female fertility

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!

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

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

Educate yourself first

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

Talk about what this means for your future

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

Freezing eggs vs. embryos

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

Prepare for their questions

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

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

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

Revisit the conversation often

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

Summing it up

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

Has anyone ever told you that freezing your eggs will affect your ability to conceive naturally in the future? If you’ve heard this before, it’s understandable that it would make you think twice about pursuing egg freezing or donation. While this is a common question, it’s actually a misconception. Read on to learn more about why this is a myth and what egg freezing actually does for your fertility. 

The truth about egg freezing (or donation) and fertility

Let's get right to it—does freezing or donating eggs impact your ability to get pregnant on your own in the future? The short answer is no, egg freezing won’t lower your egg reserve and it won’t affect your chances of getting pregnant naturally when you’re ready to do so. To understand why this is, let’s talk about the ovulation process. 

What happens when you ovulate?

At the start of each menstrual cycle, when someone is on their period, their pituitary gland (in the brain) will release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH triggers fluid-filled sacs in both ovaries to grow. These sacs are called follicles and they each contain an egg. The follicles grow until a second signal from the brain forces only one follicle (the “dominant” follicle) to continue to mature and eventually release its egg. That egg being released is what we call ovulation. 

Now that that single egg has been ovulated, what happens to all the other eggs in those other follicles? Well, since those follicles weren’t chosen as the dominant follicle, they stop growing and the eggs inside of them die. This is known as atresia. So, it’s basically survival of the fittest in each ovary every month — yikes!

So what does all that have to do with egg freezing?

Let’s briefly review what the egg retrieval process is for egg freezing, donation, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The hormone medications used during all three processes prompts your ovaries to allow all of the eggs in a single cycle to mature (instead of the usual one) so you can freeze them for if and when you might need them later on. 

Once the follicles have reached an appropriate size, the eggs are collected during a quick procedure in the office. This retrieval process happens under light sedation and involves using a vaginal ultrasound and a long needle with a suction device to retrieve the eggs. I promise this sounds much more intense than it actually is! An embryologist (an expert in the science of egg freezing) looks at each egg and grades their maturity before freezing them. If you’re doing IVF, they’ll go through fertilization instead of being frozen.  

Can I get pregnant unassisted after egg freezing?

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

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

Egg freezing actually rescues all the other eggs that your body would otherwise allow to die during a normal menstrual cycle. So egg freezing doesn’t take anything away from your egg reserve, it actually helps you save some extra eggs!

Can egg freezing damage my ovaries?

Like any other procedure, there are risks and side effects when freezing eggs, including risks of anesthesia, bleeding, pain, and infection. Thankfully, the majority of people who go through with it deal with side effects for a few days at most. When it comes to the ovaries themselves, they generally recover quickly. While there isn’t a lot of data specific to egg donors (as opposed to people freezing their eggs for themselves), the overall data indicate that the potential risks of surgical complications from egg retrieval are generally very small. However, in people with a history of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic adhesions or previous pelvic surgery, the risks are slightly increased so make sure to speak to your doctor about your medical history if you fall into any of these categories.

In terms of complications down the road, there are really two main ways by which egg retrieval might conceivably affect future fertility. The first way is by bleeding and infection from the procedure leading to adhesions (scar tissue) and the need for further surgeries. The second way is through trauma to the ovaries causing the creation of antibodies that may make fertilization of an egg more difficult.

Fortunately, there is no data that supports either possibility. According to one large study of over 7,000 IVF cycles, the rates of both infection and need for surgery to treat a pelvic abscess was 0.03% (about 1 in 3,000 IVF cycles). As for the scar tissue and antibodies, researchers have not found a higher rate of adhesions among people who have had an egg retrieval compared to those who haven’t nor have they found evidence that antibodies interfere with sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. 

It’s up to you!

If you decide to go through with egg freezing, Freeze by Co is here to help. Our Split program allows those who qualify to freeze their eggs for free! In a Split cycle, you donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family that can’t otherwise conceive and freeze the remaining half for yourself. 

If you don’t want to donate, you can still participate in the Keep program, where you’ll be able to freeze your eggs and keep them all for yourself, on your timeline. In addition, you’ll have access to our online support community. This valuable resource lets you engage with other people freezing their eggs at the same time! 

Whatever you choose, our team is here to support you as you determine which family-building options are right for you!

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

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

Educate yourself first

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

Start with your partner

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

Talk about what this means for your future

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

Prepare for their questions

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

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

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

Revisit the conversation often

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

Summing it up

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

In recent years, egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for those who wish to preserve their fertility. In fact, in 2021 alone, egg freezing cycles surged by a staggering 46%, marking a stunning upward trend that has quadrupled since 2017.

While the process of egg freezing has improved dramatically over the years, there is still some concern about whether those who choose this option will regret their decision later on, especially given the high price tag. There have been several studies and surveys that shed some light on if people show regret after freezing their eggs. In this article, we will explore the findings of these studies and ultimately help you answer the question: Will I regret freezing my eggs?

First off, what is regret?

Regret is a negative emotion that arises from the perception that a different choice or action might have resulted in a better outcome. In the context of choosing to do egg freezing, regret could stem from a variety of factors.

One possible cause of regret could be related to the decision-making process itself. Those who feel pressured to freeze their eggs by societal or familial expectations, rather than making an informed choice based on their own personal values and priorities, may be more likely to experience regret. Similarly, those who do not fully understand the risks, benefits, and limitations of the procedure, or who have unrealistic expectations about its success rates or the ease of future pregnancy, may be more likely to regret their decision.

Another possible cause of regret could be related to the actual experience of undergoing the egg freezing process. Patients who experience physical discomfort, emotional stress, or financial strain as a result of the procedure may be more likely to feel regret. Similarly, those who feel that they were not adequately supported or informed throughout the process, or who experienced complications or unexpected outcomes, may be more likely to regret their decision.

While some people do regret egg freezing, the vast majority have no regrets (more on that below). In my conversations with hundreds of women in their 30s and 40s, I have heard more regret from those who did not freeze their eggs than those who did.

Let’s take a look at six studies on the topic

We looked at six studies around the world that retrospectively surveyed egg freezers about their experience. Here are the summaries: 

1. To freeze or not to freeze: decision regret and satisfaction following elective oocyte cryopreservation

The study: A 2018 retrospective survey of 201 patients who froze their eggs at UCSF between 2012 and 2016. The researchers surveyed them at various intervals after their egg freezing procedure to assess their satisfaction with the decision and whether they experienced any regrets.

Key findings: Overall, the study found that the vast majority of egg freezers (81%) reported no regret at all.  And 89% affirmed they will be happy they froze eggs, even if they never use them.

2. What do reproductive-age women who undergo oocyte cryopreservation think about the process as a means to preserve fertility?

The study: A retrospective survey of 183 patients who froze their eggs between 2005-2011 at New York University Fertility Center. The researchers sought to better understand the beliefs, priorities, and attitudes toward egg freezing and to track the reproductive paths of women who chose to undergo oocyte cryopreservation treatment.

