real stories

Sometimes, it can feel like all we celebrate are weddings and baby showers. While these events are certainly important milestones, we feel that there are so many other things that deserve recognition and celebration. 

Here are just 10 things that young women should celebrate:

Educational achievements

Whether it's graduating from college or defending your thesis, educational achievements are something that should be celebrated. Completing a degree or certification takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and it's a significant accomplishment!

Career advancements

Landing a new job, getting a promotion, or starting a business are all significant career achievements to be proud of. Especially if you’re part of an underrepresented group in your industry, achieving success in a career can be a challenge, and it deserves recognition.

Health achievements

Sometimes, staying healthy is easier said than done. We should be proud of our health achievements and celebrate taking care of ourselves.

We’re all about being proactive with your health, especially when it comes to your fertility. That’s why, with our programs, you can freeze your eggs more affordably — even potentially free if you donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive. Take our quiz here to see if you qualify!

Personal milestones

From buying a home to traveling to a new country, we’re here for celebrating more personal milestones! These achievements often require a significant investment of time and money, and they can be life-changing experiences.

Taking a leap

We think making the jump to pursue a passion project is super admirable. Whether it’s writing a cookbook, starting to sell your oh-so-amazing cookies, or teaching a course, taking a leap can be scary and it helps to have others cheer you on.

Relationship milestones

Weddings and baby showers aren't the only relationship milestones worth celebrating. Whether it's getting engaged, celebrating an anniversary, or finding a new love — or the opposite: getting out of a toxic relationship! — these milestones are important and should be celebrated.

Financial milestones

Saving money (or making more) is a big accomplishment worth celebrating. Even more so when you’re — finally! — putting that money to good use, whether that’s buying a house, making your first investment, or paying off student loans.

Community involvement

Whether it's volunteering at a local charity or organizing a community event, we’re all about celebrating those who make a difference in their community. 

Fitness achievements 

Whether it's running a marathon or completing another fitness challenge, achievements in this category are always super impressive. We’re all about rallying around our friends to celebrate crossing that finish line, literally or figuratively speaking.

Personal growth

Finally, personal growth is something that should always be celebrated. When you do something that takes a lot of courage and hard work, you deserve a pat on the back (or, better yet, a fun night out, a dinner, a “me day,” whatever!). 

In general, we do so many awesome things worth acknowledging beyond just weddings and baby showers. So let's celebrate these achievements!

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

As if choosing to freeze or donate your eggs isn’t a big enough decision — now it’s time to choose who you’re going to work with to do it. With a seemingly endless number of fertility clinics, agencies, and egg banks to choose from (some with more questionable marketing tactics than others), we know how daunting this decision can feel. We’re firm believers in the power of community and know that the best way to make a decision as big as this one is to hear firsthand from other people who have gone through the process themselves. We asked some of our Split members and intended parents about why they chose Cofertility and their experiences so far. Keep reading to see what they had to say.

Why Cofertility?

"Physicians are often forced to sacrifice their most fertile years for their training, and that becomes such a huge source of anxiety for so many female doctors.

This is an opportunity to preserve some of your fertility while doing something amazing for another family." - Christina, Split member

“Something that has held me back from starting a family is financial limitations. However, if I could give someone the opportunity while I pursue my career in hopes of becoming financially unlimited, that would be amazing. ” - Nancy, Split member

"As a fourth year med student, I'm at a stage in my life where having a family isn't really an option and it won't be for 5-10 years. This idea is just beautiful. I can't believe we didn't figure something like this out sooner." - Emily, Split member

“I am incredibly independent and feel that I want to best prepare myself to have options in the future if I have a child on my own or with a partner, that I can ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy in my future when I choose to do so. Entering my late 20s, I have seen more and more of my friends struggle with fertility issues and how incredibly difficult that process is. As a long time nanny, there's nothing more that makes me happy than knowing how love a child can be, so why not be part of that journey!” Claire, Split member

Hear from some of our matched Split members

“Once I met the prospective parents, it was clear they selected me more for my personality than any physical attributes. Overall, I’ve felt like I’m valued as a complete person, not just for my eggs—and they’re so happy to help me on my fertility journey as well.” - Kristen, Split member.”

