team is here to guide you through every single step. By donating your eggs, you’re doing something remarkable for a family in need. We know that everyone’s situation is different, so our job is to make the process feel equally remarkable for you. Whether you continue or discontinue antidepressants during your own process is going to be a decision you make after weighing the risks and benefits and talking to your fertility provider. Whatever you end up choosing for yourself, our team is here to support you through it.

If you’re considering freezing your eggs, you’re probably open to trying just about anything to make your cycle as successful as possible. You’re doing all the things: taking supplements, eating a healthy diet, and being mindful of your lifestyle choices. When it comes to acupuncture, though, you may have heard mixed advice. Can acupuncture really help improve egg freezing outcomes? Let’s find out. 

What exactly is acupuncture, anyway?

Acupuncture is a medical treatment based on the disciplines of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It’s built on the theory that there are channels that flow through the body, kind of like the circulatory system. 

When someone goes in for an acupuncture treatment, the practitioner inserts teeny-tiny, stainless steel, disposable needles into the patient’s body at specific points along those channels (typically between eight and twelve points, but sometimes up to twenty). Different points are used depending on any symptoms you might be experiencing — back aches, anxiety, acid reflux...you name it! — and practitioners view the body as totally interconnected. It is considered to be generally painless.

What does acupuncture (supposedly) do?

The goal of acupuncture is to regulate each of your systems to get them to work optimally and in harmony with each other. For example, a 2002 Fertility and Sterility study published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) indicated that receiving regular acupuncture treatments can regulate patients’ endocrine systems (where sex, mood, and sleep hormones are manufactured). 

Regulating your endocrine system via acupuncture can dial down your stress response, which may be heightened during an egg freezing cycle. But the question remains, will decreased stress translate to improvement in actual egg freezing cycle outcomes, in terms of quantity and quality of eggs?

Egg freezing and acupuncture: what the data says

Remember: beta endorphin levels regulate and balance a woman’s Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, which do impact the ability of her ovaries to grow and mature eggs. So when we see a 1998 Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine study demonstrate dramatically increased beta endorphins among those who received acupuncture vs. those who hadn’t, that’s worth noting.  

But by and large, when it comes to acupuncture and egg freezing, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. The vast majority of available studies focus primarily on IVF success measures: embryo fertilization, positive pregnancy results, and live births. While embryo fertilization is the primary indicator of egg quality, (though many other factors also contribute to fertilization), only looking at acupuncture’s relationship with IVF outcomes can be problematic, because we are viewing a limited population who already may have fertility challenges. 

Some studies have explored the potential influence of acupuncture on the number of eggs retrieved during ovarian stimulation, the egg freezing phase during which a patient takes injectable hormone medications to stimulate her ovaries to mature more eggs for retrieval and freezing. This is helpful for us to explore, but it’s important to note if those studies are only looking at a population who needs to undergo IVF to conceive, as this is different from the population of those looking to electively freeze their eggs.

All of this being said, there is some data out there that’s worth investigating. 

Stress and fertility

In some cases, we may be able to triangulate studies about acupuncture’s impact upon stress and anxiety with studies about the impact of stress upon egg retrieval outcomes. But we need to acknowledge that these are assumptions and hypotheses, taking a transitive property into account rather than studying the direct impact of acupuncture upon egg retrieval outcomes. 

Even then, when only looking at the impact of stress upon fertility and egg retrieval outcomes (largely related to egg quantity), the data is mixed:

• A 2011 British Medical Journal study noted that “pretreatment emotional distress was NOT associated with treatment outcome” (in this case, it’s important to consider that “outcome” = successful pregnancy and live birth using eggs from that treatment cycle).
• A 2009 Psychological Reports article showed a significant correlation between depression and number of eggs retrieved, with fewer eggs retrieved associated with higher instances of depression.
• A 2001 Fertility and Sterility article stated that “baseline (acute and chronic) stress affected biologic endpoints (i.e., number of oocytes retrieved and fertilized).”
• A 2015 General and Comparative Endocrinology study concluded that increased cortisol levels may cause anovulation in stressed mice.
• A 2016 Journal of Biomedical Science study showed that increased cortisol and oxidative stress levels affect our granulosa cell functions, possibly by inducing apoptosis — which results in changes to our estradiol hormones and egg growth, development, and quality.

