fertility treatments

Family-planning decisions are deeply personal, and for women athletes, there are many added layers of complexity. From rigorous training schedules and competition seasons to the physical demands of maintaining peak performance, many athletes choose to delay family-building. Egg freezing is an attractive option for many, giving women athletes the gift of time while allowing them to focus on the demands of their career. However, navigating the process can be a challenge. If you’re in this boat — this article is for you. Keep reading to learn more about the ins and outs of egg freezing as a woman athlete, allowing you the opportunity to take control of your reproductive future without sacrificing your career goals.

Why should women athletes freeze their eggs?

It is well-recognized that female fertility declines with age, beginning in one’s early 30s and more rapidly accelerating at age 35. Both egg quality and quantity start to decrease, making child-bearing more difficult the longer we wait. Given that many athletes extend their careers well into their 30s, egg freezing provides optionality for future family-building to female athletes who are prioritizing their professional careers during their peak reproductive years.

How to schedule an egg freezing cycle as an athlete

One of the biggest concerns for athletes considering egg freezing is when to do it. The process typically takes about two weeks, during which intense physical activity is often prohibited. This can make it challenging for those in physically-demanding careers, such as athletes, to find time to schedule their cycle. However, with proper planning, freezing your eggs as a woman athlete is very possible. Some considerations are:

• Off-season planning: Consider scheduling your egg freezing cycle during the off-season. That way, you’ll have time to focus on your retrieval without the added stress of balancing your training and competition demands.
• Recovery time: While egg freezing is a minimally-invasive procedure, it’s normal to experience mild to moderate symptoms post-retrieval, such as bloating, fatigue, or cramping. Giving yourself ample time to rest is key — so be prepared to take time off to recover.
• Impact of hormone injections: The process of freezing your eggs includes taking a series of injectable hormone medications in order to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. When taking these medications, it is often advised to avoid high-impact physical activity, in order to reduce the rare-but-serious risk of OHSS. While most will be able to return to their full training quickly, it’s important to work directly with your care team on a plan to safely navigate cycling with your work schedule.

How to pay for egg freezing as an athlete

Having a plan for how you’re doing to pay for your egg freezing is an important planning step in your journey. A typical egg freezing cycle can cost anywhere from $11,000 - $15,000, in addition to storage fees. Considering that the majority of women athletes do not have access to fertility benefits, you will likely have to fund your egg freezing journey on your own — but you have options. Options like Cofertility’s Split program — in which members freeze their eggs entirely for free when they donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family that can’t conceive — help eliminate financial barriers while giving you the opportunity to help another family grow at the same time. Additional options include financing options through companies like Sunfish or using an HSA or FSA account.Give yourself the gift of optionsNavigating egg freezing as an athlete requires planning, but it’s an empowering step toward preserving future family-building options. If you’re considering the process, talk to a fertility specialist and map out a plan that works with your training schedule. Because every athlete deserves the ability to compete today—without sacrificing the family-building goals.

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, the 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 Cofertility, it’s actually…not. Read about how our platform 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.

A win-win innovation

Egg freezing can cost upwards of $15,000-$20,000, and that doesn’t even count years of storage. We started Cofertility with the dream of giving women more options. That 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 ten years of storage and any travel. The other half of the retrieved eggs go to another family who can’t otherwise conceive. The families we help include couples facing infertility, cancer survivors, and gay dads. 

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:

• Care from a board-certified fertility doctor
• Support from one of our Member Advocates
• Access to our community 
• Fertility testing
• Genetic testing
• Any necessary medication
• The egg retrieval
• Egg freezing and storage for 10 years
• Procedure insurance
• Travel

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

Am I eligible for the Split program?

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

• Age: Between 21 and 33 years old (consistent with ASRM guidelines). 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). 
• Ovarian health: Possess two ovaries and have no reproductive issues or genetic abnormalities.
• BMI: Between 18 and 29 for optimal medication and retrieval outcomes. Read more about BMI here.
• Lifestyle: Non-smoker and no recreational drug use.
• Health: Good physical and emotional health.

If you meet these requirements, you could be a great candidate for the program. 

Read more in What are the Qualifications for Joining Our Split Program?

Getting started

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:

1. Take our quiz to see if you qualify

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. 