“[It was important to me to match with a couple] where at least one person was African American. I was also drawn to helping another queer couple in this process. Fortunately, there’s a lot of autonomy and flexibility in terms of what this [journey] looks like for each person.” - Arianna, Split member

Hear from Intended Parents

“We feel so lucky to have come across Cofertility as we’re making the most important decision of our life. They’ve taken what’s become a depersonalized journey and made it into something deeply emotional. They take the time to get to know Intended Parents and Split Members to make sure it’s a perfectly aligned match all around." - Mark & Chirag, Cofertility intended parents

Start your egg freezing journey with Cofertility

Working with Cofertility means working with a platform that honors donors, intended parents, and donor-conceived people alike. We’re here to make your egg freezing journey the human-centered, accessible, and just plain better experience that you deserve with our two unique programs.

With our Split program, members who qualify based on clinic criteria can freeze their eggs entirely for free when they donate half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive.

Through our Keep program, members self-fund their egg freezing journey and keep the entire egg yield for themselves, with discounts and support from our team every step of the way.

With both programs, members also get exclusive access to our members-only community, where they can connect with others going through the egg freezing and donation processes at the same time and lean on each other for support and encouragement.

To see which programs you qualify for and start your journey today, click the link below to take our free, two-minute quiz.

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

Eggs vs embryos

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

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

Read more about choosing to freeze eggs vs embryos

Reflections on the process

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

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

Picking a fertility clinic

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

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

The emotional and psychological aspects of egg freezing

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

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

Advice for others

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

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

Missy Modell is no stranger to breaking boundaries. A fierce advocate for women's rights and an inspiring artist, she is open and honest about her own experiences. In a candid interview with us, Missy shares her journey of freezing her eggs, a deeply personal and empowering decision that reflects the challenges and choices women face today.

From doubt to decision

"I was really against egg freezing at first!" Missy shared. But her initial resistance gave way to reflection and realization. "Ultimately, I decided that at this very moment in my life and career, I am not ready to have children but I do know that I want them at some point."

The process: challenges and triumphs

Missy started the process at 35, but got scared and held off for a year. She finally began a year later, but observed significant changes in her body during that year, as her AMH dropped from 2.5 to 1.5, a realization that underscored the urgency of her decision. "I knew that if I was going to do it, now was the time!" she told us.

They ultimately retrieved 13 eggs and were able to freeze 10. Missy's reflections resonate with empowerment and gratitude. The rewards were not just in the outcomes but in the newfound connection with her body and a sense of autonomy and control over her future. Her journey is a testament to resilience, self-awareness, and the power of informed and thoughtful decision-making.

On the complexities of the egg freezing process, Missy shared, "The hardest part was honestly the aftermath. I had a sense of doom and depressed feelings that lasted a few weeks." 

But her journey wasn't without triumphs. "The thing that worried me most was being under anesthesia for the retrieval, but that ended up being one of the seamless parts of the whole experience! I felt so safe," she revealed.

Reflections and looking ahead

"I honestly can’t believe I did it! I am really proud of myself and very happy with my decision," Missy said, looking back on the experience. Her relationship with her body changed profoundly as well: "The entire journey made me feel so connected to my body, my cycle, and other women who have also undergone fertility treatment."

"The entire journey made me feel so connected to my body, my cycle, and other women who have also undergone fertility treatment."

This connection, born from a deeply personal experience, transcends the medical procedure itself. It's a testament to a shared understanding and empathy among women who have faced similar decisions. Missy's story isn't just about the choices she made for her future; it's a unifying narrative that resonates with countless women navigating their reproductive journeys, forging bonds of strength, compassion, and courage.

Advice for others

Missy's advice for others is rich in empathy and wisdom. "Freezing your eggs is not a failure. It took me so long to get past the shame of it all but I quickly learned that it’s an incredibly kind thing to do for yourself." She also stresses the importance of self-care, advising, "Be compassionate and kind to yourself. This is a very emotional process that brings up a LOT. Focus on the gratitude for being able to go through this process in the first place and how good you will feel when it’s done!"

Freezing your eggs is not a failure. It took me so long to get past the shame of it all but I quickly learned that it’s an incredibly kind thing to do for yourself.

Missy Modell's candid and heartfelt sharing paints a vivid picture of a journey filled with challenges, resilience, and empowerment. Her experience, in her own words, showcases a deeply personal aspect of women's health that often goes unspoken. Missy's story is more than just about egg freezing; it's a celebration of female strength, autonomy, and the embracing of life's possibilities. Her reflection rings loud and clear: "Women are truly fearless," and her own story stands as a testament to that truth.