Some more direct evidence

While there is lots of (mixed) data out there about the relationship between stress and fertility, and some data about how acupuncture reduces stress, there are a handful of studies that actually look directly at the correlation between acupuncture treatments, number of eggs retrieved, and potential egg quality conclusions based on fertilization and live birth outcomes. It’s important to remember that quantity does not necessarily translate directly to quality. Meaning, there is a chance you could have many eggs and very few (or even zero) could result in a fertilized embryo or pregnancy. The general principle is, the more eggs you retrieve, the greater chances you’ll have of having enough high quality eggs for future use. 

One of the more applicable studies is a 2023 Frontiers in Endocrinology meta-analysis, which looked at seven clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that ultimately included 516 women. Although the quality of those studies may have been questionable, this meta-analysis showed that the use of acupuncture increased the number of eggs retrieved and the antral follicle count, while improving the patients’ estradiol and FSH levels. However, there was no difference in fertilization rate or pregnancy rate. This analysis suggests that acupuncture does not improve the ultimate outcome most egg freezers care about: chances of a healthy baby down the line. 

On the flip side, a 2006 Fertility and Sterility study of 273 women in Denmark showed no statistical difference in the number of eggs retrieved between those who received acupuncture and those who did not. For what it’s worth, this study did, however, show a substantial improvement in pregnancy and live birth rates among those who received acupuncture on the day of their embryo transfer.  

What to expect at your acupuncture appointment

If you’ve decided to move forward with acupuncture, you’ll first need to find a local practitioner. At your first treatment, your acupuncturist will ask you tons of questions about your medical history, just like any Western doctor would. Then they’ll take your pulse and look at your tongue (seriously). 

Here’s what they’re looking for: patterns of disharmony, which may be missed by your regular doctor because they don’t show up as illnesses. Let’s say you have trouble sleeping and you feel anxious and your skin is dry and your hair is falling out. In Chinese medicine, that grouping of symptoms together indicates a “blood deficiency.” It wouldn’t be severe enough for your main doctor to call it anemia, but there may be enough symptoms to show some imbalance is going on in your body. With that information, your acupuncturist can determine where to insert the needles to best address your individual needs.

When it’s time for your treatment, you may be asked to undress and put on a gown or cover yourself with a sheet and lay down or face up on a table, like you’re getting ready for a facial. The practitioner will then reenter the room and begin “tapping” the needles into the points they’ve selected specifically for your needs.

The insertion of the needles doesn’t usually hurt — maybe just a pinch — but it shouldn’t stay painful because the needles are as fine as a strand of hair. If you’re not comfortable, just let your practitioner know and he/she will make an adjustment. Comfort is key. Once all the needles are in, the acupuncturist will leave the room (ideally turning on some music or relaxing white noise) and you’ll rest there on the table for about 30 minutes. You may fall asleep right away, or you may need a couple of sessions to get used to it.

To experience the full desired effects of acupuncture, some practitioners say it could take about 3 months of weekly treatments. Think of it this way: it takes about 100 days for red blood cells or sperm to mature, so according to acupuncturists, if you want acupuncture to make changes in your body’s functioning, you’ll want to give it the time it naturally needs. At the very least, you should leave your treatment feeling like you just got a really good night’s rest.

The TLDR on acupuncture and egg freezing

There’s so much more research to be done regarding the relationship between acupuncture and egg freezing outcomes. But, based on the scouring we’ve done through existing studies, there does not appear to be evidence that acupuncture could directly help your egg freezing experience. Acupuncture cannot influence structural issues, like fallopian tube blockages, for example. 

But while it may not help you retrieve more eggs or increase your chances of pregnancy down the line, it may be something you want to do purely for relaxation. You can think about it like a massage or day at the spa. 

With that in mind, the only nuisances may be appointment scheduling or dealing with insurance to see what’s covered. But, beyond that — the goal of acupuncture is to make your mind and body feel good. So, if you have the time and willingness to pay, we support that! In my case, I’m incredibly lucky; my insurance covers unlimited acupuncture visits throughout the year, including for pain or anxiety (note: I do not believe fertility is a billable reason for my acupuncture coverage). If you’re interested in pursuing acupuncture, it is definitely worth having a conversation with your acupuncture clinic and with your insurance provider. But if you can’t squeeze it in or justify the cost…please do not worry about it. You’ve got enough going on as it is.

