female fertility

Deciding to freeze your eggs can do more than put you in the driver’s seat of your reproductive journey. Going through the process of retrieving and freezing your eggs can give you insights into your health, offer you peace of mind about how you’ll accomplish your goals, and allow you to create a blueprint for building the family you’ve always dreamed of.

As you and your doctor work together to ready your eggs for retrieval you’ll end up learning valuable information about the state of your fertility and what you need to know before you’re ready to take the next steps. 

You could get a heads up about certain reproductive concerns

As part of the preparation for freezing your eggs your doctor will likely do ovarian reserve testing which uses a blood test called Anti-Mullierian Hormone (AMH). Using a blood sample collected on the third day of your period your doctor will be also able to see how much estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormones are present during this key window in your reproductive cycle.

AMH levels are generally higher during your childbearing years and then they begin to decline as you head towards menopause, becoming almost nonexistant afterwards. 

You’ll get a better picture of your reproductive schedule

According to the Mayo Clinic, after you’ve decided to move forward with the process you’ll begin taking hormone injections. These hormones will have two distinct jobs—ovarian stimulation and preventing premature ovulation—which your doctor will achieve using a variety of medications. 

Your doctor will begin monitoring you and checking two very important levels:

• Estrogen (an increase means your follicles are developing)
• Progesterone (low levels will mean you haven’t ovulated yet)

Not only will you discover how your body reacts to stimulation (giving you a great deal of information about how your egg production is going) but you’ll also have an idea of when you should ovulate. Knowing exactly when the clock starts ticking—your eggs will be ready for retrieval after 10-14 days—will let you know what you can expect for this cycle. 

Your doctor will find out how many follicles you have

Speaking of follicles, these are the sacs where your eggs will stay until they have matured. Your doctor will likely use a vaginal ultrasound to check the status of your ovaries to see how many follicles have developed, indicating how many eggs you’ll likely have for retrieval. That number is going to be very important (and very exciting) for both you and your doctor. 

To give you an idea of why that number matters so much, you’ll need to know how many eggs you need to increase the potential for a live birth. A 2020 study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that a woman under the age of 35 averaged 21 eggs on their first round of egg retrieval. At that age, you would need approximately 9 eggs to ensure a 70% chance of a live birth. Once you find out how many follicles you have you might have a better idea of your pregnancy success rate when the time comes. 

There will be additional health screenings 

Another thing you’ll learn about your fertility is whether you have any diseases that you can pass onto a future child, via a genetic carrier screening test. Your doctor will also likely have you undergo an infectious disease screening—which will check for things like HIV and certain varieties of hepatitis—as part of your work up. These tests are different from genetic screenings, which looks for the potential changes in your genetic blueprint indicating heredity conditions that can be passed onto your child.  

Some people who freeze their eggs may do genetic testing ahead of time, whether because they already know that certain conditions run in their family or because they have a limited understanding of their family history. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genetic testing can even give you information about some types of cancers that could impact your reproductive system, making it another important tool in your fertility arsenal. 

Getting proactive can save you money

By being proactive about your fertility journey you not only get to make the decisions about what your future family will look like based on your terms, but you’ll also be able to get an idea of what may lie ahead for you if you decide to have a child.

Of course, freezing your eggs can be expensive. It costs an estimated $10,000-20,000 per cycle. Fortunately, there are egg freezing programs like Freeze by Co that can help you navigate financial pain points that may make planning for that future family a little bit harder by offsetting some of the costs associated with freezing your eggs. Freeze by Co offers members two different options for freezing their eggs. Split Members may qualify to freeze their eggs for free when they donate half of their eggs to other families looking to conceive.

There are even benefits for those who want to use the Freeze by Co’s Keep program. As the name indicates, Keep Members keep all of the eggs collected during retrieval while still benefiting from discounted costs in the way of less expensive medications and more. 

Egg donor agencies are all about matching families with qualified egg donor candidates. And at Cofertility, we want to make sure we’re upfront about what might disqualify someone from egg donation. 

Through our Split program, if you qualify, you can freeze your eggs for free if you donate half of the eggs to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. But some factors may limit eligibility (for Split and egg donation in general). Some of these are official disqualifiers based on regulations by the FDA. Others are discretionary disqualifications based on recommendations by governing bodies like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).  Read on to get the full picture.

Age

Unfortunately, most doctors and agencies will turn a donor away if she’s over age 33. At Cofertility, we take a similar approach for our Split program. 

The reason for this age limitation is because data shows that, on average, those over 33 tend not to respond to fertility medication as well and therefore may not produce as many eggs. Also, research shows that, unfortunately, egg quality declines with age. 

If you are 34-39, you are still eligible to participate in our Keep program, where you can freeze your eggs and keep 100% of them for yourself. Also, if you are over 33 and donating for a family member or friend, a doctor may approve you for egg donation on a case-by-case basis. 

Please note, per ASRM guidelines, we also do not accept Split members who are under 21. If you’re younger than this and you’d like to participate, please reach out and we’ll get back in touch after you turn 21. 

Health-related factors 

As a preliminary step in the process, we will review several health-related factors before you can be approved for egg donation. 

For starters, you’ll need to have two ovaries and you cannot have taken a Depo Provera shot, which can interfere with hormonal medications, within the past 6 months. 

Due to these hormonal medications you’ll need to take during egg freezing, you also cannot be currently pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you plan to stop breastfeeding within the next six months, you can still go through with your Split application. You’d just need to hold off on your actual freezing cycle until then, and this situation would be communicated to potential match families. 

Additionally, you’ll need to have a BMI of 18-29. Those outside of this range are at increased risk of complications, negative outcomes, and negative side effects from hormonal medications or an egg retrieval. 

You will not qualify if you’ve had a sexually transmitted disease within the past 12 months (but can apply after 12 months of treatment). You also will be disqualified if you’ve been refused as a blood donor due to other infectious disease or medical conditions. Same goes if you’ve ever had a blood transfusion. 

Medical and family history

Agencies will also review your and your family’s medical history. Unfortunately, this means that if you are adopted and cannot confirm your biological family’s medical history, you will not qualify. 

Though not an exhaustive list of every condition that may disqualify a member, when reviewing your personal and family medical history, agencies look for personal and/or family history of:

• Cancer
• Heart/blood disease
• Neurological diseases 
• Mental health disorders
• Genetic disease
• Fertility issues
• Reproductive disease
• Autoimmune disease
• Respiratory disease
• Metabolic disease
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Kidney disease
• Birth defects

We review your personal and family medical history as a whole with our medical advisors. When reviewing, we consider the severity of the disease/conditions, number of relatives with the disease/condition, age of diagnosis, as well as that relative’s relation to you.

