fertility treatments

As the 2024 election approaches, reproductive rights have become one of the most pressing and widely discussed issues in the US. In fact, recent survey data found that 90% of American women are concerned about potential restrictions on fertility treatments. While much of the conversation has focused on abortion rights—especially with the overturning of Roe v. Wade—other areas of reproductive healthcare, including fertility treatments like egg freezing, could also be influenced by the election.

At Cofertility, we know our members care deeply about the future of reproductive health. As this election season unfolds, we’re closely monitoring how political shifts could impact egg freezing and other family-building options. While egg freezing itself may not be directly restricted, increased regulation on in vitro fertilization (IVF)—a vital next step after egg freezing—could influence access and affordability. In this article, we’ll walk you through what these changes could mean, so you can make the best choices to protect your options for the future.

Issues facing egg freezing and reproductive healthcare access

As the election nears, policies impacting reproductive healthcare access are top of mind for many of us, especially in states where abortion restrictions have already been passed or are under consideration. Fertility treatments, including egg freezing, could see indirect effects from these policies, as new legal rulings and proposed legislation raise questions around oversight, accessibility, and insurance coverage. Given these changes, it’s more important than ever for patients to stay informed and providers to remain adaptable to keep services like egg freezing accessible.

Understanding state-level impacts on egg freezing 

While egg freezing has not been specifically targeted by state legislatures, some worry that restrictive laws around abortion could spill over. In certain states, legislation such as personhood bills—like the recent Alabama Supreme Court decision granting human rights to fertilized eggs—could increase legal considerations for providers, potentially affecting service availability or affordability. In response, some fertility doctors and OBGYNs are moving their services to states with strong reproductive protections, leaving those in red states with decreased access to reproductive care. 

High costs and insurance gaps

Egg freezing comes with high costs and is rarely covered by insurance, leaving most patients to pay out of pocket. With cycles costing tens of thousands of dollars, many find the financial burden to be a barrier. Additionally, laws around insurance mandates for fertility benefits vary widely across states, with the vast majority of Americans having no insurance coverage for egg freezing.

While approaches like Cofertility’s egg-sharing model—where you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate half to intended parents who otherwise cannot conceive—are helping make egg freezing more accessible, discussions in the current election about healthcare access could result in policies that address critical cost barriers and potentially reshape insurance mandates for fertility preservation benefits.

Impact on LGBTQ+ individuals and family planning

Access to fertility treatment varies, and the LGBTQ+ community often faces extra hurdles, especially when insurance coverage is limited to heterosexual couples. These gaps make family-building even more challenging for LGBTQ+ families, adding financial and logistical stress. Additional restrictions on fertility treatments could widen these disparities, making it harder for many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to grow their families.

This election season, inclusive policies that support equal access to fertility care are especially important. Policies that improve insurance coverage and access to family-building options for everyone—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or marital status—could help make fertility care more supportive and accessible to LGBTQ+ families.

Egg freezing access amid political changes

Despite the intense political focus on other areas of reproductive healthcare, egg freezing has largely remained out of the spotlight and unaffected by restrictive legislation. For those considering egg freezing, this can be reassuring. 

Unlike other treatments, egg freezing is less likely to face regulatory scrutiny, allowing services to continue uninterrupted even in states with stricter reproductive health policies. In fact, some states are even expanding insurance coverage for egg freezing, acknowledging its vital role in family planning and long-term reproductive health.

However, for those who choose to freeze their eggs with plans to use them for future family building, additional considerations come into play as IVF has been more directly impacted by political shifts. To safeguard your options, completing your care in a state with strong protections for reproductive healthcare can help ensure you have the support and access you need when the time comes.

What to watch for this election season

As you consider your own family planning journey, here are a few key areas to keep an eye on this election:

1. Healthcare policy and reproductive rights: Any shifts in reproductive rights, particularly those affecting fertilized eggs, could have downstream effects on IVF and egg freezing. Even when specific treatments aren’t directly targeted, related legislation could influence healthcare providers’ ability to offer certain services.
2. Insurance and cost coverage: Some candidates may focus on expanding insurance mandates for fertility treatments, aiming to ease the financial burden for those seeking these services. Understanding candidates’ positions on healthcare mandates can offer insight into future coverage possibilities.
3. State-by-state differences: With much of the control over reproductive health laws being managed at the state level, where you live can have a huge impact on your access to family planning services. Following the election, it may be helpful to monitor your state’s legislative landscape for changes.
4. Access for LGBTQ+ families: Policies addressing the definition of infertility and coverage criteria could affect who qualifies for fertility treatments. For LGBTQ+ individuals, this remains an important point of advocacy, as inclusive access to family planning is essential for equity in reproductive healthcare.

How Cofertility can support you 

Reproductive health rights are at risk in the United States. Whether it’s abortion, IVF, or even egg freezing–there are policymakers who do not believe women should be able to make decisions about their own body. 

If you’re considering egg freezing, it’s helpful to be aware of broader policy implications that could affect your options. At Cofertility, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your journey, offering resources to help you understand your choices and advocating for accessible, value-aligned family-building options.

To further support our members, we’ve taken proactive steps including partnering with storage facilities in states with strong reproductive protections. Additionally, our clinic-agnostic model allows us to expand our reach in states with more open reproductive access, ensuring flexible, secure options for everyone.

This election, as you weigh your options, we encourage you to consider policies that align with your values and goals and to vote with those priorities in mind. Your voice—and your vote—can help create a future where everyone has the opportunity to build the family they envision.

If you're considering egg freezing, you've likely come across information about ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). While OHSS is a potential complication of the egg retrieval process, its occurrence has decreased significantly in recent years, thanks to improved protocols and preventive strategies.