Remember, when freezing your eggs with Freeze by Co, our team of medical experts (plus our free member community of others freezing their eggs, just like you!) will be with you every step of the way to answer questions like this and more. Our Split program even offers those ages 21-33 the chance to freeze their eggs for free! With a Split cycle, you would donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family that’s trying to conceive and freeze the remaining half for yourself. 

If you’re over 34 or not interested in donating half of the eggs retrieved, you can still participate in our Keep program up to age 40. With Keep, you can freeze your eggs and keep them all for yourself, on your timeline while having access to valuable community support. 

Regardless of which path you choose, our team is here to guide you through the process to keep your family-building options on the table.

Thinking about delaying having kids for a while? Maybe you’re focused on your career, haven't found the right partner, or just aren't ready yet. Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a way to take some pressure off that biological clock and increase your fertility options. But is it right for you?

Let’s dive into some of the factors doctors use to help people determine if they are a good candidate for egg freezing.

Who is a good candidate for egg freezing?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to who should consider egg freezing (planned fertility preservation). It depends on several factors, including your age, your ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have left), your family-building goals, and when you realistically see yourself wanting children.  Anyone thinking about egg freezing should be aware of the chances of getting pregnant using those eggs later, and understand that there's no guarantee of a baby.

One of the most important factors is your age.  The younger you are at the time of freezing, the better the quality of your eggs, and the higher your chances of a successful pregnancy later.  Those under 35 generally have the highest success rates with egg freezing.

Read more in At What Age Should I Freeze My Eggs?

In addition to age, your doctor will look at your ovarian reserve.  Tests like AMH (Anti-Müllerian hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), E2 (estradiol), and an ultrasound to see your antral follicle count will give them a picture of how many eggs you have left.  This information helps them provide guidance on how many eggs you could expect to retrieve during the freezing process and your overall chances of success.

Egg freezing might also be the right choice for those with certain medical conditions, or those with a family history of early menopause.

Because the answer is different for everyone, you’ll want to have an egg-freezing consultation with a fertility doctor. They'll help you assess the pros, cons, costs, and your individual success rates.

Who is not a good candidate for egg freezing?

Ultimately, the decision will be up to you and your fertility doctor. But there are a few factors that could lead your doctor to dissuade you from freezing your eggs. This includes:

• Over 45: The success rates of egg freezing drop significantly beyond age 45 due to decreased ovarian reserve and lower egg quality. While some clinics might offer the procedure, it's important to have realistic expectations about the low chances of pregnancy.
• Severely diminished ovarian reserve: Hormone tests and an antral follicle count provide an estimate of how many eggs are remaining. If these numbers indicate very low ovarian reserve, egg freezing is unlikely to yield enough eggs to make it worthwhile.
• Planning to conceive soon: If you plan to try for a baby within a year or two, egg freezing usually isn't necessary. The odds of conceiving naturally within that time frame are often good, especially if you are younger. Unless there are underlying medical reasons for concern, it makes more sense to try conceiving naturally first.
• No ovaries: Since egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, this procedure is not an option for those without ovaries.

Even if you fall into one of these categories, it's worth a consultation with a fertility specialist.  They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and help you explore all your options.

Why would someone need to freeze their eggs?

There are many reasons why someone might consider freezing their eggs.  One major factor is age-related fertility decline. As people age, both the quality and quantity of their eggs naturally decrease. Freezing eggs at a younger age allows for the preservation of higher-quality eggs, potentially increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy later in life.

Medical reasons also play a significant role. Conditions like cancer, endometriosis, or surgeries with the potential to affect the ovaries can lead to premature infertility. Egg freezing allows individuals to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatments that might compromise it. Egg freezing is also an option for transgender men considering gender-affirming surgery or hormone therapy. It allows them to retain the possibility of having biological children in the future.

Those with a family history of early menopause might also consider egg freezing. If you have female relatives who experienced early menopause, you could be at higher risk. Egg freezing gives you greater control over your fertility timeline.

Sometimes, egg freezing simply centers around flexibility in life planning. Some people choose to delay childbearing to pursue education, establish their careers, or find the right partner.  Egg freezing can provide peace of mind and increased options when it comes to building a family.

At what age should you freeze your eggs?

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), an optimal time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s and early 30s, while you have a higher ovarian reserve and eggs are healthier. So whether you’re 25 or 35, you can absolutely freeze your eggs!