2. Apply for join

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.

3. Meet with our team

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. 

4. 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.  

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Free storage begins

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, we ask our clinic partners to save any non-mature eggs retrieved 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.

Why choose split?

• Affordable egg freezing: Eliminate the financial barriers to preserving your fertility.
• Help another family: Give the gift of parenthood to a family in need.
• Comprehensive support: From testing to storage, every step is covered.
• Flexibility: You can undergo multiple cycles to increase your egg reserve.

Adding it up

Our Split program puts egg freezing in reach for all members. It removes what are 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.

Read more:

• Is Egg Freezing Safe?
• Researchers Followed 921 Egg Freezers; Here’s What They Found
• How to Increase Egg Freezing Chances of Success
• Does Donating Eggs Affect Your Fertility?
• What’s the Best Age to Freeze My Eggs?

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

Egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to preserve their fertility, whether for medical reasons, personal timing, or future family planning. The process, known as oocyte cryopreservation, offers hope and flexibility, but it’s not without its uncertainties. One common question we hear is: Why do some frozen eggs not survive the thaw? It’s a great question, and understanding the answer requires a look at the science behind egg freezing, the challenges of the process, and the factors that influence success rates.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why some eggs don’t make it through the thawing process, what happens during freezing and thawing, and how advancements in technology are improving outcomes. We’ll also discuss what you can do to set yourself up for the best possible results. While egg freezing is a powerful tool, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the process.

The basics of egg freezing and thawing

Egg freezing involves carefully extracting eggs from the ovaries, cooling them to sub-zero temperatures, and storing them for future use. The goal is to preserve the eggs in their current state, effectively hitting the “pause” button on those specific eggs. When you’re ready to use them, the eggs are thawed, fertilized, and transferred as embryos in the hopes of achieving a pregnancy.

The freezing process itself has come a long way. In the past, a method called slow freezing was used, but it often led to the formation of ice crystals, which could damage the eggs. Today, most clinics use a technique called vitrification, which flash-freezes the eggs so quickly that ice crystals don’t have time to form. This method has significantly improved survival rates, but it’s not foolproof.

What percent of eggs make it through the thaw?

What what are the chances your eggs will survive the thaw? The answer isn’t straightforward, as survival rates can vary based on several factors, including the clinic’s expertise, the age of the eggs, and the freezing method used. 

Overall, the survival rate when thawing frozen eggs using vitrification is 95%. This is a significant improvement over older methods like slow freezing, which had survival rates closer to 75%. Vitrification’s rapid cooling process minimizes the risk of ice crystal formation, which is a major cause of egg damage during freezing and thawing.

Why some eggs don’t survive the thaw

In general, thaw rates are very good these days. However, they aren’t the same for everyone. Even with the advancements in vitrification, not all eggs make it through the thawing process. Here are some of the key reasons why:

• The fragility of eggs: Human eggs are among the largest cells in the body and contain a high amount of water. This makes them particularly sensitive to temperature changes. During freezing and thawing, the egg’s structure can be compromised, leading to damage that prevents it from surviving.
• Age and quality of the eggs: The quality of the eggs at the time of freezing plays a significant role in their survival. Younger eggs, typically from women in their 20s and early 30s, tend to have better survival rates than those from older individuals. This is because younger eggs are more likely to have intact DNA and cellular structures, which are better able to withstand the stresses of freezing and thawing.
• Laboratory quality: The process of freezing and thawing eggs is highly technical and requires precision. Even small errors in the timing, temperature, or handling of the eggs can impact their viability. Clinics with experienced embryologists and state-of-the-art equipment tend to have higher success rates.

Survival rates can and do vary between clinics. Clinics with highly skilled embryologists and advanced technology often report higher success rates. Some top-tier fertility clinics report near perfect survival rates for eggs frozen using vitrification. This is why it’s so important to choose a clinic with a strong track record and transparent data.

What happens after the eggs are thawed

Surviving the thaw is just the first step. After thawing, the eggs must be fertilized, develop into healthy embryos, and successfully implant in the uterus. Estimates vary, but according to UCLA Health the overall chance of a pregnancy is between 4-12% per oocyte per thawed egg, depending on factors like age, sperm quality, and clinic expertise. This means that while most eggs survive the thaw, not all will result in a successful pregnancy.