Key findings: Most (79%) of the women reported that they wished they had undergone egg freezing at an earlier age. Half of the patients (53%) believed that the experience was empowering, 36% found it empowering as well as anxiety producing, and only 6% believed that it was purely anxiety producing.

3. Perceptions, outcomes, and regret following social egg freezing in the UK; a cross-sectional survey

‍The study: A retrospective survey of 85 patients who froze their eggs between 2008-2018 at a UK fertility clinic. The aim of this study was to investigate the motivations of women who have undergone social egg freezing, identify their perceptions following treatment, and assess potential feelings of regret.

Key findings: 91% had no regrets over their decision to undergo social egg freezing.

4. Decision regret and associated factors following oocyte cryopreservation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve and/or age-related fertility decline

The study: A cross-sectional survey study of 162 patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and/or age-related fertility decline who froze their eggs between 2014 and 2019 in two clinics in Istanbul, Turkey.

Key findings: Egg freezing does not seem to cause high decisional regret. In the study, 31% had no decision regret, 52.5% had mild regret, and 16% had moderate to severe decision regret.

5. Assessing the quality of decision-making for planned oocyte cryopreservation

The study: A retrospective survey study of 98 patients who froze their eggs between 2012 and 2018 at a Canadian academic IVF center. Researchers aimed to examine the quality of egg freezing decision-making in the domains of decision change, decision difficulty, decision regret, and informed choice.

The findings: The vast majority (88%) of egg freezers said it was a good decision. 61% said they would have made 'exactly the same' decision without any change, and 35% would have made a 'similar' decision, but with option-related changes and process-related changes. Some stated their only regret was not doing it sooner.  

6. Exploring women’s attitudes, knowledge, and intentions to use oocyte freezing for non-medical reasons: A systematic review

The study: This 2020 systematic review by researchers in the UK analyzed 35 studies (including a few of the studies above) explored women's experiences of elective egg freezing. 

Key findings: The review found that those who froze their eggs tended to report high levels of satisfaction with the decision, and only a small portion felt regret after freezing their eggs. Those who said they received more adequate information and emotional support during egg freezing were less likely to report regret.  

Most people do not regret freezing their eggs

As you can see, the rates of regret reported in these studies vary, and may have depended on factors such as the sample size, study design, and the follow-up period. However, taken together, these studies suggest that the vast majority of those who freeze their eggs do not have regret. And there appear to be factors that reduce the chances of regret, including feeling fully informed beforehand, and getting adequate support during the egg freezing process. 

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Those who regret egg freezing had a few things in common

It's worth noting that the patients who experienced regret tended to have certain characteristics in common. For example, they were more likely to be over 37 years of age, single, and have no children. Additionally, those who froze their eggs for non-medical reasons (such as to delay childbearing for career or personal reasons) were more likely to experience regret than those who did so for medical reasons (such as prior to cancer treatment).

However, it's important to note that the vast majority of patients in these studies did not experience any regret after freezing their eggs. Furthermore, many of the patients who did experience regret reported that it was temporary and ultimately resolved over time. In fact, the UCSF study found that 89% of the women who reported regret at the one-year follow-up no longer felt that way at the three-year follow-up.

Reducing the chances of regret 

It's worth noting that these studies are several years old, and the process of egg freezing has improved significantly in recent years, making it an even more viable option. Advances in technology, like vitrification, have made it possible to freeze eggs more effectively and with a higher success rate. 

When deciding whether to freeze your eggs, it's important to consider your own unique circumstances and goals. Do as much homework as possible (our blog is a great resource!) so you feel prepared and empowered. Studies also have shown that having a support system decreases the chances of regret. If you freeze your eggs with Cofertility, we’ll make sure you have all the support you need.

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

Cofertility is in the “family” business, striving to make egg freezing and third-party reproduction more human-centered and accessible for all. Our Freeze by Co platform empowers women to take control of their fertility timelines by making egg freezing more accessible. We offer two egg freezing programs: 

Our Split program enables women to freeze their eggs for free(!) when they donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t conceive, including LGBTQ+ parents, couples facing infertility, and those with other fertility-impacting medical challenges, like cancer.

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

Regardless which program you join, we offer:

• Our Freeze by Co community: a safe space to connect with others freezing their eggs at the same time. 
• Education: Our library of resources provides proactive education around fertility, hormones, egg freezing, and egg donation that women can’t find anywhere else. We believe knowledge is power, especially when it comes to our bodies and our options.
• Empowerment: 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 equality of men and women.

Summing it up

The decision to freeze one's eggs is a deeply personal one that comes with a range of emotions, risks, benefits, and limitations. While the possibility of regret is possible, it's helpful to remember that the majority of those who undergo egg freezing do not experience this regret. 

If we can be helpful on your journey, don’t hesitate to reach out!

The ability to freeze human eggs has been a major breakthrough in reproductive technology. It has provided egg freezers with the option to delay childbearing, preserve their fertility in the face of medical conditions or treatments, and allow them to focus on their careers or personal goals without feeling the pressure of the "biological clock." However, many people wonder how long they can actually keep their frozen eggs in storage. In this article, we'll explore this question in more detail.

First off, what even is egg freezing?

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where a patient’s eggs are extracted from the ovaries, frozen, and stored for later use. This procedure is typically done for those who want to preserve their fertility but are not yet ready to have children. It may also be recommended for patients who are facing medical treatments that could affect their fertility, such as chemotherapy.

The process of egg freezing typically involves hormone treatments to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in one cycle. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved using a needle that is inserted through the vaginal wall under ultrasound guidance. The eggs are then frozen and stored in a special solution until they are ready to be used.

When you’re ready to use the frozen eggs, they are thawed and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory using a technique called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The resulting embryos are then implanted into the uterus (either yours, your partner’s, or the uterus of a gestational carrier) in the hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy.

What is vitrification?

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

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

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

So, how long can I keep my eggs in storage?

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

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

Typically, I see patients that store their eggs for two to five years. With newer freezing methods, such as vitrification (described above), the chances of damage during storage are usually quite low.

How much will it cost to store my eggs?

The cost of storing frozen eggs varies based on the location of the storage facility, the amount of time you pay for (you can often get discounts for paying for more years upfront), and the transportation fees between the storage facility and your clinic. Egg storage is usually an out-of-pocket expense, ranging from $500 to $1,500 per year.

If you become a Split member at Cofertility, you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. In this program, the cost of egg storage is completely covered for up to 10 years.

When should I plan on freezing my eggs?

The ideal time to freeze your eggs depends on a lot of things… including your age now, your overall health, and your personal goals.

Generally, I advise patients to consider freezing their eggs before the age of 35. This is because fertility declines as you get older, as the quality and quantity of eggs decrease. By freezing your eggs at a younger age, you may be able to preserve a greater number of healthy eggs for future use. It’s a bigger bang for your buck. 

However, every situation is unique, and there may be individual factors that influence your decision to freeze eggs at an earlier or later age. For example, if you have a medical condition or are undergoing a treatment that may affect your fertility, your doctor may recommend freezing your eggs earlier than age 35.

It's also important to consider your personal goals and timeline for starting a family. If you're not yet ready to have children but know that you want to in the future, freezing your eggs at an earlier age may give you more flexibility and options down the road.