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

The study found that younger people, unsurprisingly, have an easier time freezing the goal number of eggs in one cycle. As people aged, they needed multiple egg freezing cycles to reach that goal number. These findings bring up a common question– is it worth freezing eggs after age 35? 

Is it worth freezing your eggs after 35?

Well, it depends. The ASRM does not recommend egg freezing for people older than 38, but this isn’t a strict cutoff. Everyone’s fertility goes down at a different rate. Having your fertility hormones checked can sometimes help you and your doctor get a general idea of what your ovarian reserve is. This can better help you decide if egg freezing is right for you.

To freeze or not to freeze, that is the question

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

Why not? Well, not all the eggs that get frozen will actually be viable. It’s expected that some eggs will not survive the warming process. In addition, the chances of the eggs that do survive being successfully fertilized depends partially on how old you were when you froze them (more on this later).

This is not to sway your decision one way or another. Ultimately, only you and your doctor can decide if egg freezing is the right decision for you. But it's important to go in knowing that it’s not meant to be a done deal.

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.

Summing it up

Here are the factors to consider if you are debating if egg freezing is right for you:

• Age matters a lot. The younger you are at the time of freezing, the better the quality of your eggs, and the higher your chances of a successful pregnancy later.  Those under the age of 35 generally have the highest success rates with egg freezing. Egg freezing isn't recommended for people older than 45 due to low chances of success.
• Think about your timeline. How long do you plan to wait to have children? Egg freezing is great for a longer delay, but likely not worthwhile if you’re only thinking a year or two ahead.
• Check your eggs. Tests like AMH, FSH, and ultrasounds with follicle count can give you a picture of your ovarian reserve (aka, how many eggs you have left).
• It's not a guarantee. Even with frozen eggs, there's no promise of having a baby in the future.
• The $ factor. Egg freezing is expensive! Most insurance plans don't cover it, so be prepared for an out-of-pocket cost. Or consider our Split program where you can freeze your eggs for free when donating half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. 

Freezing your eggs is a big decision, and it's different for everyone. The best thing to do? Talk to a fertility specialist!  They'll help you understand the pros, cons, chances of success, and whether it makes sense for your particular situation.

I’ll be honest — prior to my first egg retrieval, I was a little bit nervous about the recovery process. Although everyone says it’s pretty manageable, you never know, especially when anesthesia is involved. At the time (this was in 2019), there weren’t a ton of online resources out there to help prepare myself, so I just trusted my fertility clinic and asked around. As a result, my expectations were only somewhat managed. I just didn’t know what I didn’t know. The good news is, it went smoothly and I now have a beautiful son from this cycle.

After reading this article, your experience, hopefully, will be different. Consider this your guide to egg retrieval recovery: what to expect, how to prepare, and tips and tricks to make sure your recovery process is as smooth and quick as possible. 

Preparing for an egg retrieval

You’ve already navigated your insurance to afford it (or perhaps you froze your eggs for free with Cofertility); you’ve already started injecting yourself with hormones daily…in hindsight, to me, those were actually the hardest parts, compared to the egg retrieval itself. But when you’re in the thick of it, the thought of an egg retrieval itself can feel kind of scary. Especially if it will be the first time you are under sedation.

Not only might you have concerns about sedation, pain, or recovery, but you also might have some nerves about the finality of it all: how many eggs they’ll retrieve, how many of those will be mature, how many of those might eventually fertilize down the line should you need them…it’s easy to let your mind wander. I get it. I’ve been there, too. 

Turns out, my personal retrieval experiences (yes — I did it more than once) actually felt like the best naps I’ve ever had. Honestly, the hardest part was not eating beforehand. If you can help it, see if you can get a time slot as early as possible in the day. The good news is, the retrieval itself is relatively quick (like, 15 minutes quick — though it’ll feel like you slept way longer). Once the sedation wears off, your clinic will likely provide you with some snacks and drinks to get your energy going again. If you’d like to learn more about what an egg retrieval is actually like, we’ve got a whole guide for you. 

What to buy for egg retrieval recovery

All of that being said, if you’re a big planner like I am, you might want to know what to buy in advance to make sure your egg retrieval recovery goes smoothly. Since I want you to be your most prepared self heading into your retrieval, there are a few things I’d recommend purchasing beforehand, even if recovery only takes about a day or two.