Psychological screening

Following this, there will be some psychological questions you’ll have to answer. We don’t expect you to be perfect. But some psychological factors may be more likely to disqualify you than others. 

For example, a history of physical, sexual or substance abuse or having family members with psychiatric disorders that could be passed down, may make it more difficult to be approved than, for example, having had some mild depression or anxiety. Per ASRM guidance, agencies - including our own - will, however, exclude those with a personal or first-degree (parents, siblings, offspring) family history of: 

• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Severe depression
• History of alcoholism or drug abuse

Physical screening

In addition to genetic screening, you will have to undergo a physical screening to ensure you are physically healthy and producing a good number of eggs. 

Some disqualifications are set in stone by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They, understandably, want to ensure that egg donor tissue doesn't spread contagious diseases. If evidence of any of these conditions arises, you will be considered ineligible for the Split program. These are considered to be non-negotiable: 

• HIV
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Human transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
• Treponema pallidum

The following could also be deal breakers: 

• Issues with your ovaries, such as only having one ovary
• Hormone levels outside of recommended limits with concerns about your ability to produce sufficient eggs
• Any issues that would make the egg freezing and donation process risky for your health
• Evidence that you are at high risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease or could already have one. Doctors will look for discharge or ulcerative lesions for this purpose
• Indicators of possible drug use (needle tracks, for example) or exposure to needles in non-sterile conditions—including recent piercings or tattoos within the past 12 months

Anti-Mullerian hormone (ovarian reserve) levels

As you likely know, women have a set egg quantity present at birth. Your eggs mature in ovarian follicles, and each of these follicles produces the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Over time, this hormone level drops, and eventually, women naturally develop what's known as a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

Your AMH level can help predict how well medication may work to stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs. It also tells doctors what dosage of drugs may be needed to do so. The higher the AMH level, the more eggs generally produced. 

At Cofertility, if you appear to have low ovarian reserve at the time of screening, you will be ineligible for our Split program. We only accept Split Members with a higher AMH level as it helps mitigate the possibility of a second cycle to obtain enough eggs that could result in a live birth down the line (for yourself and for intended parents). Nevertheless, it is important to note that, even with high AMH levels, there is always a chance of having to do another cycle to improve the odds of a live birth. In the Split Program, once you are matched with intended parents, you’ll undergo your physical screening, which will include AMH-reading bloodwork. 

If you’d rather get a sense of your AMH ahead of matching, talk to us about helping you set up an initial egg freezing consultation at a local fertility clinic. While it’s not required until this later phase of the screening process, it can help you better understand your fertility outlook. We may offer discounted consult options in your area, and this could give you upfront peace of mind about your choice to pursue Split, Keep, or neither.  

Genetic screening

As part of the evaluation process, you will also be required to do genetic testing via blood test or saliva sample. This helps ensure that embryos resulting from your eggs will lead to a viable pregnancy and that a child won't be born with severe disease. 

But even for serious diseases, not all disease-related genes are deal breakers. For example, if your tests reveal that you have a copy of a gene that can lead to cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, or thalassemia, this may disqualify you depending on the clinic. Even if two copies of the gene are needed in order for the condition to occur, clinics and agencies handle this differently.

In line with ASRM guidance, in most cases where carrying one copy of a particular gene won't impact the child themselves, you can still donate. 

Agencies often screen for Fragile X syndrome. However, since this is an X-linked condition, just one copy of the gene can cause health issues. While most agencies will disqualify you if the X-linked health issues are severe, they may allow you to participate if you carry genes for milder conditions, such as red-green color blindness. Note that agencies will still inform potential parents that you carry this gene. 

State-specific qualifications

Some states do maintain their own specific requirements for women who are donating eggs. These requirements will extend to those in our Split program and would be determined by the location of the clinic at which you would be conducting the retrieval. 

Any state-specific egg donation qualifications will be evaluated at the time of your physical examination. 

Additional disqualifying factors

In addition to the above, there are several factors that, unfortunately, would disqualify you from our Split program (and in many cases, per ASRM and/or FDA guidance, egg donation in general). These include if you:

• Are not a U.S. citizen
• Have served jail time for more than two days
• Have undergone body piercing and/or tattooing within the past twelve months in which sterile procedures may not have been used
• Have the highest education level of GED
• Have Indigenous American ancestry and are associated with a tribe—this is due to the Indian Welfare Act 

If one or more of the above applies to you and you’d still like to participate in our Split program, reach out to us. We’d be happy to chat with you about your fertility options, including your ability to re-apply in the future. 

The net net

We know this sounds like a lot, but these disqualifiers are in place to respect the health and wellbeing of our Split members and intended parents. If you have any questions about Split—including the factors outlined here—don’t hesitate to connect with us. 

You have tons to offer, and whether you qualify for the Split program is in no way reflective of your value. The most important thing is that you feel one hundred percent comfortable in any decision you make. This is a big one, and we’re with you every step of the way.

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

What is endometriosis?

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

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

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

Signs of endometriosis

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

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

How endometriosis can affect fertility

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

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

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

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

If you are interested in freezing your eggs, we can connect you with a fertility specialist for a consultation to discuss your specific situation. Our Freeze by Co is making egg freezing more empowering, positive, and accessible — even free — when you give half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. 

What your doctor might recommend

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

You probably never saw yourself using the words cervical mucus, much less pulling down your pants and checking to see if you’ve got any. But here you are. You’re trying to conceive, and your best friend told you that you’ve absolutely got to start checking it out if you want to figure out the best time for baby-making sex.

It might sound like an old wives tale that refuses to die, but it turns out tracking cervical mucus really can help some women get a better handle on their cycle. Here’s why you might want to start paying attention.

What's cervical mucus, anyway?

If it sounds like the stuff that comes out of your nose when you’ve got a bad cold, you’re halfway right…only this isn’t snot, and needless to say it’s not coming out of your nose.

Your cervix is located at the lower part of your uterus, says David Diaz, MD, reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif.

Dr. Diaz describes the cervix as a sort of bridge between the vagina and the uterus, and as an entry portal for sperm when a heterosexual couple has sex during the female partner’s most fertile time of the month—when she’s ovulating.  

Now comes the mucus part.