Read more in When Should I Freeze My Eggs?

What happens if I don’t need the eggs down the line?

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

• Keep them in storage. Most storage facilities offer long-term storage options, allowing you to keep your eggs frozen for many years if necessary. This may be a good option if you're not yet ready to use the eggs but want to keep them as a backup plan.
• Donate the eggs to someone else who may need them. Egg donation is a process of donating eggs to another person or couple who needs them, such as LGBTQ+ families or those suffering from infertility. This can be a wonderful gift for those who may not be able to have a child otherwise.
• Dispose of them.  If you decide that you no longer need your frozen eggs and don't want to continue storing them or donate them, simply request that they are disposed of by the clinic or storage facility.
• Donate to science. Many research studies rely on donated eggs to investigate new techniques and treatments for infertility. Ask your clinic if this is an option.

What happens to my frozen eggs if I die?

This is something you will determine with the clinic before your egg retrieval procedure as part of your egg freezing agreement. If you have frozen eggs and pass away, the fate of your eggs will depend on this agreement. The options are generally that they are designated a beneficiary (such as your partner if you are married at the time), or discarded. 

If for some reason you didn’t state your preference up front, your eggs will likely become part of your estate and subject to the same rules and regulations as other assets you may leave behind. 

Summing it up

Newer egg freezing technology allows human eggs to be frozen indefinitely, although some countries like the UK have a limit of 55 years. Vitrification preserves the eggs in a nearly perfect condition, with a very high rate of survival of 95% or above.

While you can technically store eggs for your entire lifetime, it may get expensive. At some point, you may decide that you don’t want to use those eggs for yourself and instead donate them to another family, donate them to science, or have them discarded. Ultimately, the decision of how long to store your frozen eggs should be based on your personal goals and circumstances.

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

How birth control works

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

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

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

Can I freeze my eggs while on the pill?

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

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

Can I freeze my eggs while on Depo-Provera?

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

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

Can I freeze my eggs with an IUD?

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

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

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

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

Can I freeze my eggs with the patch?

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

Can I freeze my eggs with NuvaRing?

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

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

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

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

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

Summing it up

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

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

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

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

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

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

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

Should I do multiple rounds of egg freezing?

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

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

The right number of eggs to freeze for your age

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many times can I freeze or donate my eggs?

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

Does egg freezing increase the risk of cancer?

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

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

Making egg freezing more affordable

One option to make egg freezing better is working with Cofertility. Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. 

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

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

Bottom line

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

Tubal ligation, commonly known as having one's "tubes tied," is a common form of contraception that involves blocking or severing the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus for fertilization. Some people choose to have their tubes tied, while unfortunately for others it is forced upon them. 

While tubal ligation is considered a permanent form of birth control, advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART) have made it possible for those with tubal ligation to have biological children through the use of their own frozen eggs or through egg donation. Let’s dive in.

Egg freezing after tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent form of contraception, so women who have had their tubes tied cannot get pregnant naturally. However, they can still have biological children through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using their own frozen eggs.

The process of freezing eggs, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is really just the first part of IVF that involves retrieving mature eggs from the ovaries, freezing them, and storing them until they are ready to be thawed, fertilized, and implanted into the uterus. Egg freezing does not require the fallopian tubes to be open, so it is possible to freeze your eggs even with tubal ligation.

Egg freezing does not require the fallopian tubes to be open, so it is possible to freeze your eggs even with tubal ligation.

Egg freezing does not guarantee a pregnancy down the road, however it appears as though the outcomes for women with previous tubal ligation are similar to other patients. The success of IVF depends on several factors, including the quality and quantity of eggs retrieved, the age and overall health of the woman at the time of the egg retrieval, and the quality of the sperm used for fertilization. 

Does tubal ligation affect egg quality?

Tubal ligation involves blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus. While this procedure prevents the eggs from being fertilized and implanted in the uterus, it does not directly affect egg quality.

Can I donate my eggs if I’ve had tubal ligation?

Yes! Those who have had their tubes tied may be eligible to donate their eggs to help other families. Egg donation involves retrieving eggs from a donor and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory before implanting them into the uterus of the intended mother or a surrogate. The process of egg donation does not require the donor to have open fallopian tubes, so women with tubal ligation can donate their eggs.

However, there are other criteria that an egg donor must meet in order to ensure the process is safe and successful. 

Egg freezing vs. tubal reversal surgery

For women who have had their tubes tied and wish to conceive unassisted, a tubal reversal surgery may be an option. Tubal reversal surgeries involve reconnecting the cut or blocked fallopian tubes, which can be a complicated and costly procedure.  

For those who wish to have children down the line through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, egg freezing may be a more viable option. Egg freezing allows you to preserve eggs today without the need for surgery. Those frozen eggs can then be used when you’re ready for pregnancy, via IVF. Ultimately, the decision to undergo either option should be made in consultation with a fertility doctor, taking into consideration individual health factors and reproductive goals.

Can I carry a pregnancy down the line?

Yes, it is possible to become pregnant through IVF after tubal ligation. In fact, IVF is often recommended for women who have had their tubes tied and want to conceive. The success of IVF is more dependent on the age of your eggs than the age of your womb when you get pregnant. So if you don’t want to get pregnant now, but know you may down the line, you might want to look into egg freezing.

In summary

Egg freezing and donation both involve retrieving eggs from the ovaries, a process that does not require the fallopian tubes to be open. So if you’ve had your tubes tied, both of these procedures may still be an option. 

If you are interested in freezing or donating 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.

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

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

Egg freezing

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

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

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

How much does it cost to freeze your eggs?

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

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

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

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

Why do people freeze their eggs?

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

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

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

Fertility options for lesbian couples

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

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

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

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

What is reciprocal IVF?

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

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

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

How is IVF done for lesbian couples?

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

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

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

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

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

Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.

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

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

The bottom line

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

Commonly asked questions

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

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

How much does it cost to freeze your eggs?

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

Can two women's eggs make a baby?

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

Can a woman carry another woman's egg?

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

How can a same sex female couple have a baby?

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

Can two females have a baby without sperm?

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

Can a lesbian couple have a baby without IVF?

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

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

Can I freeze my eggs if I have PCOS?

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

You’ll want to make sure you work with the best doctors, because women with PCOS are more susceptible to developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during egg freezing. This is because they are likely to have more follicles, and the more follicles an ovary has the more likely it is to be overstimulated by HCG, one of the drugs used during egg freezing. 

Read more

Can I freeze my eggs if I have endometriosis?

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

Read more

Can I freeze my eggs if I’m a virgin?

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

Read more

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

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

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

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

Read more

Can I freeze my eggs if I have HPV?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Can I freeze my eggs if I vape?

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

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Can I freeze my eggs if I drink?

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

Can I freeze my eggs if I’m a smoker?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more 

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

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

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Can I freeze my eggs if I have diabetes?

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

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Let us help you freeze those eggs!

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

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

The benefits for of working with Cofertility include:

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

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

Even if you’re years off from wanting children, discussing your fertility with your primary care physician or OBGYN is a good idea. Being proactive and addressing your fertility concerns can help you make informed decisions and confidently navigate this phase of your life.