Egg retrieval recovery essential #1: heating pad

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When recovering from an egg retrieval, a good heating pad is a must. You might experience some cramping, and gentle heat will help make you feel more comfortable. We love the cute daisy pattern on this one and you can control the heat levels manually. 

Egg retrieval recovery essential #2: comfy clothes 

You probably already have your fair share of PJs, but why not give yourself an extra boost of post-retrieval joy with something new and super soft to lounge in while you get some rest? We love the lightweight jogger fit of these pants and they come in a ton of colors.  

Egg retrieval recovery essential #3: supplements and OTC medicines 

It’s a good idea to stock up on the following, just in case: 

• Fiber or stool softeners: to help you go, since you may experience some constipation or sensitivity in that area (we love this one from Natalist)
• Pain reliever (like Tylenol): for cramping
• Stool softeners: to help you go, since you might be sensitive in that area
• Anti-nausea meds (like antacids): since you might experience a bit of residual nausea afterwards

Egg retrieval recovery essential #4: water bottle

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You’ll need all the fluids you can get as you recover from your egg retrieval. We’re going to guess you already have an emotional support water bottle, but if not — now’s the time! We love this Owala version that comes in a bunch of colors. Bonus points if you fill it with something with lots of electrolytes, like coconut water. 

Egg retrieval recovery essential #5: pads

Because you may experience some residual bleeding after your retrieval (and since you can’t use tampons for at least a week), we recommend stocking up on some pads. This variety pack from August will keep you covered day and night.

Egg retrieval recovery essential #6: binge-worthy content 

Okay, so this isn’t something you necessarily need to purchase, but it’s worth downloading some mindless shows ahead of time so you won’t have to think about what to watch. 

What to expect after your egg retrieval

Now that you’ve done all your prep, you might be wondering what your recovery will actually be like. After your egg retrieval is done, you’ll wake up in your clinic’s recovery area as the nurses (and possibly an anesthesiologist) continue to monitor you. Your doctor or nurse will let you know how many eggs were retrieved, and if you’ve sufficiently woken up and are feeling mostly normal, they’ll give you permission to leave as long as you’re accompanied by someone. Note: you will not be allowed to drive yourself.

How long is egg retrieval recovery?

Some people feel completely themselves that day and technically could even go to work, but we do recommend at least a day of rest after an egg retrieval if possible. Some doctors may recommend refraining from heavy exercise for about a week (though walking or light movement is okay), and staying on pelvic rest for that same period — meaning, no tampons or sex. You may also be asked to avoid taking baths or swimming to avoid infection. 

Egg retrieval recovery side effects

In general, egg retrieval side effects might include: 

• Bloating
• Cramping
• Constipation
• Spotting

Some of the above recommended products, like heating pads and over the counter medicines can alleviate these symptoms. The most important element of egg retrieval recovery, however, is rest. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 

When to call your doctor

After your egg retrieval, you should feel totally like yourself again within a few days. That said, there are a few red flags to watch out for. If you experience any of the following symptoms, report them to your doctor right away:

• Temperature greater than 101° F
• Persistent, severe nausea and/or vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain or swelling 
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad every hour) 
• Painful or difficult urination
• Fainting or dizziness

You’ve got this

Just by reading this article, you’re already very prepared for your egg retrieval. Like I said, knowledge is power — and that’s what we’re here to give you. 

If you haven’t yet moved forward with the egg freezing process and you’re interested in learning more about how you can freeze your eggs for free with Cofertility, click here to take our quiz and get started. It just takes a minute. 

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has grown in popularity, with a 30% increase in egg-freezing cycles from 2021 to 2022 alone! While egg freezing is generally considered safe and effective, I still get a lot of great questions about it as an OBGYN.

Let's address some of the most common concerns I hear:

Does egg freezing affect future fertility?

Egg freezing does not guarantee future fertility, but it does offer a way to preserve your eggs at their current age and quality. This can be particularly beneficial for those who:

• Want to delay childbearing due to personal or career reasons.
• Are facing medical treatments that may affect fertility.
• Have a family history of early menopause.

But will egg freezing itself negatively impact your future fertility? The short answer is no, egg freezing won’t lower your egg reserve and it won’t affect your chances of getting pregnant naturally when you’re ready to do so.

Read more in Does Donating or Freezing Your Eggs Affect Your Future Fertility?

Does egg freezing increase the risk of cancer?