Read more:

• How Many Eggs Should I Aim to Freeze?
• How Many Times Should I Freeze My Eggs?
• Should I Freeze My Eggs If I'm Not Yet Sure I Want Children?

As the Co-Founder and CEO of Aavia, an app designed to connect the dots between ovarian hormone health and women's daily lives, Aagya Mathur stands as an icon in women’s health. Recognized by Forbes as one of the top women leading startups that are disrupting health tech, she's not only shaping the industry but also influencing individual lives through her personal choices and advocacy.

Aagya's background in Neuroscience from the University of Virginia, combined with her MBA from MIT Sloan, has laid the foundation for her innovative work. Her past experience in management consulting across healthcare and retail clients further shaped her understanding of women's needs and inspired her to take a proactive approach to family planning.

We got the chance to interview her about her egg freezing experience, so let’s dive in.

The decision to freeze 

"I am lucky to have many older sister figures," Aagya explained, describing the influence of family and friends' experiences on her decision to freeze her eggs. She continued, "Their willingness to be vulnerable and share really opened my eyes to potential hardships. I remember one who explicitly told me – I wish I knew that freezing my eggs was an option when I was younger and that I did it."

At 32, Aagya sought her parents' thoughts and support, forging ahead with a process she knew was right for her. The personal stories and her background in the women's health space empowered her to make an informed decision.

The process: challenges and rewards

Aagya's journey involved meticulous planning and temporary lifestyle changes. She revealed, "I didn’t travel or go out late too much for about a month, and my friends and family showed up for me throughout the process." 

Those moments of support became memorable, with friends and family members showing their support: “It was really special that each night someone would show up for me whether going to go get our nails done or ordering Italian and sitting on my couch.”

They successfully retrieved a number of eggs which are now safely frozen in long-term storage.The hardest part, she recalled, was "Feeling very heavy before the procedure! But it wasn’t too bad."

The first injection was the hardest

A common fear among many who embark on the journey of egg freezing is the shots. Aagya, despite having taken the MCAT and shadowing doctors before deciding not to pursue medical school, shared this apprehension.

"I was most nervous for the first injection!" Aagya recounted. The idea of injecting herself was unsettling and a significant obstacle she had to overcome. But ultimately, she wanted it more than she was afraid of it. 

With trepidation, she administered that first shot, and much to her relief, discovered that her fears were unfounded. "After administering the first shot, it was a breeze! You can't even feel the needle," she exclaimed.

Her experience with the first injection is a metaphor for the entire egg freezing process and, perhaps, for life's challenges in general. Often, the anticipation of an event can be far more intimidating than the actual experience. Once Aagya faced her fear head-on, she found the rest of the process relatively smooth.

Impact on personal and professional life

The timing of the procedure pushed Aagya's plans by a few months, but the experience also illuminated the compassion of her investors. She said, "I was closing a round of funding, and actually it helped bring light to investors who cared for their founders." One investor even sent her a silk eye mask to help with the recovery process after the procedure.

Aagya was dating someone during this whole process, who is now a long-term boyfriend. “I was dating someone at the time and I didn’t expect it to be such a weird topic to discuss. I think we need to keep de-stigmatizing this. I wasn’t planning a family with him - I was just planning.”

 “I wasn’t planning a family with him - I was just planning”

Aagya's entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her unswerving commitment to empowering women, shines through her personal and professional choices. Her decision to freeze her eggs aligns perfectly with her mission to provide women with the tools and information they need to take control of their health and lives.

Looking back and advice for others

Reflecting on the experience, Aagya expressed no regrets: "I am really glad I did it!" Her advice to others considering egg freezing is resolute: "If you’re considering it, take the leap! Even if it’s just as an insurance for a second kid, if you choose to have kids at all."

Her story, woven with insights, courage, and empathy, contributes to the broader narrative of women's reproductive health. Aagya’s contributions to women’s health, her leadership, and her personal journey serve as an inspiration to many, underscoring the importance of empowerment, awareness, and self-care in our lives. Her work with Aavia continues to break barriers and establish connections, highlighting the essential dialogue between health, technology, and personal empowerment.