In this article, we’ll share some tools and knowledge necessary to empower yourself when discussing fertility-related matters with your doctor. By asking the right questions and advocating for yourself, you can ensure that your concerns are taken seriously and receive the support and guidance you deserve.

Educate yourself

Before your doctor's appointment, take the time to educate yourself about fertility and reproductive health. Familiarize yourself with the basics of female reproductive anatomy, menstrual cycles, and fertility potential. You can start by checking out our Learn section, which offers comprehensive information on fertility-related topics, including egg freezing, hormones, and more. 

Get some family history

You might also want to ask females in your family (your biological mother, older sisters, etc.) about their fertility experience. This will help you gain insight into any potential hereditary factors that could impact your own fertility. Their health history may be helpful for your provider to assess any genetic predispositions or conditions that may affect your fertility journey now or down the line.

Prepare ahead of time

Preparation is key to effective communication with your doctor. Make a list of questions or concerns you want to address during the appointment. This will help you stay focused and ensure that all important points are covered. Include specific questions about your fertility, potential testing or treatments, and the possibility of egg freezing. Think through your desired family-building timeline (if you have one) as this will play a role in determining the best next steps. 

Here are some questions you can consider asking:

• Given my family-building timeline, what steps should I take now to give me the best chance of success down the line?
• Are there any potential factors that could be affecting my fertility?
• Are there any tests or evaluations that can help determine my fertility potential?
• Based on my medical history, are there any specific concerns or conditions that may impact my fertility?
• What lifestyle changes can I make to optimize my fertility?
• Are there any specific dietary recommendations or supplements that can support fertility?
• Can you provide me with a referral to a fertility specialist or clinic if needed?
• Are there any long-term contraceptive options that provide reliable protection while allowing flexibility for future plans?
• Are there any factors in my medical history that might affect the choice of contraception or impact fertility in the future?
• Can you provide guidance on resources or support groups for people who are planning to delay parenthood for a few years?

Seek a fertility specialist

If you feel like your OBGYN doesn’t have the necessary expertise in fertility, or you have a gut feeling you may have a fertility issue, consider seeking a referral to a fertility specialist. These specialists, often reproductive endocrinologists (REIs), have specialized knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating fertility issues. They can provide you with a more thorough evaluation and personalized advice.

Establish open communication

When speaking to your doctor, establish a comfortable and open line of communication. Explain your concerns clearly and concisely, emphasizing the importance of the topic to you. Use "I" statements to express your feelings and personal motivations for seeking fertility guidance. This approach helps create a more collaborative relationship with your doctor.

Some examples of these statements might include:

• “I think I might want to have children someday, and I want to understand more about my fertility to make informed decisions about when to start trying to conceive.”
• “I have a medical condition that could affect my fertility, and I would like to discuss the potential impact and/or treatment.”
• “I am at an age where I feel a sense of urgency to explore my fertility options, because I don't want to experience challenges building my family down the line.” 
• “I have a family history of reproductive issues, and I want to be proactive in understanding my own fertility health to prevent any potential complications in the future.”
• “I'm considering delaying pregnancy for a few years due to personal or career reasons, but I'm concerned about how that might affect my fertility. Can you provide information on fertility preservation options?”
• “I have irregular periods, and it's been challenging for me to track my ovulation. Can you help me understand my cycle better and provide advice on optimizing my fertility?”
• “I've always had a strong desire to become a parent, and understanding my fertility is essential to fulfilling that dream. Can we discuss tests or assessments that can give me a clearer picture of my reproductive health?”

Remember, these are just examples, you should personalize your questions and comments based on your specific situation and concerns. Your OBGYN will appreciate your openness and willingness to discuss your fertility goals and worries. If your OBGYN is dismissive of these questions or concerns, it may be time to consider talking to another doctor. 

Share your medical history

Come prepared. Be ready to provide your doctor with a comprehensive medical history, including any previous or current reproductive health issues. What kind of birth control are you on? Have you had any STIs, miscarriages, or abortions? Knowing your cycle – if it’s regular or not – is vital information too. . The more information you provide the doctor, the better they will be able to understand your unique circumstances and tailor recommendations to suit your needs.

Discuss fertility testing

If you have concerns about your fertility, or are just curious about your ovarian reserve, ask about appropriate tests to assess your reproductive health. Understanding your fertility potential can help guide discussions about future family planning or the need for egg freezing.

Possible tests include:

• Hormone level assessments: These are blood tests that measure hormone levels related to fertility. They can include assessments of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones. These tests help evaluate ovarian function, the menstrual cycle, and potential hormonal imbalances that may affect fertility.
• Pelvic ultrasounds: A pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the reproductive organs. It can help evaluate the health and condition of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This assessment can identify any structural abnormalities, such as fibroids, cysts, or polyps, that may impact fertility.
• Semen analysis: A semen analysis is a test performed on a male partner to assess the quantity, quality, and movement of sperm. The analysis involves collecting a semen sample, which is then examined under a microscope. It evaluates sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and other factors that can affect male fertility.

Ask your doctor which tests make sense now, and which ones can wait until you’re ready to start trying.

Inquire about egg freezing

If you are considering egg freezing, approach the topic directly with your doctor. Ask about the process, success rates, potential risks, and the ideal age to consider this option. If you’re already chatting with an REI, seek information on the specific protocols followed at the clinic, including the number of eggs typically recommended for optimal chances of future conception. 

Read more in Questions to Ask Your Doctor at an Egg Freezing Consultation

If you’re curious to see if you qualify for Freeze by Co’s Split program — where you can freeze your eggs for free if you give half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive — you can take our quiz here. Additionally, our self-pay Keep program allows women to freeze their eggs and keep them all for their future use, with partnerships and discounts to lighten the financial load of egg freezing and as access to our member community.

Request second opinions

If you feel your concerns are not adequately addressed or your doctor dismisses your fertility-related questions, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion. A different perspective may offer fresh insights and alternative treatment options that can better meet your needs.

Trust your gut

Lastly, trust your instincts. If you feel unheard, rushed, or dismissed during your appointment, it is crucial to advocate for yourself. Remember, you are an active participant in your own fertility journey, and your concerns and desires deserve attention and respect.

Summing it up

Remember, every individual's journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to family planning. Your doctor is a valuable resource who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs. By opening up the lines of communication and actively participating in discussions about your fertility, you can embark on this phase of your life with confidence and peace of mind.

Taking control of your reproductive health and discussing fertility concerns or options like egg freezing with your doctor can be an empowering and transformative experience. With the right tools and a proactive mindset, you can ensure that your fertility journey is supported and guided by a healthcare professional who values your concerns and helps you make informed decisions about your reproductive future.

Read more:

• Questions to Ask Your Doctor at an Egg Freezing Consultation
• Can I Freeze My Eggs If… 
• What Can I Expect From the FSH Blood Test?

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In today's world, we crave convenience and control in every aspect of our lives, and our reproductive health is no exception. Thanks to at-home fertility testing, gone are the days of waiting for doctor's appointments and lab results to gain insights into our reproductive health. Thanks to advancements in medical technology, we now have the power to test our fertility hormone levels from the comfort of our own homes. 