This article will explore how fertility doctors work to minimize your risk of OHSS during egg freezing cycles, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience.

What is OHSS?

Before diving into prevention strategies, let's first understand what OHSS is and why it occurs.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an exaggerated response to the hormonal medications used to stimulate egg production. In OHSS, the ovaries become swollen and fluid can leak into the abdomen and sometimes the chest. This can cause a range of symptoms from mild bloating and discomfort to, in rare severe cases, more serious complications.

OHSS is typically classified into three categories:

1. Mild OHSS: Characterized by abdominal bloating and mild pain. This form is common and generally resolves on its own.
2. Moderate OHSS: Involves more noticeable abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Ultrasound may show fluid in the abdominal cavity.
3. Severe OHSS: A rare but serious condition that can involve severe abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, severe nausea/vomiting, decreased urination, and shortness of breath. This form requires immediate medical attention.

Data suggest the incidence of mild OHSS is 20%–33%, moderate OHSS is 3%–6%, and severe OHSS occurs in 0.1%–2% of cycles. In rare cases, OHSS can be life-threatening, so it's important to be aware of the potential risks and to inform your doctor of any symptoms (severe abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea). 

Read more in What is OHSS and What Are My Risks?

Seven ways doctors try to minimize OHSS risk

Fertility doctors have several strategies to reduce your risk of OHSS if they believe you are at a high-risk. The body of evidence and research is constantly evolving, and new approaches are continually being studied and refined. What's considered the best practice today may be updated in the future as we learn more about ovarian stimulation and OHSS prevention.

While these strategies may reduce the risk of OHSS, they can't eliminate it entirely. Every patient responds differently to fertility treatments, and what works well for one person may not be as effective for another. This is why personalized care and close monitoring throughout your treatment cycle are so important.

Personalizing your treatment

Gone are the days of "one-size-fits-all" approaches to ovarian stimulation. Modern fertility clinics use personalized protocols based on each patient's individual characteristics. This process typically involves:

• Thorough pre-treatment assessment: Your doctor will consider your age, BMI, ovarian reserve tests (AMH and AFC), and any history of PCOS or previous OHSS.
• Tailored medication doses: Based on your risk profile, your doctor will choose an appropriate starting dose of gonadotropins (the hormones used to stimulate egg production). Women at higher risk of OHSS often start with lower doses.
• Dose adjustments: Throughout your stimulation, your doctor will monitor your response through blood tests and ultrasounds, adjusting medication doses as needed.

Picking the right protocol

During IVF, your fertility doctor will prescribe medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This process helps to control the egg development so they can retrieve a safe number of mature eggs at the best time. There are a few ways (stimulation protocols) to do this:

• "GnRH agonist protocol or "long protocol": This involves taking medications for several weeks to essentially rest your ovaries before stimulating them.
• GnRH antagonist protocol: This approach has a shorter duration of injections, and uses an “antagonist to prevent your body from releasing eggs too early.
• Flare protocol: Also known as the microdose flare or low dose Lupron protocol, uses a low dose of Lupron to trigger the pituitary gland to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).

Research has shown that the newer method (GnRH antagonist protocol) is safer and reduces the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).  A very large review and meta-analysis, including 73 RCTs with 12,212 participants, demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in all types of OHSS in cycles using GnRH antagonists, due to the Lupron trigger shot. 

Most clinics prefer the GnRH antagonist protocol because it's easier for patients and gives clinics more flexibility to adjust your treatment if needed. However, there may be cases where a doctor will choose the best protocol for you based on your individual situation. You can always ask your doctor which protocol they have chosen and why!

Lower starting doses plus oral medication

To reduce OHSS risk, your fertility doctor may start with lower doses of gonadotropins (the injectable hormones used to stimulate egg production), especially if you have risk factors for OHSS. This "low and slow" approach allows your body to respond more gradually, reducing the risk of over-stimulation.

Your doctor might also add oral fertility medications (pills) to your protocol, such as:

• Clomiphene citrate (Clomid): This medication helps stimulate egg production and can allow for lower doses of injectable hormones.
• Letrozole (Femara): Originally a breast cancer drug, letrozole is now commonly used in fertility treatments. It can help stimulate egg production while potentially reducing OHSS risk. It also lowers estradiol levels which can aid in reducing OHSS risk and lower side effects.

By combining lower doses of injectable hormones with these oral medications, doctors may be able to minimize the risk of overstimulation while still achieving good outcomes. This approach is especially beneficial for women with PCOS or other risk factors for OHSS.

Alternative trigger medications

The trigger shot, also known as the "ovulation trigger" or simply "the trigger," is a hormonal medication given near the end of your egg freezing cycle. Its primary purpose is to mimic the natural surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs in your body just before ovulation. This surge signals your ovaries to complete the final maturation of the eggs and prepare them for retrieval.

Traditionally, the trigger shot has been human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which mimics the natural LH surge. However, hCG has a long half-life and can increase the risk of OHSS. To mitigate this risk, doctors now have alternative options:

• GnRH agonist trigger (eg. Leuprolide, Lupron): For cycles using a GnRH antagonist protocol, a GnRH agonist can be used to trigger ovulation. This causes a short, self-limited LH surge. Research has found this can dramatically reduce OHSS risk.
• Dual trigger: Some doctors use a combination of a low dose of hCG along with a GnRH agonist. This approach aims to balance OHSS risk reduction with optimal egg maturation.
• Low-dose hCG: If a GnRH agonist trigger isn't possible, some doctors might use a lower dose of hCG. However, research has not found a consistent or statistically significant differences in the rate of OHSS when comparing hCG-only triggers of 4,000 IU compared with 6,000 IU or 10,000 IU.