Learn more about egg freezing:

• I'm Afraid of Needles; Can I Still Freeze My Eggs?
• Should I Freeze Eggs or Embryos?
• The Fearless Journey: Missy Modell on Freezing Her Eggs
• Five Reasons to Freeze and Share Your Eggs with Another Family

Amanda Goetz, marketing genius and the founder of House of Wise (which was successfully sold) has an inspiring career background that includes five years at The Knot Worldwide as Vice President of Marketing. But aside from her professional accomplishments, Amanda's personal life and decisions make her story even more compelling. Recently, she shared her journey of freezing her eggs with us, a decision made during a tumultuous period in her life.

Egg freezing amidst chaos

Amanda's decision to freeze her eggs came at a crucial time when her life was already filled with change and uncertainty. Following a divorce at the age of 32, with three children under age four, Amanda recognized that her present self was not equipped to make permanent decisions about her future family planning.

"We retrieved 19 eggs at age 32," Amanda recalled. Though she already had three children, Amanda chose to freeze eggs, not embryos, as she was still casually dating and wasn't in the right headspace post-divorce to make this decision with a partner.

Facing challenges head-on, like everything else in her life 

Amanda's egg freezing journey was not without its hurdles. Her process coincided with the global COVID lockdown, and she was inundated with hormones just as the world seemed to be ending. The societal challenges were significant, too, with questions about why she was freezing her eggs when she already had three children. Amanda's honest response reflected her wisdom: "I just knew that current Amanda wasn't in a place to make decisions for future Amanda, and I wanted to retrieve eggs as young as possible."

The downsides? Amanda faced discomfort, weight gain, and a disruption in her workout routine, leaving her feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Navigating relationships during this period proved challenging as well, with a significant other becoming too freaked out to be around, leaving her feeling alone. 

Thankfully, support came in unexpected ways, including a newfound friend on Twitter who was undergoing the same process. She also credits her therapist who helped her through the process, and a best friend who was there to pick her up after the retrieval. “A support system is key”. 

Reflection and advice

Looking back on her experience, Amanda is confident she made the right decision. She emphasizes that egg freezing is not a foolproof insurance policy, and she wishes she had known more about the survival rates and the likelihood of pregnancy using the frozen eggs.

Her advice to others considering this path is insightful and practical. "It is not a full-proof insurance policy. I think I would have approached it differently if I didn't have children. I would have done multiple rounds and froze several embryos with a donor for extra safety."

Amanda's story is still unfolding, with her frozen eggs still being kept and a decision planned within the next five years. 

Amanda’s experience with egg freezing is something we often see, one filled with emotions, insights, and hard-won wisdom. Her journey contributes to the vital conversation about family building and choice, helping to remove stigma and encourage a more nuanced understanding of this complex decision-making process. 

Her voice stands as a testament to the strength, adaptability, and wisdom that many women must summon as they navigate their unique paths to family planning, even if it happens in different life eras. Her message is clear: planning for the future requires understanding, compassion, and the courage to embrace uncertainty.

Learn more about egg freezing:

• How Many Eggs Do I Need to Freeze?
• How Many Times Should I Freeze My Eggs?
• How to Score Egg Freezing Discounts

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

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

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

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

Empowering the future with frozen eggs

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

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

Embryo freezing as a family building strategy

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

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

Pros and Cons of Egg Freezing and Embryo Freezing:

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

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

Summing it up

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

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

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deciding to freeze

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

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

Embracing the process even with medical anxiety

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

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

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

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

Rachel, we’re proud of you too!

Facing the hard parts head-on

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

Read more about paying for egg freezing:

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

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

Looking back and looking ahead

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

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

Advice for others

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

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

In the last few years, egg freezing has become a more and more popular option for people who want to preserve their fertility and/or delay their family-building. While the process of egg freezing has improved significantly in recent decades, there’s still some concern about whether egg freezing is worth it (especially with its hefty price tag) and what outcomes to expect if someone does end up using their eggs. There haven’t been a ton of studies and surveys that look into this but it’s important information to know as you consider your fertility options. In this article, we’ll explore the findings of one large study that looked at nearly 1,000 patients who froze their eggs and what happened with those eggs years down the line. 

The nuts and bolts

First off, let’s get the boring definitions out of the way. The first thing to know is what type of study this is, or how it was designed. In this case, a retrospective observational cohort study was performed. This means that researchers looked at a group of people who had been exposed to a particular treatment in the past (in this case, egg freezing) and then followed them over time to see what happened. Pretty simple, right? The main goal of this type of research is to understand more about the relationship between the treatment in question and the outcomes that the research team chooses to measure.