At-home fertility testing has emerged as a game-changer, offering convenience, privacy, and valuable information to those who want to take charge of their reproductive journey. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of at-home fertility testing, exploring its benefits, the top tests available, and why testing your fertility before considering options like egg freezing is crucial.

What is fertility testing?

When you hear “fertility testing,” this generally refers to tests that help indicate your ovarian reserve. As we age, our fertility naturally declines. This is totally normal, and due to fewer eggs in the ovaries, a decrease in egg quality, and an increase in chromosomal abnormalities of the remaining eggs. These collective factors contribute to lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates as we approach age 40.

While the decline in fertility happens to ALL of us, the specific age when we can no longer conceive varies from individual to individual. And in some cases, it may be earlier than we expected.

To assess your fertility potential, including your ovarian reserve, several tests are available that can give us clues to our reproductive capabilities. These tests can also help fertility doctors evaluate the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, and guide you in making informed decisions regarding family planning and fertility treatments.

Ovarian reserve testing is just one type of fertility testing. A full fertility assessment involves assessing various aspects of reproductive health to determine your fertility potential. These tests help identify any underlying issues that may affect fertility and guide individuals in making informed decisions about their reproductive choices. 

Should I test my fertility before egg freezing?

Absolutely. Before freezing your eggs, you will undergo a battery of tests to evaluate your ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and overall reproductive health. This can help you make informed decisions about the optimal timing for the procedure, setting realistic expectations, and maximizing the chances of successful outcomes.

By undergoing fertility testing before egg freezing, you gain insights into your ovarian reserve, which refers to the quantity of eggs remaining in your ovaries. Ovarian reserve testing typically involves measuring hormones such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). These hormones play a pivotal role in follicle development and the maturation of eggs within the ovaries. Understanding your ovarian reserve gives you a realistic understanding of your reproductive potential and helps determine the optimal timing for egg freezing. In fact, your hormones (including AMH) are correlated with egg retrieval outcomes, even more so than your age. 

Fertility testing before egg freezing also allows you to identify any underlying reproductive health issues that may affect the success of the procedure. For example, testing can reveal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances that may impact ovulation. By addressing these issues before undergoing egg freezing, you can maximize the chances of successful egg retrieval and future fertility treatments.

Best at-home fertility tests of 2024

If you’re not yet ready to see a fertility doctor and would prefer to do some at-home testing first, that’s totally possible. In this section, we review three of the top at-home fertility tests available in 2024, considering their features, pricing, hormones tested, and benefits:

LetsGetChecked Ovarian Reserve Test

Cost: $139 

Hormones measured: AMH

Why we like it: While it only tests one hormone, the test is simple and fast. It’s also the least expensive of the three, plus you can get 25% off with code COFERTILITY25.

Oova Fertility Hormone Kit

Cost: $159 one-time kit, $129 per month for membership

Hormones measured: estradiol, LSH, progesterone

Why we like it: Although this test is designed to give a peek at cycle insights vs. ovarian reserve, we’re suckers for data. Oova’s continuous testing model helps track hormone data over time — important information to know when planning for your fertility future. To score 10% off your first order, be sure to follow our link here.

‍Natalist Women’s Fertility Test 

Cost: $149

Hormones measured: estradiol, LH, FSH, TSH, and total testosterone

Why we like it: Natalist provides comprehensive insights into ovarian reserve, empowering individuals to assess their fertility potential in the comfort of their own homes. Plus, it’s a woman-owned and woman-run company. Use Cofertility20 for 20% off your entire purchase.

Choosing the right at-home fertility test

When it comes to at-home fertility testing, you’ll want to find the right test that meets your specific needs and provides accurate and reliable results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an at-home fertility test:

Hormones measured

Different at-home fertility tests measure varying combinations of hormones. Consider which hormones are most relevant to your fertility concerns. Commonly tested hormones include Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Understanding which hormones are included in the test can help you assess if it aligns with your fertility goals.

Testing method 

At-home fertility tests utilize different testing methods, such as urine-based tests or blood spot tests. Consider your preference and comfort level with the testing method. Urine-based tests are convenient and non-invasive, while blood spot tests require a small finger prick for blood sample collection. Choose the method that suits you best.

Accuracy and reliability

Look for at-home fertility tests that have been validated and proven to provide accurate and reliable results. Read customer reviews and check for any certifications or endorsements from reputable organizations. Accuracy is crucial when making important decisions about your fertility, so opt for tests that have a track record of producing reliable results.

Cost 

Consider the cost of the at-home fertility test. Prices may vary depending on the brand and the number of hormones tested. Determine your budget and compare the prices of different tests to find one that offers good value for money. Keep in mind that fertility testing is an investment in your reproductive health and future, so prioritize quality and accuracy over cost alone.

Bonus features

Some at-home fertility tests offer additional features or services that can enhance your testing experience. For example, some tests provide personalized reports with detailed explanations of your results and recommendations. Others may offer access to fertility experts or provide educational resources to help you understand your fertility better. Consider these additional features and, if you think you’ll use them, choose a test that aligns with your preferences and needs.

What can an at-home fertility test tell me?

Fertility tests are powerful tools that provide valuable insights into your reproductive health and potential. They offer a comprehensive assessment of various aspects of your fertility, allowing you to understand your body's unique dynamics and make informed decisions about your reproductive future. 

Ovarian reserve testing measures the quantity of eggs remaining in your ovaries. In particular, hormone tests that examine your AMH and FSH levels provide information about the quantity of eggs available for fertilization. These tests can give you an indication of your ovarian reserve and help determine the optimal timing for egg freezing, fertility treatments, and family planning options.

Fertility tests assess the levels of various hormones involved in reproductive health. Abnormal hormone levels can indicate something that may affect your fertility down the line. For example, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can impact fertility and require targeted treatment. By identifying any issues early on, you and your healthcare provider can proactively tackle any underlying issues.

Keep in mind that fertility tests provide a snapshot of your reproductive health at a specific point in time. They offer valuable information but do not guarantee future fertility or pregnancy outcomes. You’ll want to discuss the results of your fertility tests with your doctor who can interpret the findings in the context of your individual circumstances.

What *can’t* an at-home fertility test tell me?

While fertility tests can provide valuable insights into your reproductive health, it's important to understand their limitations. 

One of the common misconceptions is that fertility tests, particularly AMH, can predict your chances of getting pregnant unassisted. In fact, studies have shown that AMH is not related to time to pregnancy. 

Fertility tests cannot provide a definitive prediction of your ability to conceive without assistance. Beyond just ovarian reserve, fertility is a complex interplay of various factors, including egg quality, sperm quality, uterine health, and overall reproductive function. The test results can give you an indication of your ovarian reserve and potential response to egg freezing or IVF, but they cannot guarantee unassisted conception.

Fertility tests provide insights into your current fertility status but cannot predict your fertility potential in the future. Your reproductive health will change over time due to various factors, including age, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. So even if your fertility test results are within the normal range, it does not guarantee that your fertility will remain the same in the future. Regular monitoring and discussions with your healthcare provider are essential to track any changes in your fertility health over time.