The cervical canal, which Dr. Diaz describes as, “a tunnel passing through the cervix,” is lined with glands that excrete a clear, slippery mucus during ovulation. The mucus actually helps sperm make its journey toward the egg for fertilization. Aren’t our bodies amazing?

Because the mucus is only set up for aiding sperm during ovulation, its consistency changes throughout your cycle. So just like the arrival (and blessed departure) of your period can tell you that you’re absolutely not ovulating, the arrival of the right kind of mucus can tell you when you are. Which leads us to…

Checking your mucus

Some folks ovulate like clockwork, and they don’t need no stinking mucus to tell them they’re fertile. But if you’re not one of those lucky ladies, you may not need to run to the doctor to find out if you’re ovulating. You can try to do a check on your own to see if your glands are pumping out that slippery liquid.

Dr. Diaz suggests inserting two fingers into the vagina and feeling for something wet and slippery. Pull them out, and take a look at your fingertips:

• Totally dry to just slightly damp: This is typical of the days right after your period ends, when fertility is at its lowest for most women.

• Mucus that’s slightly thick and sticky and either yellowish or whitish: Although you’re still not ovulating, this indicates your body is either preparing for ovulation or has just finished.

• Mucus that’s almost totally clear and stretchy: If the mucus has the consistency of egg whites and can stretch a few inches between your fingers, your ovulation window has arrived! It’s time for frequent sex, Dr. Diaz says.

Do you really have to?

So all this is well and good, but do you really need to stick your fingers into your vagina and feel around for mucus to help you get pregnant?

Well, that’s up to you, but consider this: When scientists at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City monitored more than 300 women on their fertility journey for a 2014 study, the women who opted to check their cervical mucus regularly were found to have a statistically significant increased chance of conceiving over women who didn’t bother to check. And theirs was far from the first study to find a solid link between tracking cervical mucus and conception! The science on cervical mucus is pretty well-regarded by the experts.

So, if you’re having trouble nailing that ovulation window but don’t yet want to take the plunge into ovulation test kits, this could be just the thing you need.

Maybe you’re ready to start trying to conceive, or perhaps you’re just done with taking hormonal birth control. Regardless of the reason, this can be a super big change leaving you wondering what the heck happens next, especially if you've been on it for a while. Will your skin break out like crazy? Will your cycle get wonky? Rest assured, we're here to answer all your questions about going off birth control.

How birth control works

The type of birth control you're quitting will dictate the type of things to expect when going off it. To understand the potential effects, it helps to understand exactly how the different methods work.

A hormonal method, like the pill, Depo shot, hormone patch, uses hormones to trick the body into not ovulating.

A copper or hormonal IUD makes changes to the cervical mucus and the uterine lining that prevent pregnancy.

A barrier method—think condom or diaphragm—blocks the sperm from meeting the egg and really doesn't affect the human body before or after its use.

Why someone might go off of birth control

There are a few different reasons you may go off birth control:

• Ready for pregnancy. If you're ready to start trying to have a baby, you obviously have no need for that IUD or NuvaRing any more.
• Health risks. We are all for birth control when it’s needed. It’s a beautiful thing! But people taking hormonal birth control are at a slightly higher risk for blood clots, migraine, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. It’s important to keep in mind that in the absence of underlying risk factors (ie. older age, high BMI), most of these complications are exceedingly rare. For example, the risk of having a blood clot on birth control for a healthy, young, non-smoker is significantly lower than the risk of a blood clot during pregnancy. 
• Abstinence. Hey, if you're not having sex, then you really don't need birth control. You probably want to have a plan in case you start back up though.

Whatever the reason, talk it over with your doctor if you're taking prescription birth control. You could get pregnant as soon as you go off it, says Lilli Dash Zimmerman, MD, Fertility Specialist at Columbia University Fertility Center. So you should truly be prepared for that possibility. Some patients go off hormonal methods a few months before they want to try, and that's fine, but you'll want to use a barrier method, like a condom, until it's go time, she says.

Birth control side effects, nasties and other things to expect

It's common for people to experience acne, heavier periods, or irregular periods when they stop hormonal birth control, but those aren't exactly side effects from ditching the pill or patch. Rather, they're much more likely to be things that you experienced before you started birth control, that the medication was actually suppressing, says Zimmerman.

Remember: If you're on a hormonal birth control method, you're not actually getting a period, since you're not ovulating. Instead, any bleeding you get every month is not a true period—it's a withdrawal bleed that happens when you take a week of placebo pills.

"I see a lot of patients that say, 'Oh, well, I've been regular for the past 20 years on birth control pills. Then I came off and only for the past year, I've been having irregular periods,'" says Zimmerman. "Well, their birth control may have been hiding issues with anovulation or irregular cycles because they've been on birth control pills for so long."

Do I have to get off hormonal birth control for egg freezing?

Yes, you will need to stop taking the pill or remove the patch before freezing your eggs. That’s because hormonal birth control is intended to prevent ovulation, but during freezing you want to do exactly the opposite. If you’re on the pill or use the patch, some doctors will have you stop during your egg freezing cycle, and some may have you stop for the month leading up to the retrieval. 

If you have an IUD, you can keep it in. Although if you’ve been meaning to take it out, ask the doctor if they can do it during your procedure. 

Do I have to get off hormonal birth control to become an egg donor?

At Cofertility, our donors freeze their eggs for free when they give half to a family who can't otherwise conceive. This means the egg donation procedure is the same as the egg freezing procedure. As stated above, you will need to get off the pill but an IUD is fine.

Trying to conceive after going off birth control 

Now, we bet you're wondering just how quickly you can become pregnant after going off birth control and the answer is it depends on the type of birth control you've been using.

If it was a barrier method, you can start baby making right away, since the only thing preventing sperm from meeting egg was that physical barrier you've removed.

With a hormonal method, it depends—and it can be tough to predict. Some people's bodies need time to adjust to life without the birth control hormones and so they don't ovulate for about the first one to three months. When it comes to the Depo-provera injection, it is given once every three months, so the hormones stay in the body for about three months. Therefore, it is very unlikely to become pregnant until at least three months after your last injection.

As for the progesterone containing and non-hormonal copper IUD, these methods are immediately reversible. 

The best thing you can do, once you're off birth control, is to track your period to ensure you are ovulating regularly. There are several different apps that allow you to log Aunt Flo's visits. You'll probably want to invest in an ovulation predictor kit, too. This is a pee-on-a-stick test that helps you pinpoint when you're ovulating, which is the time each month you can get pregnant.