Medications called dopamine agonists, particularly cabergoline, have been shown to reduce the risk of OHSS when given around the time of the trigger shot. These medications work by reducing VEGF activity, which is thought to play a key role in OHSS development.‍

Metformin for PCOS patients

For women with PCOS who are at higher risk of OHSS, some doctors prescribe metformin during the stimulation phase. While the evidence is mixed, some studies suggest it may help reduce OHSS risk in this population.

Monitoring: The key to OHSS prevention

Perhaps the most important aspect of OHSS prevention is careful monitoring throughout the stimulation process. This typically involves:

• Frequent ultrasounds: To track the number and size of developing follicles.
• Blood tests: To monitor estradiol and other hormone levels.
• Symptom tracking: Your doctor will ask about any symptoms you're experiencing.

This close monitoring allows your fertility team to adjust your treatment plan quickly if you show signs of over-responding to the medications.

What about other strategies?

You may hear about other OHSS prevention methods, such as taking aspirin, certain supplements, eating a high-protein diet, or drinking lots of electrolyte solutions. While some of these may have anecdotal support, current scientific evidence doesn't strongly back their use for OHSS prevention. 

Always consult with your doctor before taking any additional medications or supplements during your egg freezing cycle.

What to expect after egg retrieval

Even with all these preventive measures, it's normal to experience some mild OHSS symptoms after egg retrieval, such as bloating, mild abdominal pain, and feeling full quickly when eating. These symptoms usually resolve within a week.

However, it's crucial to contact your doctor if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Significant abdominal swelling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased urination
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid weight gain (more than 2-3 pounds per day)

These could be signs of more severe OHSS and require prompt medical attention.

The bottom line

While OHSS remains a concern in ovarian stimulation cycles, modern protocols, and preventive strategies have dramatically reduced its occurrence and severity. By working closely with your fertility doctor, asking questions, carefully following their instructions, and promptly reporting any concerning symptoms, you can minimize your risk and focus on a successful egg freezing cycle.

Remember, everybody responds differently to fertility medications. What works best for one person may not be ideal for another. That's why individualized care and open communication with your medical team are so important throughout the egg freezing process.

If you have any questions or concerns about OHSS or any other aspect of egg freezing, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. They're there to support you and ensure the safest possible experience as you take this important step toward preserving your fertility options.

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

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

You could get a heads up about certain reproductive concerns

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

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

You’ll get a better picture of your reproductive schedule

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

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

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

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

Your doctor will find out how many follicles you have

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

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

There will be additional health screenings 

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

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

Getting proactive can save you money

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

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

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

Freezing your eggs is a big decision — one that we know, first-hand, can take time to think through — and freezing and sharing your eggs with another family is an even more weighted one. With our Split program, you can freeze your eggs for free when you give half to a family who can’t conceive. But beyond that, there’s even more that will come out of your Split program journey. 

By freezing your eggs with Freeze by Co’s Split program, you’ll get to:

1. Invest in your reproductive future

Having kids may be way off your radar today. But if you might want children one day, freezing your eggs may help keep that possibility on the table. We believe in making that possibility as accessible as possible. 

2. Do something life-changing for another family

By giving half of your eggs to another family who can’t conceive — whether it’s a couple with infertility, LGBTQ+ parents, or parents with other medical challenges — you’re making their family-building dreams possible. And that’s something truly incredible. 

3. Empower yourself with knowledge about your body

By freezing your eggs, you’ll get an insight into the hormones and ovarian reserve levels that make up your fertility health. 

4. Gain access to your own genetic family history

Once you match with a family, all Split members undergo genetic testing. This knowledge about your genetics could be super important down the line if you start to think about having kids. 

5. Receive concierge-level support throughout the process

If you’re part of our Split program, we’ll hold your hand every step of the way. With direct access to our founders and our community of other women going through the process at the same time,  you’re never alone. 

We’re so excited for you. And remember, we’re always here to help. 

Perhaps the idea of egg freezing is something that you’ve thought about before. For many of us, though, cost can be a big barrier. You might be hoping to find an affordable egg freezing program that can allow you to freeze your eggs now and store them without breaking the bank, as you pursue your own agenda.

Is this just a pipe dream? With Freeze by Co, it’s actually…not. Read about how our new option can enable you to give the idea of egg freezing another look, with—wait for it—free egg freezing. And you get to help a family along the way.

An affordable innovation

With some egg freezing programs, fees can run into the thousands initially and grow every year. But at Freeze by Co, it is our goal to make the process as affordable as possible. This led us to develop what we call our Split program.

With the Split program, if you are eligible, the premise is simple: for each cycle you undergo, you keep half of the eggs for yourself at absolutely no charge, plus up to ten years of storage, when you give the other half of the retrieved eggs to another family who can’t otherwise conceive. All of your medical expenses and travel related to egg freezing is covered as well.

What you get as a Split member

In addition to giving a life-changing gift to another family, as a Split member, you are entitled to the following for free with your egg freezing cycle:

• Testing
• Medication
• Egg retrieval
• Egg freezing and storage
• Procedure insurance
• Travel
  

In addition to lightening your own financial load, the good you’ll be doing will be immeasurable.

Is it a fit?