To put this into perspective, if you freeze 10 eggs, you might expect 8-9 to survive the thaw. Of those, only a portion may fertilize and develop into viable embryos. Your fertility doctor can work with you to determine the ideal number of eggs to freeze to increase the likelihood of achieving a pregnancy in the future.

While these numbers might feel daunting, it’s important to remember that egg freezing is still one of the most effective ways to preserve fertility, especially for those who freeze their eggs at a younger age. Advances in technology and clinic expertise continue to improve outcomes, offering hope and options for those planning for their future families.

What you can do to improve your chances

While some factors, like age, are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of success:

• Choose the right clinic: Research clinics thoroughly and choose one with a strong track record in egg freezing and thawing.
• Freeze your eggs sooner rather than later: The younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the better their quality and survival rate.
• Follow your clinic’s instructions: During the egg retrieval process, follow your clinic’s guidelines for medications, diet, and lifestyle to ensure the best possible egg quality.
• Consider undergoing multiple cycles: The more eggs you freeze, the higher your chances of having viable eggs after thawing. 

Read more in How to Increase Egg Freezing Chances of Success

The future of egg freezing technology

While egg freezing has come a long way, there’s still room for improvement. Researchers are continually working on new techniques to improve survival rates and make the process more reliable. For example, some studies are exploring the use of different cryoprotectants or modified freezing protocols to further reduce the risk of damage.

Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are also being applied to fertility treatments. These technologies could help embryologists better predict which eggs are most likely to survive freezing and thawing, leading to more personalized and effective treatments.

Final thoughts

Egg freezing offers hope and flexibility for those looking to preserve their fertility, but it’s not without its challenges. Understanding why some eggs don’t survive the thaw can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations. By choosing a reputable clinic, freezing your eggs at a younger age, and staying informed about the process, you can improve your chances of success.

While the science of egg freezing continues to evolve, it’s important to remember that every individual’s experience is unique. If you’re considering egg freezing, take the time to consult with a fertility specialist, ask questions, and weigh your options carefully. With the right information and support, you can make the best choice for your future.

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.

As a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in fertility, one of the most common questions I hear from potential egg donors is whether they can donate if they have anxiety. The short answer is: it depends. While anxiety doesn't automatically disqualify someone from egg donation, its severity, management, and impact on daily life all factor into eligibility.

The egg donation process involves medical procedures, hormone treatments, and emotional considerations that can be challenging even for those without anxiety. Understanding how anxiety might affect your experience - and whether your specific symptoms could impact the donation process - is key to making an informed decision.

This article breaks down what you need to know about anxiety and egg donation, from medical screening requirements to practical considerations, based on my experience working with hundreds of donors. We'll explore how different types of anxiety might affect eligibility, what to expect during screening, and factors to consider when making your decision.

Basic requirements for egg donors

In order to become an egg donor, clinics have certain requirements that are driven by industry guidelines. Basic eligibility typically includes the following:

• A donor should be between the ages of 21 and 34 years old
• Have regular menstrual cycles 
• No history of smoking, drug use, or excessive alcohol consumption
• No chronic medical conditions 
• No personal or family history of significant genetic diseases
• Must test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, and other infections
• No recent use of certain medications 
• Be willing to undergo medical procedures and hormone injections for several weeks.

Egg donors also go through a medical assessment to ensure the donor is in optimal health and can safely undergo the process. For example, blood tests will be done to check AMH (Anti-Müllerian hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to determine egg quantity. Estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid function will also be checked. 

Mental health evaluation during screening

Egg donation programs also require a psychological evaluation as part of the screening process  to ensure emotional stability or the ability to handle the medical, emotional, and ethical aspects of donation. This screening helps protect both the donor and the intended parents by ensuring that donors are mentally stable, emotionally prepared, and capable of making informed decisions. 

Mental health conditions such as severe anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or personality disorders are also assessed as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines recommend excluding individuals with severe psychiatric conditions.

How anxiety affects egg donation eligibility

While having a mental health condition is not automatically disqualifying, certain personality disorders and severe mental health conditions are typically considered contraindications due to the potential risks involved. For example, mild or well-controlled anxiety - especially if managed with therapy or certain medications - may not be an issue. However, more severe anxiety, especially if it affects daily functioning, requires strong medication, has led to panic attacks, or hospitalization, could be a concern.