Understanding the limitations of fertility tests can help manage expectations and help you make informed decisions. It's important to view these tests as tools to assess certain aspects of your fertility health, but not as definitive predictors of your reproductive journey. Consulting with a fertility doctor can help you interpret the test results in the context of your individual circumstances and guide you through the next steps in your fertility journey.

Summing it up

By understanding what fertility tests can and can’t tell you, you gain valuable knowledge about your reproductive health and fertility potential. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about family planning, seek appropriate medical intervention if necessary, and take proactive steps to optimize your fertility. Fertility tests are a vital tool in the journey towards building the family you desire, providing valuable insights that can guide you on the path to reproductive success.

However, it's important to remember that fertility tests have their limitations. They provide a snapshot of your fertility health at a specific point in time and cannot guarantee future outcomes. It's crucial to interpret the test results in the context of your individual circumstances and consult with a fertility doctor for a comprehensive evaluation of your reproductive health.

Ultimately, knowledge is power, and by understanding your fertility health, you are better equipped to make decisions that align with your personal goals and aspirations. Embrace the opportunities offered by at-home fertility testing, stay informed, and engage with fertility doctors who can provide guidance and support throughout your reproductive journey. With the right information and support, you can take charge of your fertility and empower yourself.

If you are interested in freezing your eggs, we can help! 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.

I was 28 when I first started trying to conceive. I vividly remember taking my last birth control pill, throwing out my pack, and texting my friend to tell her we were no longer “not trying,” excited but nervous. Sounds pretty standard, right? Unfortunately, what I didn’t know at the time was that I was about to embark on a two-and-a-half-year journey to get pregnant with my son. This included several pregnancy losses, a few rounds of IVF, and lots of questions, including, “should I have tested my fertility sooner?”. 

I don’t share this to scare anyone. But my story is not all that uncommon. In fact, 1 in 6 individuals experience some form of fertility challenge. 

I was woefully unprepared. And because of this lack of preparedness by Sex Ed as well as limited time with my OBGYN, it probably took a good six months before I started to understand what actually goes into conceiving a healthy pregnancy: timing, lifestyle, genetics, and more. So much of my time, stress, and probably money could have been saved by proactive fertility testing.

In this article, we’ll discuss when to test your fertility, the importance of early fertility awareness, and proactive measures you can take to understand it. If you take one thing away from this article, though — the best time to test your fertility is right now. Let’s talk about why. 

So what is fertility testing, anyway?

Before we dive into when to test your fertility, it’s important to understand what fertility testing even is. 

Ovarian reserve testing

A fundamental concept of assessing one’s fertility is to understand their ovarian reserve. This involves evaluating the quantity of a woman's remaining egg supply (oocytes) in her ovaries. One of the most widely used tests for ovarian reserve (though not without its limitations — more on that below) is the measurement of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels, which can be done with a simple blood test. 

Understanding AMH

AMH is a protein produced by cells in the ovarian follicles, with levels of AMH in your blood providing an indication of the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries. If you’re considering egg freezing, AMH testing is especially valuable, as it helps assess your starting point and may indicate a timeline of how urgently you may want to move forward with freezing your eggs. 

Your AMH may also give a sense of how your ovaries might respond to the actual egg freezing process. Lower AMH levels typically suggest a diminished ovarian reserve, which may impact fertility potential. In general, an AMH between 1.0 - 3.5 ng/mL is considered a “normal” range. 

Individuals with a higher AMH level — which varies by lab, but could be anywhere over 3.0 ng/ml — usually have a better response to ovarian stimulation, leading to a higher number of eggs likely to be retrieved during the procedure. That said, a higher AMH also carries a greater risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), so your doctor will need to be careful with your medication protocol and monitoring.

Should I test my fertility at home or in a clinic?

At-home fertility tests have gained popularity in recent years due to their convenience and privacy. These tests typically involve collecting blood or urine samples and mailing them to a laboratory for analysis. On the other hand, in-clinic fertility tests are conducted at a medical facility, where specialized equipment and healthcare professionals are available.

The pros of at-home fertility tests

• Convenience and privacy: Samples can be collected in the comfort of your home.
• Cost-effective: At-home tests are often more affordable than in-clinic procedures.
• Early assessment: At-home tests allow you to gain insights into your fertility potential before actively trying to conceive. Plus, you won’t have to wait to get squeezed in for an appointment at the clinic!

The pros of testing your fertility at a clinic

• A broader scope: At-home tests may not provide a comprehensive evaluation of fertility health, while testing your fertility at a clinic provides a more comprehensive picture of your fertility. An important note is, when testing your fertility at a clinic, you’ll also undergo a transvaginal ultrasound, where the technician or doctor will be able to get a view of what’s going on in those ovaries and the number of follicles available this cycle.
• Better accuracy: Some at-home tests may have varying levels of accuracy when compared to in-clinic tests.
• Face time: At a clinic, you’ll have the ability to chat directly with a doctor, before and after your results.

When should I test my fertility? 

So, when is the “right” age for testing your fertility, anyway? 

It depends.

And ultimately, it’s up to you! It’s your body, and your data, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. We’re firm believers that knowledge is power and you deserve this information. Studies do show that our ovarian reserve declines with age — in other words, it’s a good idea to assess your fertility potential sooner rather than later. That way, if you do want to preventatively freeze your eggs, you can do so while your ovarian reserve is still higher. 

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the optimal time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s and early 30s. And this study indicated that, as we get older, our chances increase of needing to do multiple egg freezing cycles in order to achieve a 70% live birth rate. We know we’re a bit of a broken record here, but: the younger you are, the healthier and more plentiful your eggs are. 

Consider your egg freezing plans

Because the ASRM doesn’t recommend egg freezing for people older than 38 (although this is not a hard and fast rule), it’s a good idea to test your fertility earlier on if possible. That way, should you decide to move forward with egg freezing, you’ll have the time and space to come up with a plan and hopefully see some successful results.

If and when you decide to move forward with egg freezing, you can freeze your eggs more affordably (even for free!) with Cofertility. Fill out this quick quiz to learn about our accessible egg freezing options and see if you qualify for our programs — it only takes one minute.

Should I test my fertility in my 20s?

Testing your fertility in your 20s gives you the most flexibility. Whether your testing looks great and you want to freeze your eggs now, or you uncover potential fertility risks to address, the more time you have, the better. 

Your doctor may even recommend fertility testing if you have past or current reproductive health issues, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), endometriosis, or PCOS, all of which can contribute to fertility challenges. Even if you’re not yet sure if you want to start a family in the future, testing your fertility in your 20s may help you make informed decisions about family planning options down the line. 

Best at-home fertility tests

If you’re curious to learn more about your ovarian reserve, talk to your doctor about fertility testing. If your doctor won’t order the tests…you might want to find a new one who listens to your concerns and takes them seriously. But in the meantime, there are many great at-home fertility testing options out there. 

LetsGetChecked Ovarian Reserve Test

Cost: $139 

Hormones measured: AMH

Why we like it: While it only tests one hormone, the test is simple and fast. It’s also the least expensive of the three, plus you can get 25% off with code COFERTILITY25.