To participate in Split, you must meet certain industry- and government-based criteria, including: 

• Being between 21 and 33 years old. Age is a factor that contributes to waning fertility, which, while not true for everyone, tends to decline at age 35. Since the process leading up to egg donation can take time, we cap the program at age 33, as consistent with guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). 
• Having two ovaries
• Enjoying good physical and emotional health, without any reproductive issues or genetic abnormalities
• Having a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 29 to enable optimal medication administration and egg retrieval outcomes
• Having avoided smoking and recreational drug use or Depo Provera injection as a mode of birth control

To learn more about all disqualifications for our Split program, click here.

To find out if our Split program is a way that we can help you reach your egg freezing goals, here’s how the process works:

Getting started

First, take our brief quiz to learn more about our Split program and see if you’re a potential fit. It just takes a few minutes. 

Applying for membership

Then, if you’ve pre-qualified, you move on to the application process. This is your chance to tell us more about your background and create a profile for intended parents to see and hopefully connect with. It will also help finalize your acceptance into the program.

The interview process

Next, we chat. You get to ask us any questions about the process and get to know us, as we get to know you as well. We’ll walk you through all program logistics and frequently asked questions so you feel completely comfortable with it all. 

Find a match

Once you’ve been fully accepted into the program, the matching process begins. When your profile has been selected by intended parents, you’ll have the opportunity to accept the match. If you agree it’s a good fit, then the screening and freezing process can begin.

Screening

During the screening phase, we’ll get a sense of your ovarian reserve and overall physical health to get a sense of whether you’ll have enough eggs available to fairly split for yourself and the intended parents. If your ovarian reserve appears strong enough that splitting the retrieved egg yield has the chance to result in a live birth for both parties involved, and you continue to qualify based on the other physical and psychological screening factors, you’ll be given the final green light.  

The cycle

Now it’s all about your cycle. This means you’ll start taking injectable medications needed to enable your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. We have loads of materials that can help you successfully manage this.

After close monitoring, when the time is right, you’ll be scheduled for the egg retrieval. During this 30-minute process, the doctor will remove the eggs with the aid of vaginal ultrasound while you’re under light anesthesia.

Free storage

Then, right away, your half of the eggs will be frozen. As a Split member, this whole process will be entirely free, including up to ten years of storage. In the case of an odd number of eggs, the extra one will be slated for use by the intended parents. However, any non-mature eggs retrieved will be frozen for you, since we don’t know what kind of medical advancements might take place over the next ten years. 

As a Split member, if you feel that it would be beneficial for you down the line, you can always consider doing another cycle. This will allow you to add to what you already have in storage and reap the benefits of additional free egg freezing, making the most of the program.

Adding it up

Our Split program puts egg freezing in reach for all members. It removes what’s often the biggest obstacle to taking charge of your fertility timeline — cost — while allowing an opportunity to help another family. 

Once you’ve completed the Split program, you can walk away knowing that not only have you figured out a way to make your goal of storing eggs a reality without the need for scrimping in other areas, but you’ve also succeeded in giving another family a golden opportunity they wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Our goal at Cofertility is to match intended parents with Split members who can help them achieve their goal of parenthood.  Because of that, we want to make sure we’re upfront about what might disqualify someone from our Split program. 

Through this program, you can freeze your eggs for free if you donate half to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. But, importantly, several factors may limit your eligibility.  Some of these are official disqualifiers based on regulations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Others are discretionary disqualifications based on recommendations by governing bodies like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). 

While it’s not possible to create an exhaustive list of every reason someone may not qualify for our Split program, this guide outlines some of the most common reasons for disqualification.

Age

To apply to be a part of the Split Program, you must be between the ages of 21-33. This is because you’ll need to complete your retrieval before you turn 35, so because the process can take some time, we don’t accept applicants who are 34 or older. 

The reason for this age limitation is because data shows that, on average, those over 35 tend not to respond to fertility medication as well and therefore may not produce as many eggs. Also, research shows that, unfortunately, egg quality declines with age. Various factors may affect your cycle timing (application paperwork, time to match with a family, and more) and you will need to cycle before you turn 35. We’d hate for someone to apply, get accepted, and then when the time comes for the cycle itself, potentially age out.

If you are 34-39, you are still eligible to participate in our Keep program. With this program, you can freeze your eggs and keep 100% of them for yourself. 

If you are under 21 and you’d like to participate, please reach out and we’ll get back in touch after you turn 21. 

Health-related factors 

As a preliminary step in the process, we’ll review several health-related factors. 

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

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

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

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

Medical and family history

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

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

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

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

Psychological screening

There are also some psychological questions you’ll have to answer. We don’t expect you to be perfect. But note that certain psychological factors may be more likely to disqualify you than others. 

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

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

Genetic screening

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

But even for serious diseases, not all disease-related genes are deal breakers. For example, if we find that you have a copy of a gene that can lead to cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, or thalassemia, this may or may not disqualify you; it can depend on the clinic and genes of the intended parents. 

In line with ASRM guidance, in most conditions where carrying one copy of a particular gene won't impact the child themselves, you can still qualify for the Split program. 

Physical screening

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

Some disqualifications here are set in stone by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If evidence of any of these conditions arises, you will be considered ineligible for the program. These are considered to be non-negotiable.

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

The following could also be deal breakers: 

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

Anti-Mullerian hormone (ovarian reserve) levels

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

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

At Cofertility, if your AMH < 2, you are ineligible for our Split program. We only accept Split Members with these higher AMH levels as it helps mitigate the possibility of a second cycle to obtain enough eggs that could result in a live birth down the line (for yourself and for intended parents). Nevertheless, it’s important to note that, even with a high AMH level, there is always a chance that you need to do another cycle to improve the odds of a live birth. In the Split Program, you will receive AMH-reading bloodwork prior to being activated on our platform. 