Current research suggests that egg freezing does not significantly increase the risk of most cancers. Overall, studies have shown that fertility treatments do not increase the risks of invasive ovarian cancer, malignant melanoma, or cancers of the endometrium, cervix, breast, thyroid, or colon.

There is limited evidence suggesting a potential, but small, increase in the risk of borderline ovarian cancer (a type of ovarian cancer with low malignant potential) associated with fertility treatments. However, this risk is minimal in absolute terms.

While the hormones used during the ovarian stimulation phase of egg freezing are similar to those used in IVF, the duration of exposure is typically shorter, further reducing any potential concerns. All that being said, more research is needed. It's important to discuss your individual risk factors and concerns with your doctor.

Are there medical risks associated with egg freezing?

Like any medical procedure, egg freezing carries some risks, primarily related to the ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval processes. 

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

Are there long-term side effects from egg freezing?

Some people do experience minor side effects from the medications and egg retrieval, but they are generally for a short period of time. These side effects can include:

• 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)

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

Are children born from frozen eggs healthy?

Yes, experts believe that babies conceived through IVF, including those born from frozen eggs, are generally just as healthy as babies conceived naturally. However, most studies have focused on IVF outcomes as a whole, rather than specifically isolating the effects of egg freezing.

One recent study, however, specifically examined the health and development of babies born after egg freezing. The findings were reassuring: there was no increased risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, or babies being too small (or too large) for their gestational age.

Additionally, the study found that children born from frozen eggs met developmental milestones at roughly the same rate as other children, with a 90% achievement rate overall. This percentage even increased as the children grew older, with 100% of six-year-olds meeting all developmental milestones.

While more research is always helpful, this study provides encouraging evidence that egg freezing is safe not just for the mother, but for the future children as well. 

Summing it up

Egg freezing is a rapidly evolving technology that offers people greater control over their reproductive choices. While it's not a guaranteed path to parenthood, it provides a valuable opportunity to preserve fertility for the future. With its growing popularity and increasing success rates, egg freezing is becoming a more mainstream option for people who want to prioritize their careers, relationships, or simply maintain their options.

While concerns about safety are natural, current research indicates that egg freezing is generally safe and does not significantly increase the risk of cancer or negatively impact the health of future children. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, but these can be minimized through careful monitoring and management by a qualified fertility specialist.

If you're considering egg freezing, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can help answer your specific questions, address any concerns, and help you make an informed decision about whether egg freezing is right for you. Remember, knowledge is power – by understanding the facts and weighing your options, you can take proactive steps to protect your fertility and shape your future on your terms.

Freeze your eggs– for free– 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.

Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, is a hormone that plays an important role in your reproductive health. As a woman, understanding your FSH levels can provide insights into your fertility potential and help you make informed decisions about family planning, including egg freezing. But what exactly is FSH, and what do your levels mean? Let's dive in and explore this essential hormone.

What is FSH and why should you care?

FSH, short for follicle-stimulating hormone, is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, a small but mighty gland nestled in your brain. Its job is to stimulate your ovaries to grow follicles, the tiny sacs that house your eggs. As these follicles mature, they release estrogen, which triggers ovulation – the release of an egg that's ready for fertilization.

Your FSH levels aren't static; they naturally fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle, peaking right before ovulation. However, consistently high FSH levels, especially at the beginning of your cycle, can be a red flag for diminished ovarian reserve.  This means your ovarian reserve may be decreasing, either in quantity or quality. While it doesn't mean you can't get pregnant, it does signal that your fertility might be declining.

Average FSH levels by age

FSH levels naturally creep up as you age. And results also depend on where you are in your menstrual cycle. For females, here are normal FSH test results by life stage:

• Before puberty: 0 to 4.0 mIU/mL (0 to 4.0 IU/L)
• During puberty: 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL (0.3 to 10.0 IU/L)
• Females who are still menstruating: 4.7 to 21.5 mIU/mL (4.5 to 21.5 IU/L)
• After menopause: 25.8 to 134.8 mIU/mL (25.8 to 134.8 IU/L)

What is a good FSH level for egg freezing?

Most clinics consider an FSH under 9 as a good number for egg freezing. Above that threshold, the response to egg freezing medication tends to decline.  