What they looked at

Now, let’s get into the specifics of what was being measured in this study. The primary goal here was to follow a cohort of patients who returned to use their frozen eggs and to see what their cycle outcomes were. So, researchers looked at the clinical experiences of 921 people who froze their eggs at a fertility center between 2006 and 2020. Anyone who froze their eggs for medical reasons was excluded. They gathered information about each patient’s background, the freezing and thawing of their eggs, and what happened when they tried to have a baby using those eggs. 

The main outcome the researchers wanted to measure was the live birth rate (LBR), which is a number that tells you the chances of an actual baby being born. In addition to that, they also collected information about each patient’s clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) as well as their CPR and LBR per embryo transfer. CPR is the number that tells you the chances of a documented pregnancy. Once these results were collected, they were then separated based on whether the patients were younger or older than 38.

What they learned

Ok, now onto the good stuff: the results! There were several key questions that this study gave us some answers to. Let’s break them down.  

• What percentage of people actually come back to use their frozen eggs? 68 of the 921 patients in this cohort (7.4%) returned to use their frozen eggs to create embryos for transfer. Interestingly, the patients who came back to use their frozen eggs were on average older (about 38 years old).  

• What percentage of the people who used their frozen eggs got pregnant and had a baby (i.e., CPR and LBR)? Almost one-third of patients who came back (32.4%) successfully achieved a live birth from their frozen egg, with 39 years old (at the time of freezing) being the upper limit of success. No patient who froze eggs at the age of 40 or over had a successful live birth from those eggs. 

• How does age at time of egg freezing and at time of transfer impact clinical outcomes? There was a trend towards lower CPR and LBR the older the person was at the time they froze their eggs–this makes sense given our understanding that fertility declines as we get older. Almost 40% of people who were less than 38 years old at the time of egg freezing had a live birth, compared to only 25% of patients who were 38 and over. While this difference wasn’t a statistically significant one, it’s still evidence that age matters. 

• How did outcomes compare between people who tried having a baby using their frozen eggs and people who do in vitro fertilization (IVF) at the same age with non-frozen eggs? Even though the people who go through egg freezing may not have an infertility diagnosis at the time of the freezing, the rate of success for these patients is on par with IVF success rates for infertile patients in the same age group.

Strengths and weaknesses

As interesting as all of this data is, it’s always important to consider what strengths and limitations a study has. This study had some notable strengths. It provides us with real-world data on how well frozen eggs work. This is much more useful than the mostly theoretical data that’s been published before. In addition, the outcomes were described for each egg freezing cycle and as a total success rate for each patient. This total success rate is the most helpful when it comes to advising patients on their own chances of having a baby. The study also looked at 14 years of data from a single large hospital that does a lot of IVF in the area. With that long of a time span, we’re able to get a good idea of how patients have been doing in this region during that time.

Now, onto the limitations. One big issue with this study is that of the 921 initial patients, there weren't many to analyze who actually returned to use their frozen eggs. It's not surprising, then,  that no statistically significant differences could be found in the outcomes between the under 38 and over 38 age groups. What does this mean? Basically, these results should be taken with a grain of salt. A much larger study is the next step to confirm these findings, but that would likely take several more years given the low use of frozen eggs and the time it takes for someone to use their eggs after freezing them. Despite the small number of patients, this study is still one of the larger ones when it comes to reporting what happens once frozen eggs are thawed and used.

In a nutshell…

So what should you, as a potential egg freezer, take away from this? Here are the major points to remember:

• Based on the LBR of 32.4% that this study reports, egg freezing is a great fertility preservation option when done at younger ages (<38 years old).
• Age at time of egg freezing affects success more than age at the time of transfer. This was shown by the fact that no patient who froze eggs at age 40 or over had a live birth from those eggs.
• Using frozen eggs results in ongoing pregnancy or a live birth at a rate that’s on par with IVF patients of the same age. 

• These results should all be taken with a grain of salt because of the small number of people who actually returned to use their frozen eggs. A much larger study needs to happen next to confirm these numbers.  

At the end of the day, egg freezing provides people with more options so that they can have more control over their fertility options later down the line. It’s not a guarantee, though, and it should not be treated as such. There are so many factors that impact a person’s fertility and whether or not egg freezing is a good option for them. Family planning is going to look different for every person so you need to do what’s right for you. When you’re ready, talking to a fertility specialist can help you make up your mind. 