If it turns out that your AMH levels are below the required minimum threshold, you would unfortunately be ineligible to move forward with egg donation. However, we can still help you freeze your eggs for your own future use through our Keep program.

State-specific qualifications

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

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

Additional disqualifying factors

Lastly, there are a few additional factors that, unfortunately, would disqualify you from our Split program. These include if you:

• Have served jail time for more than two days within the previous 12 months
• Have undergone body piercing and/or tattooing within the past twelve months in which sterile procedures may not have been used
• Have the highest education level of GED
• Have Indigenous American ancestry and are associated with a tribe — this is due to the Indian Welfare Act 
• Currently use any nicotine products regularly, since the ASRM has confirmed an association between smoking and decreased fertility — if you engage in vaping, you will need to quit for 2-3 months before re-applying for Split, but if you only vape occasionally/socially, you will need to quit for one month prior to your retrieval date

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

The net net

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

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

Worries about egg donation risks can hold you back from joining our Split Program, in which you can freeze your eggs for free in exchange for donating half to people who need help growing their families. But just how risky is egg donation? Are the rewards of helping grow a family enough to outweigh them? 

Here’s what the science says about the risks along with our take on some potential benefits. 

Egg donation risks

Overall, egg donation is considered a low-risk procedure and there are a number of steps along the way designed to ensure your safety. A 2017 Fertility and Sterility research study looked at more than 23,000 egg retrieval procedures performed on women in hospitals and fertility centers. Overall, the study found an overall complication rate of just 0.4%. 

The first stage of the process is a series of screenings to make sure you are prepared for what lies ahead.  You’ll undergo a general interview, blood testing, and a psychological assessment to make sure you are physically and mentally up for everything that egg donation entails. Importantly, these screenings help flag potential issues early, and mitigate any larger risks. 

The greatest risks exist for those who have pre-existing health conditions that put them in a higher risk category, these women are unlikely to pass the initial screening process. 

For those who are deemed healthy and ready for donation, the largest risks then lie in the egg production and egg retrieval phases of donation. 

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Just like the process for freezing your eggs, you will be prescribed injectable hormone medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. This carries some risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS is a condition in which the ovaries condition in which the ovaries can swell and fluid leaks into the abdomen, causing pain and discomfort. 

Cases of OHSS are rare, occurring in less than 5 percent of women who use these medications.  The symptoms are typically mild, causing bloating, nausea, and general discomfort that will go away one to two weeks after your egg retrieval procedure. OHSS cases that require medical attention occur in about 0.1% to 2% percent of women.  

Anesthesia risk

Once you’ve produced enough eggs, you’ll undergo a retrieval process at the fertility clinic. This process is outpatient, meaning you can go home that day, and typically only takes about half an hour. 

You’ll be under anesthesia for the procedure so it is worth noting that anesthesia does carry risks such as nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions. However, risks of major complications from anesthesia are rare, with just 1.1 per million each year across all types of procedures. If you have a history of nausea from anesthesia, talk to your doctor about it beforehand.

Egg retrieval complications

During the egg retrieval process, a fertility specialist will use a thin needle to aspirate eggs from  your ovaries. This does come with  risk of bleeding, infection or injury to something nearby – such as the bladder or bowels. If this were to occur, surgery may be required to correct the problem. But, as previously mentioned, only 0.4% of women encounter complications during this part of the egg donation process and just 0.29% percent require surgery due to those complications. 

More common after egg retrieval is some spotting and discomfort, both of which are temporary. Many women return to work the day after an egg retrieval, although some take a few days to recover.  

Will donating eggs affect future fertility?

One common question that potential Split members ask is whether there’s a risk that donating eggs will affect their future fertility. The answer is a solid no. 

Not only will donating eggs not affect your chances of getting pregnant naturally in the future, it also won’t lower your ovarian reserve (number of eggs in your ovaries). The eggs retrieved in an egg donation cycle are eggs that would have been lost that month naturally.

As part of our Split program, members donate half of the eggs that they produce during a cycle and keep the other half for themselves — freezing them to use at a later date. The cost of storage is also covered for 10 years.

Other common egg donation concerns

As you consider the Split program, you may have some other non-medical concerns. It's important to think through them before deciding to join the Split program. 

Wanting to remain anonymous

How much identifying information you want to share is ultimately up to you, however the advent of DNA testing from companies like 23AndMe and Ancestry.com has made it impossible to guarantee true long-term anonymity. It’s best to make any decisions about donating your eggs with this in mind. 

Wanting to know potential donor-conceived children

On the flip side, you may be curious about potential offspring and want to have a window into their world as they grow up. Split members are given the chance to build a plan with intended parents that is comfortable for both parties and ultimately honor and respect the donor-conceived child. That plan can vary from just a holiday card update to regular communication — it really is unique to the parties involved. 

Egg donation benefits

The CDC estimates a fifth of women encounter infertility every year and egg donation is a true gift to many families. 

If you’re weighing the risks against the benefits, the satisfaction of helping someone else grow their family can be incredibly powerful. As a Split Member, you’ll also have the added benefit of free health screenings and a chance to talk to fertility experts about your own fertility planning. 

Lastly, if you choose to donate eggs through Cofertility, you will also be able to keep half of the eggs produced during your cycle, giving you a jumpstart on your future reproductive planning. 

Bottom line

Although overall risks of egg donation are low, there’s a lot to think about. It’s important to consider it all and to talk open and honestly with the fertility experts at your disposal. 

Making the decision to donate eggs can be a powerful and fulfilling experience. Still, it should only be something you do because you feel comfortable with the process and potential long-term implications. We’d love to be a resource as you consider this process - feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns along the way. 