Be prepared

For some people, the conception process happens fast. "We see a lot of pregnancies within that first month of coming off birth control," Zimmerman says.

But we know first-hand that others may be in it for the long haul. If your periods are irregular, you don't get them, or you just...have a bad feeling, go with your gut and chat with an OB/GYN or a reproductive endocrinologist. We're rooting for you!

If your doctor told you that you have uterine fibroids—or even if you just think you might have them—you’re probably wondering if they’re going to mess with your chances of getting pregnant down the line, or if they’ll impact your ability to freeze your eggs. 

The good news is that fibroids are pretty common. The better news is that in most cases, they’re no problem at all. Here’s the 411 on fibroids and egg freezing.

What causes fibroids?

Fibroids are technically tumors, but they aren’t cancerous and shouldn’t increase your risk of uterine cancer, according to the Office on Women’s Health. Yay, right? Slightly less yay: there’s no clear answer about why these growths appear, but doctors do think there’s a genetic component. 

“Fibroids develop when one cell starts to divide and grow,” explains Dr. Anthony Propst, reproductive endocrinologist at Texas Fertility Center. According to Dr. Propst, they can be as small as a marble or as big as a volleyball. (Yup, you read that right. A volleyball—yikes.)

Dr. Propst says that 50% (!!!) of reproductive-age women have one or more fibroids, and that they’re more common among African American women. A 2013 study in the Journal of Women’s Health showed that African American women were more likely to experience severe fibroid symptoms (like heavy periods) and more likely to report that fibroids affect their physical activities.

What symptoms will I have?

Infertility is one symptom of fibroids, says Dr. Propst, but if you haven’t been trying to conceive yet then you may be totally in the dark about these little suckers. If that’s the case, here are some other symptoms to look out for:

• Heavy bleeding during menstruation
• Prolonged and/or painful periods
• Pelvic pain or pressure 
• Lower back pain
• Painful sex

UCLA Health reports that about one-third of fibroids are large enough to be detected by your OB/GYN during a physical, so don’t blow off those annual exams, ladies. 

How do I know if I have fibroids?

An ultrasound is the best way to tell if you have uterine fibroids. It will also reveal their location and size. Depending on your doctor, this may be an abdominal ultrasound or a transvaginal one. If you haven’t had one of those yet, we know it might sound intimidating, but trust us, it’ll be super helpful in getting a really good look around. 

So, can and should I freeze my eggs if I have fibroids?

Yes, you can freeze your eggs if you have fibroids. In fact, some people opt to freeze their eggs before certain fibroid treatments. 

However, some fibroids can make it difficult to access the ovaries during the egg retrieval. If you are interested in freezing with Freeze by Co, we will set you up with a fertility doctor for a consultation where they can give you more personalized advice.

Will fibroids affect my fertility?

Fibroids can affect fertility now or in the future. Approximately 5% – 10% of infertile women have fibroids, but most women with fibroids will not be infertile. According to Dr. Mark Trolice, infertility specialist at Fertility CARE: The IVF Center in Florida, it’s not the size of fibroids but the location that determines their overall effect on fertility.

“Unless the uterine cavity is affected by fibroids, we leave them alone,” he says. “But if there’s a distortion of the cavity—like if the fibroid is growing there, or is pushing into the cavity—then surgery is recommended,” since that might affect fertility.

Dr. Propst adds that fibroids growing within the muscle of the uterus (also called intramural fibroids) can impact your pregnancy chances, because fibroids within the womb can prevent implantation of an embryo. 

Can fibroids affect egg quality?

Fibroids can affect whether sperm and egg meet (by blocking the pathway) and if the embryo has room to implant in the uterus. Fibroids can also affect the growth and positioning of the baby if you do get pregnant. But there’s not much known about if fibroids can impact egg quality, and it’s likely that there’s no correlation. 

Do I need to do something about my fibroids?

Once more, for the people in the back: it depends on where they’re located. 

“With those intramural fibroids, the bigger they get, the more likely they are to affect fertility,” says Dr. Propst, who recommends surgery in those cases. So if your fibroid is large and located in the uterine muscle, you’re gonna have to problem-solve.

According to the Mayo Clinic, surgery for fibroids could include: 

• A noninvasive ultrasound procedure (done inside an MRI scanner)
• A minimally invasive procedure, like a laparoscopy or myomectomy (you’ll go home the same day)
• A traditional abdominal surgery (you’ll have to stay overnight...but get to eat lots of Jell-O)
• A hysterectomy (not good, but don’t panic...this is a worst-case scenario)

Whether or not to undergo fibroid surgery is a decision you’ll have to make with your doctor, but there are pluses and minuses, so make sure you’re well-informed. 

You may not be thrilled about surgery (especially if your fibroids aren’t causing symptoms), but Dr. Trolice says that there are risks of pregnancy complications with fibroids, especially larger ones, and a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology backs this up: it suggests that the size, number, location, and type of fibroid can contribute to higher rates of preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and postpartum blood loss and hemorrhage.

What’s the bottom line with fibroids and fertility? Location, location, location. You might never know you have them, and even if you do, you might never need to do anything about them—unless they’re in a spot where they could interfere with a future pregnancy, in which case you’ll have a few mostly-not-terrible surgery options to choose from. 

So can you freeze your eggs if you have fibroids? Yes, you can still pursue egg freezing. And we’re here to help you freeze your eggs more affordably or, if you qualify, freeze for free when you give half to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. Plus, our inclusive online spaces allow you to connect with others going through the process. Learn more!

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

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

Your body on PCOS

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

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

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

How PCOS could impact your fertility

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

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

So can I freeze my eggs if I have PCOS?

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

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

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

What your doctor might recommend for managing PCOS

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

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

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

Summing it up

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

Choosing the right birth control method is about understanding your options and finding what works best for your body, lifestyle, and future plans. While effectiveness is a key factor, it's just one part of the decision. Other considerations include ease of use, potential side effects, cost, and whether you want protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This guide breaks down 13 birth control methods, ranked by their effectiveness at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. For each option, we'll explore how it works, possible side effects, and key factors to consider. Remember that what works well for one person may not be ideal for another and the considerations mentioned aren’t exhaustive, so consulting with your OBGYN is always recommended.

Implant (99%+ effective)

What it is: The birth control implant (Nexplanon) is a small, flexible rod about the size of a matchstick that's inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It releases progestin, a hormone that prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: Up to 3 years‍

Considerations: Can cause irregular bleeding patterns (longer or shorter periods, spotting, or no bleeding at all). It’s reversible, and fertility returns quickly after removal. The implant can be felt under the skin.