In the meantime, Freeze by Co is here to help you every step of the way on that journey. Our Split program allows those who qualify to freeze their eggs for free! In a “Split” cycle, you donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family that’s trying to conceive and freeze the remaining half for yourself. Or, if you don’t want to donate, you can still participate in the Keep program, where you’re able to freeze your eggs and keep them all for yourself, on your timeline. In addition, you’ll have access to our online support community. This valuable resource lets you engage with other people freezing their eggs at the same time! 

Whatever you end up choosing for yourself, our team is here to guide you through it and keep your options open.

Cofertility is a human-first fertility ecosystem rewriting the egg freezing and egg donation experience. Our Split program allows women to freeze their eggs at no cost, when they donate half to a family that could not otherwise conceive. We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive.

Today, I have the privilege of sitting down with one of our Split members to delve into her personal journey—why she chose to freeze her eggs through our program, how she navigated the emotional toll, and the future she envisages for herself and her family. By peeling back the layers, we seek to understand not just the practicalities but also the emotional and psychological nuances of this choice.

Why did you decide to freeze your eggs through Cofertility’s Split program? What were the factors that led to this decision?

I had considered donating my eggs a few times before I had heard of Cofertility, but it had never moved beyond it being an idea in my head because it never felt right. Most of the marketing I saw about egg donation focused on the monetary benefits, which I understood because it is an invasive procedure, but they never talked about where your eggs were going. It felt very impersonal and that I would have no control or say in where these eggs would go. 

I had not considered it again until I heard about Cofertility on Instagram. When I first learned about the idea of helping a couple to conceive while also protecting your own fertility I thought it was genius and wondered why this wasn't an option already. My company does not have egg freezing benefits so egg freezing wasn't something I had been planning to do. 

Cofertility's split option gave me an opportunity I hadn't even considered - egg donation that didn't feel as yucky and a chance to preserve my own fertility without a huge price tag. It really felt surreal that I would be able to freeze my eggs and not worry so much about a timeline to decide on kids. 

What was the hardest part of the process?

Overall, I really felt that Cofertility made this process quite easy for me. Having a Member Advocate throughout the entire process was incredible, and not having that person switch or change made it really easy to build up the trust. 

At the clinic I went to I saw various nurses and doctors, but my Cofertility Member Advocate stayed the same and that consistency was extremely impactful to my mental health throughout the process.

At the clinic I went to I saw various nurses and doctors, but my Cofertility Member Advocate stayed the same and that consistency was extremely impactful to my mental health throughout the process. Out of the entire process, I would say the number of appointments and the amount of time needed during the two-week hormone cycle was probably the hardest. Getting blood drawn multiple times a week, followed by doctors appointments, and all the waiting that comes with both does require time investment. I would try to make my appointments as early in the morning as possible to not interfere with my work, but giving yourself grace and flexibility for those two weeks is necessary. I am fortunate to have the flexibility at my job and work with a group of people that were extremely supportive of what I was going through, but if you are someone who is not used to the process it can feel like a lot of time out of your control.

Was there anything that you were nervous about, but ended up not being as bad as you thought?

I was most nervous about the shots going into it, but they ended up not being as bad as I had expected them to be. For the most part, the needles were much shorter and thinner than I expected and I was able to do all of the shots myself. 

In fact, once I did my first one I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment for being able to do it. Cofertility had given me a goody bag when I started my cycle and the little ice pack was wonderful for any post-shot discomfort. I also tried to pair the shots with a treat for myself as a little reward... give myself a shot and have some chocolate, give myself a shot and watch a show I love, give myself a shot and do a little online shopping. This process was all new and different for my body so I tried to give myself grace and love throughout it!

Read about egg freezing shots in I'm Afraid of Needles; Can I Still Freeze My Eggs?

Did freezing your eggs affect your relationships or dating life in any way? How did you navigate these aspects during the process?