You may have heard that freezing your eggs in your 20s can help increase your chances of pregnancy down the line, but is there actually any truth to the claim? According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), there really is, given a woman’s peak fertility years span from the end of her teens to the end of her 20s. 

Read on to learn what you need to know about egg freezing success rates by age.

The best time to think about egg freezing is probably…now 

During these prime fertility years, we’re often focused on other things. In our 20s, we’re finishing school, launching our careers, traveling, having fun…starting a family may not even be a blip on your radar. Unfortunately, that also means that by the time you’re ready to get proactive about your fertility (or starting a family), your prime reproductive years may have already passed. 

This is why we believe that proactively thinking about your fertility is always a good idea for anyone looking to stay in control of their reproductive options. And one major barrier, until now, has been the accessibility and affordability of egg freezing. At Cofertility, we aim to change that, by partnering with local fertility clinics to create opportunities to freeze your eggs more affordably. 

Take our quiz to see what egg freezing options you may qualify for, including our Split program, where you can even freeze your eggs for free(!) if you give half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive and you qualify.

What are the egg freezing success rates by age?

We measure the “success” of an egg retrieval and later vitrification (the process of freezing and storing your eggs) in a couple of ways. Some of the major important milestones in a successful retrieval are: 

• The ability to collect high quality and healthy eggs 
• The ability to collect a large, but safe, number of eggs during a single cycle (between 10-20 is ideal)
• Whether collection takes place at an age where the eggs have a very good chance of surviving both the freezing and the warming process down the line 

Success rates for women in their 20s

Your 20s are by and large the best time to freeze your eggs, with 25 to 27 being the optimal age, according to a 2010 report from the CDC. The report found that eggs frozen during a woman’s 20s will have a 50 percent chance of resulting in a live birth per cycle, regardless of the age of the person carrying the pregnancy once the eggs are used. Women in this age range have fully finished developing (as opposed to someone in their late teens or early 20s who may still be growing and maturing) and are likely to have the healthiest and most robust eggs. 

Not only does it make it easier for eggs collected at this age to go on to become successful pregnancies, but it also makes it the most cost effective period, because you’re likely to get more eggs with fewer rounds of freezing than if your eggs were collected at a later age. 

Success rates for women in their 30s

Success rates in your 30s will depend on if you’re closer to 30 or 40, as well as your AMH levels. 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

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

Now, you might be thinking: isn’t 14 eggs a lot?  It’s true that eggs retrieved from women under the age of 36 will have a 95 percent survival rate after being thawed.  

But more importantly, not all thawed eggs will become viable embryos and lead to a live birth. As this chart underscores, the probability of a live birth varies with the age of the woman trying to conceive and the number of mature eggs available. In short, the older the woman, the more eggs required to achieve a high probability of a live birth. 

A study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics further supports this point. For example, a woman under 35 will need 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. 

Success rates for women in their 40s

Because success rates drop significantly as you near the end of your 30s, it’s actually not recommended that women have their eggs frozen past the age of 38, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). 

But don’t let that news worry you. If you haven’t had your own eggs retrieved by this point, and are struggling to conceive, you still have some other options (including the use of donated eggs). 

Ask us anything

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

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

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

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), a woman’s peak fertility years are from their late teens to their late 20s. While these may be the easiest biological years for starting a family, between travel, work, school, life…at that point in your life, family planning might not be your top priority. 

Fortunately, thanks to modern medicine, you have some options. Egg freezing allows you to preserve your healthy eggs at any point in time, without committing to starting a family. Let's talk about what you need to know about freezing your eggs. 

Here’s what you need to know about the process

While there are some big hurdles to clear—like the expenses of going through the process and how (and where) you’ll store your eggs—freezing your eggs is a way to take more control of your future fertility health. 

That being said, it’s important that you think of freezing your eggs not as a guarantee, but rather, a proactive step you can take towards fulfilling potential long-term family planning goals. It is not an insurance policy, but it can help give you more options in the future. 

Research has found that freezing nine eggs while under age 35 leads to a 70% chance of a live birth (studies found that the average number of eggs retrieved for the same women is 18-21). And the more eggs you freeze, the better those odds get. There are always chances that your retrieval could fail, or that implantation down the line may not take. Still, egg freezing in your 20s does offer higher chances of success than having them retrieved at a later age.

Getting ready for retrieval 

Before you can freeze your eggs, you’ll want to ensure your body is producing as many eggs as possible. This means taking hormones that can help stimulate the follicles on your ovaries to produce a larger than normal quantity of eggs.

According to the Mayo Clinic, this may include taking multiple medications or injectables like: 

• Ollitropin alfa or beta (Follistim AQ, Gonal-f) 
• Menotropins (Menopur)
• Leuprolide acetate (Lupron Depot) 
• Cetrorelix (Cetrotide)
• hCG

Your doctor will monitor your progress with blood tests across the 10-14 day period. He or she will tweak any ovarian-stimulating medications you’re given to make sure your estrogen and progesterone levels are where they need to be for a successful retrieval. 

During these visits, you’ll likely also have vaginal ultrasounds. The doctor will use this to check on the development of the follicles where your eggs mature. It might sound overwhelming, but vaginal ultrasounds are usually painless. 

Then, when the time is right—typically 10 to 14 days after you’ve started your medications—you’ll check back in with your doctor and receive a final  injection of something called a human chorionic gonadotropin. This is the final kick to help your eggs mature and prepare them for retrieval. 

Retrieving your eggs

Retrieval is typically done while you’re under a light sedation at a fertility clinic. Your doctor will retrieve your eggs via vaginal ultrasound with suction to remove eggs from follicles. You’ll likely wake up feeling well rested while your medical team has done all of the heavy lifting for you!