‍Natalist Women’s Fertility Test 

Cost: $149

Hormones measured: estradiol, LH, FSH, TSH, and total testosterone

Why we like it: Natalist provides comprehensive insights into ovarian reserve, empowering individuals to assess their fertility potential in the comfort of their own homes. Plus, it’s a woman-owned and woman-run company. Use Cofertility20 for 20% off your entire purchase.

Remember: at-home fertility tests aren’t without limitations

Although at-home fertility tests are a great way to get a peek behind the curtain of your fertility, they aren’t without limitations. For starters, according to recent studies, measuring AMH alone may not predict your time to pregnancy. As mentioned above, testing your fertility with a doctor at a clinic will likely provide a more comprehensive picture of your fertility outlook, especially as they consider your medical history, and conduct a physical exam and transvaginal ultrasound. Of course, you’ll also get professional interpretation of the results that you may not receive with an at-home fertility test. 

All of that being said, any fertility testing (whether at home or in a clinic) only measures your fertility at that given point in time. It should not be taken as a guarantee for future outcomes. It also can’t tell you anything about your egg quality, which cannot be truly observed until it comes time to actually fertilize those eggs. 

Consider egg freezing as a proactive measure

After testing your ovarian reserve, it’s worth considering freezing your eggs if you don’t want kids soon. We’ll be the first to say that egg freezing is not a guarantee for a successful pregnancy in the future — those eggs need to be fertilized into embryos, transferred to a uterus, and then carried for 40 weeks to result in a live birth! But because our fertility declines with age, the earlier we preserve it, the more set up for success we may be in the future if we do need to use those eggs down the line. 

How does egg freezing work? 

As a primer, egg freezing allows individuals to preserve their fertility by freezing and storing their eggs for future use (fertilization). Let’s get into some of the specifics. 

Some benefits of egg freezing

There are many reasons why egg freezing can be beneficial, including: 

Delaying parenthood: Egg freezing enables individuals to postpone childbearing to pursue educational, career, or personal goals while increasing their chances of having a healthy pregnancy down the line.

Medical reasons: Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can impact fertility. Egg freezing offers a proactive option for individuals facing medical conditions that may affect their reproductive health.

Preserve higher quality eggs: As we age, our ovarian reserve diminishes, and the quality of our eggs declines. By freezing eggs at a younger age, individuals can preserve their eggs when they are of higher quality.

The egg freezing process

Overall, the egg freezing process is a 10-14 day period involving ovarian stimulation, the actual egg retrieval, and storing the frozen eggs. Here’s what goes into each.

Ovarian stimulation: Before the egg retrieval, individuals typically take injectable hormone medications for about 10-14 days. This process encourages the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. You’ll head to the clinic for monitoring every few days (more frequently as you get closer to your retrieval) so your doctor can check on how things are progressing and make updates to your medication protocol if needed.

The egg retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, a minimally invasive procedure known as transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration is performed to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries. The procedure is usually well-tolerated and does not require a surgical incision.

Cryopreservation: After retrieval, the eggs are frozen using a process called vitrification. This method prevents the formation of ice crystals, which could damage the eggs during freezing. You’ll store your eggs in a special storage facility meant for just that. 

For an in-depth overview of the egg freezing process, click here.

Success rates of egg freezing

The success of egg freezing largely depends on the age at which the eggs are frozen. Generally, eggs frozen at a younger age have a higher chance of resulting in a successful pregnancy. Advanced vitrification techniques have significantly improved egg freezing success rates, with some studies reporting comparable pregnancy rates between fresh and frozen-thawed eggs.

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

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

But, in addition to egg quantity, we also need to consider egg thaw survival rate, and the rate at which these eggs become embryos and result in a live birth. According to a study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, a woman under 35 will need 9 eggs to achieve a 70% chance of having at least one live birth. If you’re trying to conceive in your mid to late 30s, you may need double as many eggs to achieve that same 70% success rate. 

Not only will freezing your eggs proactively give you the options of utilizing higher quality eggs in the future, it also helps alleviate the pressure of finding a reproductive partner, and can allow us to feel empowered to make family planning decisions on our own terms without any compromises. Taking a proactive approach to fertility preservation can provide the freedom to pursue opportunities without sacrificing the dream of having a family when the time is right.

Freezing your eggs with Cofertility

With Freeze by Co, you have the opportunity to apply to our Split program, where you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate half of the retrieved eggs to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. The cost of the entire process, including 10 years of cryopreservation, is fully covered. 

Or, if you want to freeze and store your eggs for your own future use without donating, as part of our Keep program, we offer lower prices on things like consultations and storage, along with access to our community of others going through the process at the same time. ‍Plus, you’ll have direct access to our team, which is here to support you throughout the entire journey.

Summing it up

If you’re considering testing your fertility, the best age to do it is now. Whether you test yourself at home, or with a doctor at a fertility clinic, testing your fertility can provide valuable insights into what your family-building future may look like. It might also uncover the need for egg freezing in order to preserve some of your existing fertility as it stands today. But whatever you decide to do with the results, you’ll at least be armed with more information about yourself than you would have had otherwise. 

More and more people in the US (and the rest of the world) are taking control of their reproductive health and fertility by choosing to freeze their eggs. Whether this is so they can focus on a career, get an insurance policy with coverage for treatments, or because of medical reasons, this has allowed people to delay having children until whenever they’re ready to start a family.

If you’re thinking about freezing your eggs, you probably have tons of questions. In this article, we’re going to focus on a very common question: “How can I increase my chances of success when I freeze my eggs?”

Factors that can affect egg freezing success rates

Before an egg freezing cycle

Let’s start by going through what specific things make a difference in your chances of success before you even freeze your eggs.

Age

Age has been proven by countless research studies to be one of the biggest determinants of egg quality. As a person ages, their eggs are more likely to become aneuploid, meaning they’re genetically “abnormal.” This can lead to issues with both getting and staying pregnant (i.e, higher risk of miscarriages). On top of that, as a person ages, the number of eggs their ovaries contain continues to decrease naturally. Once a person reaches their mid to late thirties, the quality and quantity of eggs starts to go down more quickly. While there is no “perfect” age at which to freeze your eggs, freezing them before you reach your late 30s is considered ideal. 

AMH level

Another important factor is your Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level. This is a simple blood test that is commonly used to tell us a person’s reproductive potential based on the number and the quality of eggs they have left in their ovaries. AMH is released by antral follicles, which are small, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that each contain a single oocyte (immature egg). Your AMH level is positively correlated with the number of antral follicles you have in your ovaries. Simply stated, the more follicles you have, the higher your AMH level typically is. AMH naturally goes down as a person gets older until it reaches close to zero during perimenopause. While there is no international standard for what a normal AMH level is, some studies have tried to create models for what’s considered normal for specific ages. Check out this article to find out more about AMH levels at different ages.

Antral follicle count

Antral follicle count (AFC) is another number to be aware of before egg freezing. AFC is used in fertility assessments to estimate the number of developing follicles in someone’s ovaries at a specific point in the menstrual cycle using ultrasound. As mentioned before, the more follicles you have (the higher your AFC is), the higher your AMH level. And just like your AMH, your AFC will also naturally go down as you age. 