Hormonal IUD (99%+ effective)

What it is: Hormonal intrauterine devices (Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, Liletta) are small T-shaped devices placed in the uterus. They release small amounts of progestin locally, which thickens cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining, and often even suppresses ovulation, making pregnancy extremely unlikely. Certain brands, like Mirena and Liletta, can serve as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: 3-8 years‍

Considerations: Hormonal IUDs often lighten or even stop menstrual cycles over time, so they can be beneficial for people who have painful or heavy periods. They tend to be well-tolerated among all ages and can be preferred to the Copper IUD in people who haven’t given birth or have a smaller uterus, as these devices are generally smaller.

Copper IUD (99%+ effective)

What it is: A non-hormonal T-shaped device (Paragard) that uses copper's natural sperm-fighting properties to prevent pregnancy. It can also serve as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: Up to 10 years‍

Considerations: This is a good option for people who prefer or need to avoid hormonal birth control. Due to its larger size, though, it can be more challenging and/or painful to insert in people who haven’t given birth. It can also cause heavier, more painful, or longer periods.

Birth control shot (94% effective with typical use)

What it is: An injection of progestin (Depo-Provera) given every three months. It works by preventing ovulation and thinning the uterine lining, so there’s less chance an egg will attach to it.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: 3 months per shot‍

Considerations:  Low-maintenance and minimizes user error. Can cause irregular bleeding and is associated with delayed return of ovulation and/or menses after stopping. Long-term use may lead to reversible bone density loss.

Birth control pills (93% effective with typical use)

What it is: Daily pills that come in two main types: combination pills (containing estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills (mini-pills). They prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: Daily pill‍

Considerations: Many people prefer the pill as it’s non-invasive and can help control your cycle (i.e. skipping menstruation). Missing or taking pills at inconsistent times reduces protection, so consistent, daily use is important. Estrogen-containing pills should be avoided in people with certain health conditions, including history of blood clots, stroke, high blood pressure, migraine with aura, and people who smoke cigarettes.

Birth control patch (92% effective with typical use)

What it is: A thin patch (Xulane, Twirla, Zafemy) worn on the skin that releases estrogen and progestin. It's changed weekly for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: Weekly replacement needed‍

Considerations: Some brands could be less effective for individuals weighing over 198 lb. Also can cause skin irritation at the site of the patch. Shares the same estrogen-related risks as the pill and vaginal ring.

Vaginal ring (91% effective with typical use)

What it is: A flexible ring (NuvaRing, Annovera, EluRyng) inserted into the vagina that releases estrogen and progestin. It's worn for three weeks, followed by a ring-free week for menstruation.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: 3 weeks‍

Considerations: Requires consistent timing for removal and insertion to be most effective. Shares the same estrogen-related risks as the patch and pills.

Male (External) condoms (87% effective with typical use)

What it is: A thin sheath worn over the penis during sexual activity, creating a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg.‍

Protection against STIs: Some but not all (herpes, genital warts, syphilis, and mpox can be spread from skin-to-skin contact).‍

Duration: Single use‍

Considerations: Available without a prescription. Latex condoms are most common, but options are available for people who have a latex allergy or sensitivity. Must be applied correctly every time, stored properly, and be unexpired to be effective. Latex condoms can be broken down by oil-based lubricants, making them more likely to tear or rupture during use. 

Diaphragm (87% effective with typical use)

What it is: A shallow silicone cup inserted into the vagina before sex. Must be used with spermicide and left in place for at least 6 hours after sex.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: No more than 24 hours‍

Considerations: Insertion and removal can be challenging. Increase risk of UTIs, especially when used with spermicide. Should be replaced every 1-2 years, or sooner if there are changes such as pregnancy or weight fluctuations.

Internal condoms (79% effective with typical use)

What it is: A polyurethane pouch inserted into the vagina before sex, creating a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg.‍

Protection against STIs: Some but not all.‍

Duration: Single use‍

Considerations: May be more expensive and less widely available than male/external condoms. Should not be used with external condoms due to friction and breakage risk.

Spermicide (72% effective with typical use)

What it is: A chemical product that comes in various forms (foam, film, gel) and works by killing or immobilizing sperm and blocking the cervix.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: Needs to be applied shortly before each act of intercourse‍

Considerations: May cause vaginal irritation. Frequent use of certain spermicides (containing an ingredient called nonoxynol-9) could actually increase risk of transmitting HIV. Less effective if used more than an hour before sex or not reapplied with repeated intercourse.

Fertility awareness methods (77-98% effective with perfect use)

What it is: Tracking fertility signs like basal body temperature and cervical mucus to avoid pregnancy during fertile days.‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: Ongoing daily tracking required‍

Considerations: Less effective with irregular ovulation and/or menstrual cycles. Things like stress, illness, and travel can impact ovulation and therefore effectiveness. 

Withdrawal method (78% effective with typical use)

What it is: Removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation, also known as "pulling out."‍

Protection against STIs: No‍

Duration: Used during each act of intercourse‍

Considerations: Pre-ejaculate can still contain sperm. Free and always accessible. 

Making your choice

The effectiveness rates listed above refer to perfect use conditions. In real life, many factors can affect how well a method works, including user error, medication interactions, and timing. When choosing a birth control method, consider your lifestyle, health history, and comfort level with different options.

Consider talking with your OBGYN about:

• Your overall health and any medical conditions
• Current medications that might interact with certain methods
• Your menstrual cycle and any related concerns
• Your ability to follow the method's specific requirements
• Whether you need protection against STIs
• Your plans for future pregnancies
• Cost and insurance coverage

Remember that you can always switch methods if your first choice doesn't work well for you, and many people try several options before finding their ideal match. The best birth control method is one that you'll use consistently and correctly, fits your lifestyle, and helps you feel confident about your reproductive health.

Birth control pills have been a revolutionary advancement in reproductive health, giving millions of women control over family planning. I, myself, was on birth control for at least 15 years, originally starting as it helped alleviate debilitating cramping I experienced around my period.

When my husband and I were ready to start trying for a baby, I remember the rush of excitement I felt when I threw out my pack of birth control pills—like I was living on the edge and could get pregnant at any moment.  But I did have a nagging feeling in the back of my mind as I wondered how soon I could get pregnant after stopping birth control. Could my years of birth control use negatively affect my fertility? 