While you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, a little soreness afterwards isn’t uncommon.  

Freezing and monitoring

After your procedure your eggs undergo a process called vitrification (AKA: freezing). This process relies on subzero temperatures to cool the eggs for storage. They’re normally stored along with a substance (like liquid nitrogen) that  keeps ice crystals from forming within the frozen eggs. They’re then placed in cold storage for 24/7 temperature monitoring.  

Storage timelines

You may be surprised to learn that your frozen eggs have no expiration date. In fact, in 2021 a child was born from an embryo frozen 25 years prior! Once your eggs have been successfully frozen they cease all biological activity, including aging and deterioration. 

While some countries may have limits on the length of time your eggs can remain frozen, this has not taken hold in the United States. This comes as good news for women who are hoping to freeze their eggs earlier in life and may need more years of frozen storage. 

Our Split program includes 10 years of free storage at a reputable long-term facility, where you'll have access to them whenever you choose to use them. Our Keep program also allows you to store your eggs for 10+ years, though note that the payment will be out of pocket each year. 

How much does it cost?

A lot of women worry about the price tag for freezing their eggs. One piece of good news is that as technology (and availability) of these solutions advances, costs are starting to come down.

Still, you can be looking at a bill for a few thousand dollars for the procedure alone—anywhere between $6,000 to $11,000—plus an annual bill between $300-$1,200 for storage, and up to $5,000 for medications. 

With Cofertility, however, we’ve worked with clinic partners to get you discounts on freezing (think: 75% off initial consults at certain clinics), storage (up to 80% off compared to reputable clinic freezing), and medications (about a 20% savings). 

For those who qualify, our Split program also offers the opportunity to freeze your eggs for free if you donate half of them to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. Yep, zero dollars. 

Split allows you to take control of your reproductive future (while offsetting the costs), and enables you to give someone else the greatest gift of all: a shot at parenthood. But at the end of the day, our mission is to empower women with reproductive choice. If you decide that freezing isn’t for you, we respect that. And most of all, we applaud you for taking this step towards exploring your options and learning more about your own fertility. 

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

What’s the process like?

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

Shots/Sonograms/More Shots

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

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

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

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

Retrieval

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

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

Recovery

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

How many eggs will I get?

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

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

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

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

At what age should I freeze my eggs? 

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

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

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

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

How much will it cost?

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

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

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

Simmone Taitt, Founder and CEO of Poppyseed Health, is no stranger to reproductive health. In an interview with Cofertility, Simmone opens up about her embryo freezing experience. She shares her motivations, challenges, and the rewards she discovered along the way, providing invaluable insights for those considering this transformative path.

Eggs vs embryos

"I decided to create embryos with my partner because I was undergoing surgery for stage four endometriosis," Simmone explains. "There was a chance that I was going to lose one of my ovaries, and we wanted to preserve our options as much as possible while also addressing the endo." Unfortunately, she did lose her left ovary and fallopian tube, making the decision to create embryos even more significant.

Simmone froze her eggs at the age of 37, retrieving a total of 11 eggs. "I was 37 years old when I retrieved my eggs and we got 11 eggs," she shares. "The ovary that I ended up losing only produced 2 eggs while the other produced 9 eggs." Despite the challenges she faced, Simmone's determination remained unwavering.

Read more about choosing to freeze eggs vs embryos

Reflections on the process

Reflecting on the egg freezing process, Simmone shares, "The process was way more time consuming than I anticipated." She explains the rigorous routine of blood tests every other day for nearly two weeks and intravaginal sonograms during every visit. Simmone's experience was further complicated by the side effects of the stimulation medication due to her endometriosis. "It was tough on my body. I gained 10 pounds during the stimulation period and was very bloated," she reveals. However, the reward of creating embryos outweighed the difficulties she encountered.

For Simmone, the hardest part of the process came after the retrieval. "About four weeks after my first embryo transfer, I ended up in the hospital with a swollen arm," she recalls. "It turned out that I had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)." This setback disrupted her plans for additional embryo transfers. Despite the challenges, Simmone's spirit remains unbroken.

Picking a fertility clinic

When it came to choosing a fertility clinic and medical professional, Simmone had specific criteria in mind. "I specifically wanted an REI who had experience with medically complex patients with inflammatory diseases," she explains. After consulting with various specialists, Simmone selected an REI whom she felt comfortable and safe with. Although her own journey has not resulted in a successful pregnancy (yet), she referred two friends to the same REI, both of whom had successful first transfers and babies. Simmone emphasizes that each person's body is different and outcomes aren't guaranteed.

Simmone acknowledges the impact of the egg freezing process on her personal and professional life. "Thankfully, I was able to go in for my monitoring hours first thing in the morning, which was the most convenient for my schedule," she shares. However, she also highlights the significant cost involved. "The cost is astronomical," she reveals. While her partner's company covered one round of egg retrievals, Simmone and her partner had to use their savings, around $5,000 to $6,000, to cover the expenses of medication and other aspects of the cycle.

The emotional and psychological aspects of egg freezing

Managing the emotional and psychological aspects of egg freezing presented its own challenges for Simmone. "I had a lot of friends who [have done IVF]. The process is similar, so I had a lot of knowledge going into it, but it was still emotionally tough for me," she admits. Simmone relied on her partner, family, and friends for support. The hormonal effects of the medications heightened her emotions and made her feel tender and vulnerable during that time.