How these values affect your egg freezing success 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot that can be done about aging or about the decline in AMH and AFC that goes with it but there are a few things to know about how they affect your egg freezing changes. 

• Ovarian reserve assessment. Age, AMH and AFC all provide valuable information about a person’s ovarian reserve. In general, younger age, higher AMH levels, and a higher AFC are good indicators that you have a larger pool of potential eggs in the ovaries. This means that you’re more likely to produce more eggs during an egg retrieval cycle, which increases the chances of a successful egg freezing cycle.
• Response to ovarian stimulation. Part of the egg freezing cycle includes taking medications to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple eggs at once (as opposed to just one during a natural, unmedicated menstrual cycle). The response to these medications can vary based on age, AMH, and AFC. People who are younger and those who have a higher AFC/AMH tend to have a better response and produce more mature eggs during the stimulation. This increases the chances of retrieving a larger number of high-quality eggs for freezing.
• Number of cycles. In some cases, people with a lower AFC and/or AMH may have to go through more than one egg freezing cycle in order to get an adequate number of eggs. This can get costly and time-consuming pretty quickly.
• Future fertility potential. The number and quality of frozen eggs affects the chances of having a successful pregnancy when the frozen eggs are later thawed, fertilized, and transferred during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. A higher AFC and AMH can mean a higher number of frozen eggs, which increases a person’s chances of success in the future. However, neither of these numbers is the end-all-be-all here. In fact, while AMH does seem to have some association with live birth rates after IVF, its ability to actually predict a live birth is not that great, especially for younger people.

Again, all three of these factors aren’t necessarily things you can change so it can be easy to get discouraged if your values aren’t where you want them to be. Remember that each of these is just one value your provider looks at to assess your overall reproductive potential. No value by itself can completely predict your chances of conceiving naturally or define your fertility. A comprehensive assessment of a person’s fertility potential has to be done by a fertility specialist before jumping to any conclusions and making decisions about fertility preservation.

During an egg freezing cycle

Now, let’s go through the factors during an egg freezing cycle that can affect your chances of success.

Quantity and quality of eggs retrieved

The success rates of egg freezing cycles are significantly influenced by both the number and quality of eggs retrieved. The number of eggs retrieved is important because it directly correlates with the chances of developing viable embryos after thawing. This is definitely a case of “more is more”--the more eggs that are successfully frozen, the higher the probability of having viable embryos when the time comes. 

However, the quality of the retrieved eggs is just as important. High-quality eggs have a better chance of surviving the freezing and thawing process than low-quality ones. So, as you can imagine, a cycle with lots of eggs that are all low-quality isn’t necessarily more successful than another cycle that produced less eggs but they’re all high-quality. 

As a result, fertility providers will always aim to maximize both the quantity and quality of the eggs retrieved. This is essential for improving  the success rates of egg freezing cycles so that, ultimately, we end up with healthier embryos and better chances of a successful pregnancy.

Type of freezing method used 

There are two main techniques used for freezing eggs: slow freezing and vitrification. The slow freezing method involves gradually lowering the temperature of the eggs, which allows ice crystals to form within the cells. This process can damage the delicate internal structure of the eggs, which can lead to lower viability and success rates once the eggs are thawed. In contrast, vitrification is a freezing process that solidifies the eggs quickly without forming ice crystals. This method protects the cell’s internal structures better and has been shown to increase post-thaw survival rates. This in turn, means higher success rates during IVF treatments. It makes complete sense, then, that vitrification has become the preferred way to freeze eggs.

Tips to increase egg freezing success rates

Alright, so now that we’ve established what’s important when it comes to egg freezing, what exactly can you do to maximize these factors for yourself? 

• Consider freezing your eggs at a younger age. There may not be much we can do about the fact that we’re all getting older but in terms of egg freezing, the general rule is that the younger you can do it, the better. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the ideal time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s and early 30s, while you have more eggs and those eggs are healthier. So, whether you’re 25 or 35, your eggs today are still probably healthier than your eggs in one, five or 10 years!
• Optimize your fertility health before beginning the egg freezing process. This step will look a little different from person to person since everyone has their own unique medical history and concerns. Generally speaking though, optimizing your health will include following a balanced diet and making other healthy lifestyle choices. In some cases, you may want to consider adding certain vitamins and supplements to your regimen too. Make sure to talk to your fertility specialist if you’re not sure!
• Consider using a different type of freezing method. Ask your fertility provider which method they plan to use when freezing your eggs. Vitrification is the more common method now given its improved outcomes when compared to slow freezing but it doesn’t hurt to confirm that this is the method your particular clinic uses.   
• Consider doing multiple egg retrieval cycles. If you have the resources and time to do multiple cycles, this can vastly improve the pool of eggs to choose from in the future. This is an especially helpful option for people who are older or have a low AMH level or AFC. If your fertility provider thinks more cycles will improve your chances, they’ll discuss those recommendations with you.
• Be particular about the clinic you choose. There are a ton of fertility clinics to choose from nowadays, so take the time to do some detective work and find one that works for your needs. If you know people who’ve used a fertility clinic, ask them for their honest opinions. Read reviews. Look up the providers’ credentials (usually listed on the clinic’s website). You can also find out the clinic’s success rates in terms of live births and other important statistics through their website. Schedule a couple consultations to compare your options. Make sure to come with questions and to actually ask them all. If you’re not sure what to ask, check out some suggestions here. 

Emotional considerations

It’s important that we take a second to talk about the emotional side of this experience. For many people, the decision to freeze their eggs is tied to hopes of preserving future fertility. When a lab test or a cycle doesn't yield the desired results, there can be feelings of hopelessness, frustration, sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty about future family planning options. On top of that, this isn’t a cheap or simple process! So there can be disappointment stemming from both the financial and physical investments that have been made. 

Because of all of this, seeking support and guidance throughout this process has to be a priority. Support from both loved ones and through professional counseling can make a huge difference when it comes to coping with the emotions you might be dealing with. 

Establishing clear and open communication with your fertility providers also plays a key part in helping people cope with the challenges that might come up. Your providers know the ins and outs of your particular situation so they’re the most qualified to tell you what you need to prioritize (and what you can ignore) to improve the success of your egg freezing cycle(s).

With all the nuances involved here, it’s important not to get lost in the weeds. Fertility is impacted by so many factors that you can drive yourself crazy trying to manage all of them. Remember, you are more than any number. 

Conclusion

To recap, there are several different factors that can affect the success of an egg freezing cycle including your age, AMH level, AFC, the number and quality of eggs retrieved, and the type of freeing method used. Some of these, you don’t have control over. For the ones you can control, there are a few things you can do. 

Optimizing your fertility health before the egg freezing process, freezing your eggs at a younger age, doing more than one cycle, and using a safer freezing option are all ways that you can improve your chances of a successful freezing cycle. This process can be so overwhelming— focusing on the things that you can control can help you feel more grounded throughout your fertility journey. 

Freeze by Co is here to help you every step of the way on that journey. With our Keep program, you’re able to freeze your eggs and keep them all for yourself, on your timeline. In addition, you’ll have access to our online support community, the Nest. This is a valuable resource that lets you engage with other people freezing their eggs at the same time!