Dr. Emily Johnson, the Medical Director at a leading fertility clinic, recently had an engaging conversation with the hosts of “A Seat at the Table,” an Emmy-nominated show that highlights diverse perspectives and conversations around contemporary issues. During their discussion, Dr. Johnson emphasized how a woman’s age significantly impacts her fertility and shared the many advantages of egg freezing. Her clear and straightforward explanation sparked a moment of realization among the hosts—and likely for the viewers too.
You can catch the full discussion here (skip to the 12:11 mark for the egg freezing segment) or check out Dr. Johnson’s insightful quotes below.
“We operate on a different timeline when it comes to fertility than men do. Men produce new sperm approximately every 72 days and can typically keep doing so into their 50s, 60s, or even 70s.”
“For women, it’s quite the opposite. We’re born with a finite number of eggs. At about five months into pregnancy, we have around six to seven million eggs. By birth, that number drops to about one million. From that moment on, the count declines. By the time puberty hits, we’re down to about 450,000. It’s not just a single egg lost each month; rather, there’s a group of eggs that develop each cycle, but only one makes it to ovulation, while the rest fall back.”
“Every month, a new batch of eggs starts to grow. The loss continues regardless of whether someone is on birth control, pregnant, or breastfeeding. This monthly reduction starts in puberty and accelerates in the mid-30s, becoming even steeper as one approaches 40, culminating in menopause when the egg supply is exhausted.”
“This timeline is crucial to consider. Egg freezing allows women to take control of their fertility. If you’re not ready to become a parent yet—perhaps due to career goals or being single—freezing your eggs at a younger age locks in that potential. If you freeze them at 30, you can still try to conceive at 40 or 45. The success of thawing and fertilizing those eggs relates to the age they were frozen, not when you plan to use them.”
Countless women are opting for egg freezing, empowering them to have children when it suits them rather than when their biological clocks dictate. With advancements in egg freezing technology, the clinic has experienced an 83% growth in their egg freezing program since 2013, with more women recognizing this viable option. This surge is largely attributed to continuous improvements that enhance success rates, transparent reporting, and affordable financial options.
For those interested in learning more about egg freezing or scheduling a consultation with Dr. Johnson or another specialist, you can explore additional resources. For example, if you’re curious about fertility options for same-sex couples, check out our other blog post here. Also, for those considering at-home insemination, the Impregnator kit from an authority on this topic is worth a look. You can find excellent resources on artificial insemination here.
In summary, Dr. Johnson’s insights on egg freezing provide essential information for women looking to take charge of their reproductive futures. By understanding the impact of age on fertility and the benefits of freezing eggs, women can make informed decisions that align with their life goals.