Looking back on her egg freezing experience, Simmone reflects on the need for better awareness of the possible side effects. "I think we commercialize the egg freezing process and IVF to be 'easy' and 'accessible' and 'simple'," she states. Simmone wishes she had been more informed about the potential challenges involved and emphasizes the importance of a realistic understanding of the procedures.

Advice for others

Offering advice to those considering freezing their eggs, Simmone encourages open conversation and seeking support. "It's important to talk to people who have been through the process and get the real stories," she suggests. Simmone emphasizes the deeply personal nature of the decision and underscores the need for support, guidance, and empathy throughout the journey.

Simmone Taitt's story is one of resilience, hope, and empowerment. Her decision to freeze her eggs was driven by a desire to preserve her fertility amidst health challenges. Despite the obstacles she faced, Simmone's unwavering spirit and determination propelled her forward. Her experience serves as a reminder that while the road may be challenging, there is strength in preserving options and embracing the possibilities that lie ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

Understand the process

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

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

Offer assistance

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

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

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

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

• Temperature above 101 F
• Severe abdominal pain or swelling
• Severe nausea or vomiting that doesn’t go away
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour; some light bleeding is normal)
• Difficulty urinating, or painful urination
• Fainting or dizziness

Help with the shots

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

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

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

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

Respect the decision

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrate the achievement

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

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

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

In summary

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

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

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

Rachel Liverman Crane is the Founder & CEO of the East Coast skincare facial concept Glow Bar. Yet, her dynamic life doesn't end with her professional achievements; she's also taken a bold step in her personal life by freezing her eggs — a journey made even more remarkable by overcoming medical anxiety, a common fear that affects many people facing medical procedures.

Medical anxiety is more than a fleeting concern; it's a genuine fear that can hinder individuals from pursuing necessary or elective medical treatments. In Rachel's case, it was a hurdle she had to conquer on her path to securing future family planning options.

Her journey reflects a blend of determination, pragmatism, and an unwavering belief in one's self, sending a strong message to others about the power of informed choices and the beauty of self-confidence. By bravely facing her fears, Rachel serves as an inspiration to others who may be on the fence about egg freezing. Whether it's expanding a skincare brand or planning for a future family, she navigates life with grace, wisdom, and a touch of humor, embodying the future's endless possibilities.

In a candid interview with us, Rachel shares this journey, opening up about her experience with egg freezing and how she overcame the anxiety that often accompanies medical decisions.

Deciding to freeze

At the age of 35, while single and deeply focused on growing her business, Rachel made the decision to freeze her eggs. Recognizing that she wouldn't be having children in the immediate future, she saw this as a way to retain her focus on her career without the looming pressure of biological timing. "I figured I would freeze my eggs so my focus could remain on my career and not have the pressure of having kids feel so strong."

The process resulted in a "lucky dozen" of 12 eggs, with nine being frozen. Her AMH was 1.81, and she candidly shares her experience, describing herself as an "open book."

Embracing the process even with medical anxiety

When asked what she was most nervous about, Rachel replied, “The shots, the blood draws every morning, the anesthesia, the IV, the recovery — I worried about it all!”

“But in the end”, she says, “it was so simple and my doctor and his team took such great care of me the entire way.”

Having seen friends go through it, she knew what to expect, although the physical discomfort and bloating after retrieval did surprise her. “The thing that surprised me the most was how bloated and uncomfortable that would feel after the retrieval process.”

What stands out, however, is the empowerment and strength she felt after going through this elective procedure, particularly given her medical anxiety. "I was really proud of myself for doing something that scared me for my future self!" 

Rachel, we’re proud of you too!

Facing the hard parts head-on

The journey wasn't without its challenges. The financial burden was a difficult aspect for her. As a startup founder, making such a significant investment had a real impact. Still, the sacrifice was worth it, even if it meant missing events like close friends' weddings abroad. "I don't have any regrets," she asserts.

Read more about paying for egg freezing:

• How to Pay for Egg Freezing
• How to Freeze Your Eggs for Free
• Does Insurance Cover Egg Freezing?

Choosing Dr. Joshua Stewart at Dr. Joshua Stewart at Cornell for the procedure, she feels the decision has had a profoundly positive effect on her professional life. It allowed her to prioritize her career, team, and business without sacrificing personal aspirations.

Looking back and looking ahead

Looking back, the only thing she might have done differently is to take supplements or seek acupuncture to support her eggs. Yet, she considers the freezing of her eggs as part of her journey, jokingly referring to them as her "insurance plan" and the possibility of thawing these "cuties" to make babies if and when needed.

Rachel says that her relationships and dating life remained unaffected. Freezing her eggs just became "another part of me," not altering her approach to dating or personal relationships.

Advice for others

Her advice for others considering this path is wise and considerate. She urges people to talk to others who have undergone the process, ask questions, advocate for themselves, and not to push themselves if it doesn't feel right.

"Don't feel pressure to do this if it doesn't feel right for you. It's a serious and expensive procedure, so make sure that this is something that you really care about and feel is right for you and where you are today.” We couldn’t agree more!

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

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

Who is a good candidate for egg freezing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who is not a good candidate for egg freezing?

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

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

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

Why would someone need to freeze their eggs?

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

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

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

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

At what age should you freeze your eggs?

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

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

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

Is it worth freezing your eggs after 35?

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

To freeze or not to freeze, that is the question

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

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

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

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

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

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

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

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

Summing it up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The data on frozen egg thawing

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

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

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

Read more in Egg Freezing Thaw Rates

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

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

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

Unused frozen eggs option #1: discard them 

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

Unused frozen eggs option #2: donate them to science 

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

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

Unused frozen eggs option #3: keep paying for storage

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

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

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

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

Conclusion 

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

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

Read More:

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