Medication considerations and hormone effects

Some clinics may disqualify donors who take certain psychiatric medications due to potential effects of the egg freezing medication as the hormones may intensify anxiety symptoms, mood swings, and emotional distress. 

If anxiety is well-managed with medication, stopping the medication could cause a relapse of symptoms like panic attacks, insomnia, or emotional distress. Stopping some medications (like SSRIs) can cause withdrawal effects such as dizziness, nausea, irritability, and worsening anxiety. Even tapering off can make someone feel more emotionally vulnerable, which may impact decision-making and well-being during the process. Even if one tapers off safely, anxiety may return, especially under stress from egg retrieval and hormonal stimulation. Some clinics automatically disqualify donors on psychiatric medications, while others consider cases individually. 

Research indicates that injectable fertility treatments, such as those used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing, can intensify anxiety symptoms in some individuals. A review highlighted that individuals undergoing IVF often experience elevated anxiety levels, particularly during specific stages of the treatment process. This is not just because of the hormones but the process itself can be  physically demanding, requiring multiple medical appointments, and for some donors the pressure to meet clinic or recipient expectations can trigger feelings of inadequacy or anxiety.

Support strategies for donors with anxiety

So what if you are an anxious person but have never been diagnosed and have never used medication, can you still donate? Possibly, especially if you can learn to manage some of the anxiety that may naturally occur during the process. If your clinic offers specialized fertility counseling services, utilize them to help prepare for the emotional challenges. Connecting with other women who have gone through the egg donation process is a great way to set realistic expectations of the process. This support can also help you feel less isolated and provide practical advice for managing anxiety. Practices that focus on relaxation - such as yoga or deep breathing exercises - can help calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety. Maintaining a healthy diet and ensuring sufficient sleep can play a crucial role in overall emotional well-being, helping manage anxiety better. Some people find relief from anxiety by engaging in creative activities such as journaling, drawing, or crafting.

Making your decision: Next steps to consider

Should you donate if you have anxiety? Well, it all depends on how well your anxiety is managed, how you handle stress, and whether you’re prepared for the process. If you’re considering it, speaking with a fertility specialist and a mental health professional can help you make an informed decision. It is essential to always be honest about medical history when applying. Lying or withholding information could lead to medical risks or legal issues. Finally, be clear with yourself about what kind of support you need during moments of anxiety, whether it’s someone to listen, help with logistics, or simply provide reassurance during difficult moments. The goal is to ensure that the donor feels emotionally and physically safe and supported throughout the entire experience.

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

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

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

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

What to know before your appointment

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

Start with questions about your current fertility health:

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

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

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

Finding the right time to start the conversation

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

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

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

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

Understanding your hormone test results

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

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

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

Making the most of your appointment

To get the most helpful information from your OBGYN:

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

What your OBGYN might not know

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

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

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

The bottom line

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

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

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

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

Read More:

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

When we founded Cofertility, we set out to solve a problem: egg freezing was too expensive, too isolating, and too complex for many of us to access. We believed there had to be a better way. By reimagining the entire experience—from cost to care to community—we've created programs that work for more women.

This year, Goop recognized Cofertility as one of the best egg-freezing services, highlighting our commitment to making fertility preservation more accessible while maintaining the highest medical standards. This recognition means a lot to us, but what matters most is what it represents: a new way forward for women considering egg freezing.

We've built something different. Through our Keep and Split programs, we're proving that excellent fertility care can be both accessible and affordable. Here's a closer look at what sets Cofertility apart and why we're considered the top choice for women considering egg freezing in 2024.

Two groundbreaking programs that put women first

Cofertility offers two distinct programs designed to meet different needs and preferences. The Keep program provides traditional egg freezing services, allowing women to store all their retrieved eggs for future use. By freezing your eggs through Cofertility’s Keep program, you’ll gain access to:

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

Cofertility believes in complete transparency about costs. The Keep program provides detailed pricing upfront, including:

• All medical procedures
• Necessary medications
• Storage fees
• Additional services

What truly distinguishes Cofertility is our Split program—a first-of-its-kind approach that makes egg freezing entirely free, including medications and storage, while maintaining the same high standards of care. Through Split, women can freeze and store their eggs at no cost by donating half of the retrieved eggs to a family who cannot conceive otherwise. This program maintains the same exceptional standards as Keep while making fertility preservation accessible to more women. 