The good news is that scientific research overwhelmingly shows that no, birth control does not cause infertility. In this article, we’ll break down how birth control works, what happens when you stop using it, and what factors actually *do* influence fertility. 

How birth control works

Birth control methods vary widely in form and function, but the most common types include:

• Combination birth control pills: Contain synthetic estrogen and progestin, preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to block sperm.
• Progestin-only pills (mini-pills): Prevent pregnancy primarily by thickening cervical mucus and sometimes suppressing ovulation.
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs): Include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, which provide extended protection without requiring daily adherence.
• Injectable contraception (Depo-Provera):  A progestin shot given every three months to prevent ovulation.
• Other hormonal methods: Such as patches, vaginal rings, and hormonal IUDs, all of which work through hormonal suppression of ovulation and sperm-blocking mechanisms.

These methods are designed to be fully reversible, meaning fertility should return once you stop using them. Your body may need a few months to regulate after stopping your birth control, but if your irregularity continues, consult your OBGYN. More on that below. 

Can being on birth control for years impact fertility? The answer is no

A common myth is that long-term use of birth control can lead to infertility. However, multiple studies have shown that birth control does not have a lasting impact on a woman’s ability to conceive.

A study published in Human Reproduction found that previous use of oral contraceptives did not impair fertility. Another recent comprehensive review in the British Medical Journal confirmed that conception rates among women who had used birth control were comparable to those who had never used it.

Ask any OBGYN, and they will tell you the same thing: birth control is safe, effective, and will not negatively impact your long-term fertility.

Return to fertility after discontinuing birth control

Many people worry: is it hard to get pregnant after years of birth control pills? 

The answer is no. However, while birth control does not directly impact your fertility, taking it might mask other cycle irregularities or symptoms you’d otherwise experience that may impact your ability to conceive. 

Depending on the type of birth control used, the potential time to get pregnant after stopping birth control may vary. If you take birth control pills or have an IUD (hormonal or copper), your fertility *should* (key word here) return anywhere between immediately and within a few weeks. If you have an implant, like Nexplanon®, ovulation usually resumes within one to three months after removal. Depo-Provera® users experience the longest delay, with some women taking up to 18 months for ovulation to return. However, eventual fertility rates remain unchanged.

All of this being said, a systematic review found that regardless of the contraceptive method, pregnancy rates after discontinuation were comparable to those who had never used contraception. 

Read more in I’m Going Off Birth Control. Now What?

Stopping birth control? Pregnancy is a risk

If you’re discontinuing birth control but are not trying to conceive, it’s important to use alternative contraceptive methods. Ovulation can return sooner than expected, even within days of stopping the pill or removing an IUD. To prevent unintended pregnancy, consider using barrier methods like condoms or exploring non-hormonal options until you are ready for a planned pregnancy.

Factors that actually impact fertility

While birth control does not cause infertility, several other factors can significantly affect your ability to conceive:

• Age: Female fertility declines with age, particularly after 35, due to a decrease in egg quantity and quality. 
• Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and thyroid disorders can affect fertility.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and chronic stress can all impact reproductive health.
• Male fertility: Sperm health is equally important; issues like low sperm count or motility can affect conception rates.

If you’re concerned about fertility, speaking with your OBGYN or a reproductive endocrinologist (REI) can provide personalized guidance based on your health and family planning goals.

Preserving your fertility with egg freezing

Even if you’re unsure whether you want children in the future, freezing your eggs can help keep your options open. Advances in egg freezing have made it a viable choice for many women. However, due to cost, it’s still relatively inaccessible to many. 

At Cofertility, we can help you freeze your eggs for free when you donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive. This approach, known as our Split program, allows women to preserve their fertility while helping others grow their family — like gay dads, those with infertility, and cancer survivors. Take our quiz to see if you qualify for free egg freezing today.

Summing it up

The belief that birth control negatively impacts long-term fertility is a myth. Research consistently shows that—for most women—fertility returns soon after discontinuing contraceptive methods, and birth control use does not make it harder to conceive in the future.

However, factors like age, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices play a significant role in fertility outcomes. If you’re thinking about your reproductive future, egg freezing with Cofertility could be a valuable option. Whether or not you’re ready to have children, taking steps to preserve your fertility today can provide some peace of mind for the future.

For many women of faith, the decision to freeze eggs involves the consideration of both medical and religious factors. While family-building is deeply valued in most religious traditions, the path to parenthood isn't always straightforward. Modern fertility treatments like egg freezing can raise discussions about how to balance religious teachings with personal reproductive choices.

This article examines how the major religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - approach egg freezing, drawing from recent research on religious women's experiences with the procedure. We'll explore official religious positions, common concerns among religious women considering egg freezing, and how different faith communities are navigating and responding to this technology.

Religious perspectives on egg freezing

Recent studies show that, in general, most major religions have come to accept egg freezing as a permissible way to preserve fertility, though specific guidelines and restrictions vary between faiths. Here's how different religions, in broad terms, view the procedure:

Judaism and egg freezing

Jewish religious authorities generally support egg freezing, viewing it as compatible with the religion's emphasis on family building and procreation. Both Orthodox and Reform movements have issued opinions permitting the procedure, though some rabbis recommend consulting religious authorities about specific circumstances. Some even argue it is actually a religious obligation for orthodox Jews to preserve their fertility and their ability eventually to “be fruitful and multiply.”

Islam and egg freezing

Islamic perspectives on egg freezing vary across different regions and communities. While some Muslim countries, like Egypt, allow the procedure, others, like Malaysia, have religious rulings that prohibit single Muslim women from freezing eggs for future use. 

Some Islamic scholars suggest ovarian tissue freezing might be a more acceptable option, since it would allow eggs to mature naturally once a woman is married. Still, the topic of fertility preservation for single women remains an ongoing discussion among Muslim religious leaders, doctors, and scientists as communities work to balance traditional values with modern medical options.

Christianity and egg freezing

Views on egg freezing vary significantly among Christian denominations. The most notable divide exists within Catholicism, which stands as the main exception among Christian faiths in its prohibition of egg freezing for fertility preservation. Other Christian denominations have generally shown more acceptance of the technology, though specific guidelines vary by church.

Studies show that Christian women who pursue egg freezing often face similar challenges to women of other faiths - particularly in finding partners who share both their religious values and educational background. Some women have found ways to reconcile their faith with the decision to freeze their eggs, viewing it as a path to achieving family-building goals within their faith tradition.