When thinking about the people I know who have gone through the egg freezing journey, they were all in different stages of their dating / relationship journey. Some were casually dating and not looking for anything serious, some had a new partner that they hoped would turn into something serious, and some were with a long-term partner but not ready to build their family further than that yet. I fall into that last category. When I decided to freeze my eggs with Cofertility, my husband and I had been together for 9 years and married for one. While we were very serious about each other, we weren't sure if or when we wanted kids, but we knew we didn't want them now. My husband was very supportive of the idea of freezing my eggs for our own future use, but I was curious how he would feel about me donating eggs to another family. When I brought it up to him he truly had less hesitation than I even had. His perspective from day one has been that it is my body and if I feel comfortable with the choice then he is here to support me. That position did not change throughout the process, and if anything he (similar to myself) felt more confident each day with the decision to "split" once we met the intended parents and got to know them more. 

I feel very lucky to have had a supportive partner to go through this with and someone who trusted my choices 100%. I know this route is something that may take some partners time to digest and understand, but I think in the end the most important thing is that you, as the person freezing and donating your eggs, feel that this is right for you. 

Read more in Want to Donate Your Eggs? Tips on Talking It Over with Your Partner

How did you manage the emotional and psychological aspects of freezing and donating your eggs? 

Looking back, the opportunity to know the parents who I was donating the eggs to played a huge role in managing the donation emotionally and psychologically. When I first learned about Cofertility I wasn't sure if I would want to have a disclosed donation. I was worried about what that would mean and what that relationship would look like. 

After learning more about egg donation, it was clear that there is no such thing as an anonymous donor due to the genetic testing that exists today. If I wanted to donate my eggs, I needed to be okay that the child(ren) that they created would be able to know who I am at some point in their life. This was something that I thought over for a while and researched how DCP (Donor Conceived People) felt about. I wanted to know that I was doing the right thing for the possible children that came from these eggs - my own and the intended parents'.

In the end I felt really good about my decision to have a disclosed donation. Knowing that both the intended parents and myself were on the same page on this built a foundation of care and immense respect for the other party.

In the end I felt really good about my decision to have a disclosed donation. Knowing that both the intended parents and myself were on the same page on this built a foundation of care and immense respect for the other party. I have always shared with them that I want to follow their lead on what feels right throughout the process and the years to come and they have been great communicators of what they want while respecting my choices as well. This relationship, along with the huge support from Cofertility, made the process really supportive of my mental health. I went into it wondering if the combination of doing something totally new, medications / hormones, and other life stress would be hard to handle, but I think the peace of mind that comes with preserving your fertility hugely outweighed any weight from those factors. 

What are your plans for the future regarding your frozen eggs? How do you envision incorporating them into your family-building journey, if applicable?

Right now, my husband and I haven't decided when we will start to build our family. In a perfect and easy world, we would have no trouble conceiving and the eggs I have frozen wouldn't need to be used, but I have seen for so many people I love this is not always the case. Whether we use the eggs to conceive all of our future children, conceive naturally at first then need to use the eggs for later children, or not use the eggs at all, it gives me so much peace of mind to know that they are there and we took this step to preserve my fertility. It is not an insurance plan, but it feels good to know that Cofertility opened a door for me that otherwise I likely would not have opened on my own.

Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who is considering freezing and donating their eggs? Are there any important factors they should keep in mind?

The biggest advice I would have is to really understand if you want your egg freezing journey to be something that happens and you are done with it or if you are open to something that will be a little part of you for your life. 

What I mean by this is that if you freeze your eggs without donating you go through the process, the injections, and the retrieval and then you are done unless you one day need to use those eggs. When you freeze your eggs and donate half you go through that same process, but in the future there may be a DCP that reaches out to you once they are 18 to try to make a connection, or intended parents that reach out when they need additional family medical history, or maybe you have a closer relationship with the intended parents and you get annual cards with updates of the DCP. 

No matter the case, there is a possibility that your involvement with egg donation does not end entirely when the eggs are physically donated. This was something I really thought hard about and found a lot of peace with. The process that Cofertility leads you through with speaking to a fertility counselor both alone and with the intended parents helped with that as well. 

On top of the counseling, having a clear contract and great legal support (Cofertility also helps with recommending representation) gave me peace of mind that I knew and agreed to all boundaries in the donation.

I truly think egg donation is such a meaningful thing to do, helping someone who wants to be a parent so badly conceive is truly life changing and I am so grateful to Cofertility for giving me the opportunity to help out an amazing couple and also preserve my own fertility in the process.

Read more:

• The Ultimate Guide to the Split Program
• 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Donating Your Eggs
• Will I Regret Donating My Eggs?