Why the Split program is revolutionary

The Split program earned particular praise for its innovative approach to making egg freezing accessible. Unlike traditional egg freezing services that can cost $15,000 or more, Split provides:

• Free egg freezing and storage
• Free medications
• Free genetic screening
• The opportunity to help another family
• The same high-quality care as the Keep program

This program removes financial barriers while allowing women to preserve their fertility and help others build families.

Quality care without compromise

At Cofertility, medical excellence is non-negotiable. We partner exclusively with the nation's top fertility clinics, ensuring every patient receives care from board-certified reproductive endocrinologists and experienced embryologists. These partnerships mean patients benefit from:

• State-of-the-art laboratories and freezing techniques
• Rigorous quality control standards
• Comprehensive genetic screening
• Industry-leading success rates

Personal support from dedicated Member Advocates

At the heart of Cofertility's exceptional experience are our Member Advocates—experienced professionals who guide you through every aspect of your egg freezing process. Our Member Advocates provide personalized, one-on-one support from your first consultation through egg freezing and beyond.

Each Member Advocate brings extensive knowledge about fertility care and a deep commitment to supporting women through this significant decision. They're not just coordinators; they're advocates who:

• Help you understand your options between our Keep and Split programs
• Connect you with top clinics that match your needs and location
• Coordinate all medical appointments and scheduling
• Answer questions about medications and procedures
• Provide emotional support throughout the process
• Help you join our community of others going through similar experiences

Many of our Member Advocates have personal experience with fertility treatment, bringing both professional expertise and genuine empathy to their roles. They understand the questions, concerns, and emotions that come with egg freezing because they've been there themselves.

This personalized support makes a real difference. As one member noted, "Having someone who knew exactly what to expect, could answer all my questions, and was always available made me feel so much more confident about my decision to freeze and donate my eggs."

Our Member Advocates are available through text, email, or phone—whatever works best for you. They're known for their quick response times and willingness to go above and beyond to support our members. Whether you need help understanding a medical term, want to adjust your medication schedule, or just need someone to talk to, your Member Advocate is there.

Founded and run by women

In an industry historically dominated by male leadership and corporate interests, we aim to be different. Our female founders brought both professional expertise and personal understanding to reimagine egg freezing from the ground up.

What makes Cofertility different is that we've experienced these challenges firsthand. We understand the anxiety of waiting rooms, the complexity of insurance paperwork, the stress of scheduling appointments around work, and the weight of making decisions about your future fertility. This perspective shapes everything we do:

• We design our programs around women's actual needs and schedules
• We explain medical information clearly, without condescension
• We build supportive communities rather than leaving women to navigate this alone
• We prioritize transparency in pricing and medical information
• We create inclusive spaces for all paths to parenthood

This female-led approach extends throughout our organization. Our team brings together women with deep experience in healthcare, technology, and fertility services. Many have gone through fertility treatment themselves. This collective experience helps us anticipate and solve problems before they affect our members.

Being women-founded and women-led isn't just about representation—it's about fundamentally changing how fertility care works. We're proud to be recognized as the best egg freezing service, but we're even prouder of why: we're creating the fertility care experience that women deserve.

Making egg freezing work for you

Being named the best egg freezing service by Goop is an honor, but our real measure of success is in the women we serve every day. Whether you choose our Keep program or our innovative Split program, you'll find the same commitment to excellence, personal support, and genuine care that earned us this recognition.

The future of fertility care shouldn't be defined by barriers and limitations. It should be shaped by choice, accessibility, and support. At Cofertility, we're proud to lead this change, but we're even prouder to support women as they make important decisions about their fertility.

Ready to learn more? Reach out to us. We'll help you understand your options, answer your questions, and guide you toward the program that best fits your needs. You can also join our community to connect with others who are considering or going through egg freezing.

Your fertility decisions are personal, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Let us show you why we're considered the best in egg freezing—not just for what we do, but for how we do it.