Why religious women choose to freeze their eggs

Research shows religious women often face unique pressures around marriage and childbearing. A 2020 study of religious women who froze their eggs found several common motivations:

• Difficulty finding partners who share both their religious values and educational/professional achievements
• Strong desire to have children within marriage, as required by their faith
• Concern about declining fertility while waiting for the right partner
• Wish to avoid rushing into marriage solely due to fertility pressure

Many religious women viewed egg freezing as a way to honor religious teachings on marriage while preserving their fertility options. As one researcher noted, these women saw the technology as a tool that enabled them to continue seeking a faith-aligned partner without compromising their future chances of motherhood.

Common concerns among religious women

Research identifies several concerns specific to religious women considering egg freezing:

Religious compliance:

• Whether the procedure aligns with religious law
• How to handle unused frozen eggs
• Ensuring proper religious oversight of the process

Cultural factors:

• Community perceptions
• Family reactions and expectations
• Impact on marriage prospects
• Maintaining religious modesty during medical procedures

Practical challenges:

• Coordinating treatment with religious observances
• Finding religiously approved facilities
• Managing costs within religious lifestyle constraints

These considerations often lead religious women to seek out fertility clinics with experience treating patients from their faith background. Many find that working with medical providers who understand their religious needs helps make the process more comfortable and aligned with their beliefs.

Making the decision

For religious women considering egg freezing, several resources can help guide your decision-making process:

Religious consultation:

• Speaking with religious leaders familiar with fertility issues
• Consulting medical ethics committees within religious institutions
• Seeking guidance from religious fertility organizations

Medical guidance:

• Working with fertility specialists who understand religious concerns
• Finding clinics experienced in providing care for religious patients
• Discussing timing and procedures that accommodate religious practices

Community support:

• Connecting with other religious women who have frozen their eggs
• Joining religion-specific fertility support groups
• Accessing resources from religious family organizations

Ultimately, it’s your decision to make – one that is both medical and personal. By combining guidance and input from religious authorities, medical professionals, and others who share similar experiences, you can make informed choices that align with both your faith and reproductive goals.

Looking ahead: Religion and reproductive technology

As egg freezing becomes more common, religious institutions continue to refine their positions on this technology. Many faiths are working to create clear guidelines that balance traditional religious values with modern reproductive options.

Religious women who choose egg freezing often find ways to integrate the procedure into their faith practice, viewing it as a tool to achieve religiously sanctioned family building. While challenges remain, increasing dialogue between medical providers and religious communities is helping create more supportive environments for religious women exploring fertility preservation.

Key takeaways

For religious women considering egg freezing:

• Most major religions accept egg freezing, though specific guidelines vary
• Religious counseling can help navigate faith-specific concerns
• Many clinics offer religious accommodations
• Support resources are available through religious organizations
• Costs and practical considerations should be carefully evaluated
• Both medical and religious guidance can inform the decision

Egg freezing represents a new option for women hoping to preserve their fertility while adhering to their faith traditions. As with any medical decision, careful consideration of both religious teaching and personal circumstances can help guide this choice. We wish you all the best.

More young women are taking their time to decide about parenthood, and the numbers prove it. Those who do choose to become a parent are doing so later; the average age of first-time mothers in the United States has been steadily increasing over time. And more women are saying no to motherhood altogether. In 2023, the U.S. fertility rate reached the lowest number on record.

This shift reflects broader changes in how women approach major life decisions about family, career, and personal goals. In this article, we'll look at why more women are pressing pause on parenthood. We'll also explore how some women are proactively preserving their fertility options while they decide - and why that choice doesn't have to come with a six-figure price tag.

Why more women are waiting

The reasons for postponing parenthood vary, but recent data highlights some clear patterns. According to Pew Research, 44% of young adults without children want to focus on their careers and personal interests first. Financial considerations play a major role too, with 36% citing the cost of raising children as a significant factor.

But it's not just about careers and money. Among women under 50 who don't have children, 64% simply say they're not sure they want to be parents - notably higher than the 50% of men who say the same. This suggests women are becoming more comfortable acknowledging uncertainty about parenthood.

‍

Career goals and financial stability

For many women in their twenties and early thirties, establishing professional foundations takes priority. This often means pursuing advanced education, building careers, or starting businesses - goals that can conflict with immediate family planning. The data supports this approach: 61% of adults without children report more career success, likely due to increased flexibility and focus.

Environmental and global concerns

Young adults are also thinking bigger: 38% cite concerns about the state of the world as a major factor in their decision-making, while 26% specifically mention environmental worries. These numbers reflect a growing awareness of how personal choices connect to larger issues.

Turning to egg freezing to keep your options open

While some women know definitively that they don't want children, others aren’t sure and want to preserve their options while they decide. 

This is where egg freezing can play a role - but traditional egg freezing often costs $15,000 or more, putting it out of reach for many young women.

Programs like Cofertility's Split program are providing new options. Women can freeze and store their eggs for 10 years, entirely for free, by donating a portion to a family who needs donor eggs. This arrangement covers the medical costs of egg freezing while helping another family build their future.

Making informed choices

The decision about parenthood doesn't have to be made all at once. But understanding your options now can help you make better choices for your future. Here's what to consider as you think it through:

• Age and fertility: While women today have more options than ever, biology still plays a role. Fertility (specifically the quantity and quality of eggs) typically begins to decline in your early 30s, with a more pronounced drop after 35. This doesn't mean you need to rush your decision, but it's helpful to understand your personal fertility timeline through testing and medical consultation.
• Career planning: Think about your professional goals for the next 3-5 years. Are you pursuing additional education? Planning to switch industries? Starting a company? Consider how different paths might align with family planning, and what flexibility you want to maintain.
• Financial readiness: Beyond the immediate costs of fertility preservation, consider your longer-term financial picture. What would make you feel secure enough to make major life decisions? This might include emergency savings, retirement planning, or specific career milestones.
• Building your support network: Surround yourself with people who support your choices without pressure. This might include friends in similar situations, healthcare providers who listen to your concerns, and family members who respect your timeline.

Looking ahead

The rise in women taking time to decide about parenthood reflects broader social changes and increased options for family planning. Whether you ultimately choose to have children or not, taking time to consider your choices thoughtfully makes sense - especially when there are ways to keep your options open.

If you are interested in freezing your eggs, we can connect you with a fertility specialist for a consultation to discuss your specific situation. Our Freeze by Co platform is making egg freezing more empowering, positive, and accessible — even free — when you give half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.