Here's a general idea of what's considered normal FSH for females on cycle day 3:

• <9: Normal FSH level, expect a good response to egg freezing medication
• 9-11: Fair FSH level, the response to medication is reduced 
• 11-20: Reduced ovarian reserve and lower changes of live birth rate
• 20+: Very poor chances of response to stimulation, egg donation is generally recommended

Remember, these are just guidelines, and results vary by lab. Your doctor will interpret your FSH levels in the context of your age, medical history, antral follicle count, and other hormone levels to assess your overall fertility picture.

What abnormal FSH results may mean

Abnormal FSH results can be a sign of various underlying conditions related to fertility and reproductive health. 

High FSH Levels (typically 10 mIU/mL+ in premenopausal people) can suggest:

• Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): This means the number of eggs in your ovaries are declining. 
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Also known as Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), this condition occurs when the ovaries stop working normally before age 40.
• Menopause: Naturally occurring decline in ovarian function leading to the end of menstruation.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): FSH levels are often higher in people with PCOS, a metabolic and hormonal disorder caused by high androgen (male sex hormone) levels. It can also cause enlarged ovaries due to an increased number of follicles on the outer edges. 
• Turner Syndrome: A genetic condition that can impact ovarian function, leading to a higher FSH.

If you get an abnormal result, your doctor will talk to you about what it could mean and if they suggest any next steps.

Testing your FSH

Getting your FSH levels checked is simple – it's just a routine blood test, typically done on the third day of your cycle. Your doctor may order additional tests, such as an antral follicle count (AFC) ultrasound or an anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test, to get a more comprehensive picture of your ovarian reserve.

Or, if you want to take a test at-home, there are a few convenient options:

• Natalist Women’s Fertility Test ($149) measures 5 hormones: estradiol, LH, FSH, TSH, and total testosterone. Get 20% off with code Cofertility20.  
• Modern Fertility Hormone Test ($179) measures 7 hormones: AMH, TSH, FSH, estradiol, prolactin, fT4, and LH

What you need to know about FSH tests: the fine print

While FSH tests are a valuable tool for understanding your fertility, there are a few important caveats to keep in mind:

• FSH levels fluctuate: Don't panic over a single high result. FSH levels naturally change throughout your menstrual cycle and as you get older. 
• FSH is not a diagnostic tool: An FSH test alone can't diagnose a specific condition like menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It's just one piece of the puzzle, and your doctor will consider other factors to make a diagnosis.
• FSH is just one indicator of fertility: While an abnormal result (high baseline FSH) tends to be very predictive of low egg quantity, a normal result does not necessarily mean that the egg quantity is good. Some people with normal levels can still experience age-related fertility decline or have low quality eggs.
• Invalid in some cases: If you're taking hormone therapies like birth control pills, FSH tests might not be accurate. Be sure to let your doctor know about any medications you're taking before the test.

The bottom line? FSH tests provide valuable information, but they're not the be-all and end-all of fertility assessment. Talk to your doctor about your results and what they mean for your individual situation.

The bottom line: knowledge is power

While FSH tests are a valuable tool for assessing ovarian reserve and determining if egg freezing could be a fit, it's important to remember that they're just one piece of the puzzle. A single FSH result doesn't define your fertility journey, and your doctor will consider various factors, including your age, medical history, AFC, and other hormone levels, to develop a comprehensive picture of your reproductive health.

If you're considering egg freezing or have concerns about your fertility, don't hesitate to consult with a fertility specialist. They can help you interpret your FSH results, discuss your options, and guide you towards the best path for achieving your family-building goals. Understanding your FSH levels is a crucial step towards taking control of your fertility and shaping your future.

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

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

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

Why people choose to freeze their eggs

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

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

At what age should you freeze your eggs?

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

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

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

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

Is it worth freezing eggs after age 35?

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

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

Egg freezing success rates by age

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

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

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

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

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

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

The right number of eggs to freeze for your age

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

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

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

Should I do multiple egg retrievals?

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

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

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

The right number of eggs to freeze to have multiple children

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

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

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

Can frozen eggs guarantee a successful pregnancy in the future?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The egg freezing process: step-by-step

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

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

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

Will egg freezing hurt my future fertility?

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

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

Is egg freezing safe?

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

Egg freezing vs embryo freezing 

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

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

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

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

Read more in Should I Freeze Eggs or Embryos?

Cost of egg freezing

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

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

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

Learn more about egg sharing

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

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

Ask us anything

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

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

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