TL;DR

• Nearly half of adults under 50 now say they're unlikely to have kids, up from 37% in 2018
• 64% of young women without kids say they're simply not sure about parenthood
• Career focus (44%) and financial concerns (36%) are top reasons for waiting
• Environmental concerns and global issues influence many young adults' family planning
• Cofertility's Split program lets women freeze their eggs by sharing them with a family in need, making fertility preservation more accessible
• There's no rush to decide - but understanding your options helps you plan ahead

More women than ever are choosing to freeze their eggs. But what drives these decisions? New research from Cofertility, analyzing responses from over 75,000 women, reveals patterns in how age, location, and life goals influence this choice.

Our findings paint a picture of shifting priorities across different life stages. While career ambitions drive decisions in the twenties, finding the right partner becomes paramount by the mid-thirties. Meanwhile, those living in cities show markedly different family planning patterns than their rural counterparts. This nationwide study, one of the largest of its kind, offers unprecedented insight into how women approach this significant decision.

Through this article, we'll explore the key factors that shape egg freezing choices, examine how priorities evolve with age, and uncover surprising geographic trends in family planning. We'll also address the growing gap between when women initially hope to have children and when they actually feel ready to start their families.

So why do people freeze their eggs? Let’s find out.

To focus on career growth and financial stability

For women under 28, professional development emerged as the primary motivation for considering egg freezing. Our research found that establishing a stable career or pursuing advanced education took precedence over immediate family planning. This aligns with  broader societal trends, like financial independence and career growth becoming top priorities for women in their twenties.

Women cite specific career milestones they hoped to achieve before starting a family, including:

• Reaching management positions or specific salary thresholds that would provide long-term financial security for their future families
• Completing advanced degrees or specialized training programs that require significant time commitment and mental focus
• Building enough savings to comfortably support future family plans while maintaining their desired lifestyle

Because they haven't found the right partner yet

By age 35, finding a compatible life partner became the dominant concern for 40% of survey respondents. This priority shift highlights how relationship status influences egg freezing decisions, particularly as the average age of marriage (for all genders!) continues to rise across developed nations.

The data suggests that women increasingly view egg freezing as a way to maintain reproductive options while taking time to find the right partner. This approach allows them to focus on developing meaningful relationships without feeling rushed by biological time constraints.

Women in this category often expressed wanting to ensure they had enough time to build a strong foundation with their future partner before starting a family. They viewed egg freezing as a way to reduce the pressure of rushing into relationships solely due to fertility concerns.

To preserve options while living in major cities

Location played a notable role in how women approached family planning decisions. Urban respondents showed distinct patterns compared to their rural counterparts, with city dwellers more likely to postpone having children and express uncertainty about their family planning timeline.

Our research showed that women in metropolitan areas were more likely to freeze their eggs, due to factors such as:

• Higher costs of living requiring more time to establish financial stability
• More competitive career environments demanding greater time investment
• A dating culture that often leads to later marriage
• Greater access to and awareness of egg freezing services

To maintain freedom to travel and explore in their late twenties

Age 29 marked a notable spike in prioritizing travel and cultural experiences. This finding suggests that many women view their late twenties as an optimal time for personal growth and exploration before focusing on family formation.

Women at this age often reported wanting to preserve their fertility while pursuing international career opportunities, extended travel, or living abroad experiences. Many saw these experiences as valuable preparation for eventual parenthood, allowing them to bring broader perspectives and life experiences to their future families.

To bridge the gap between ideal timing and reality

Our research revealed a significant disconnect between early family planning goals and later realities. While most 20-year-olds envisioned having children before 30, this timeline often shifted as they approached their thirties. By age 30, 63% of respondents had adjusted their target for having children to before age 35.

This adjustment often stems from various factors:

• Extended time needed to establish careers in an increasingly competitive job market
• Later marriage timing compared to previous generations
• Continued education pursuits and professional development
• Financial considerations, including student loan debt and housing costs
• Personal growth priorities and life experiences

To balance family planning with valued relationships

As respondents aged, they increasingly valued spending quality time with family and friends. This trend highlights the importance of support networks during major life decisions, including family planning choices.

Many women reported that having strong relationships with family and friends played a key role in their egg freezing decisions, providing both emotional support and practical guidance. These connections often helped inform their choices and timing around fertility preservation.

To maintain reproductive options while pursuing multiple life goals

The research indicates that egg freezing decisions rarely stem from a single factor. Instead, they reflect a mix of personal goals, professional aspirations, and life circumstances. Women increasingly view egg freezing as a tool for maintaining reproductive autonomy while pursuing other important life goals.

Making informed choices

When considering egg freezing, women should weigh multiple factors:

• Current age and reproductive health metrics
• Professional and educational goals
• Relationship status and future plans
• Financial readiness and insurance coverage
• Personal timeline for family formation

The research shows that these considerations often change with age, location, and life circumstances. Understanding these patterns can help women make more informed and confident reproductive decisions.

Looking forward

Family planning decisions look different for everyone. Whether driven by career ambitions, travel goals, lifestyle preferences, or partner considerations, many women choose egg freezing to better align their family planning with their life goals. What unites all of us is the desire to make informed choices about our reproductive futures.

This research marks an important step in understanding why women choose egg freezing. As medical technology advances and societal norms continue to evolve, we expect these motivations to evolve as well. What remains constant is women's desire to make active, informed choices about their fertility - choices that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and dreams for the future.

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

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

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

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

What to know before your appointment

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

Start with questions about your current fertility health:

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

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

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

Finding the right time to start the conversation

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

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

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

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

Understanding your hormone test results

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

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

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

Making the most of your appointment

To get the most helpful information from your OBGYN:

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

What your OBGYN might not know

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

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

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

The bottom line

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

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

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

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

Read More:

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

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

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

Egg sharing

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

Learn more about the program on CBS Mornings:

Crowdfunding 

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

Maximizing HSA and FSA accounts 

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

Social media partnerships 

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

Going abroad

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

‍More traditional ways to fund egg freezing

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

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

Summing it up

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

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

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

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

1. Medical considerations and concerns

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

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

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

2. The "false hope" debate

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

Success rates

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

Thawing

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

Read more about Egg Freezing Thaw Rates

No guarantees

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

Oversimplified marketing

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

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

3. Workplace benefits controversy

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

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

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

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

4. Social implications and pressures

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

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

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

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

5. Cost and access concerns

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

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

This is why we started Cofertility - to help make fertility care more accessible. Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.

Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.

By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.

6. Control over women’s reproductive choices

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

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

The bottom line

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

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