Interest in egg freezing has surged recently, especially after major companies began offering this option to their employees. This has spurred conversations and increased awareness around the process, making it a hot topic among women considering their reproductive options. To dive deeper, we gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about egg freezing.
1. “Is pregnancy guaranteed with frozen eggs?”
Not exactly! The likelihood of conceiving with frozen eggs is influenced by the woman’s age at the time of freezing and her ovarian health. Generally, the success rates range from 20% to 50%, with an average around 45.8%. For instance, if you’re 38 or younger, there’s roughly a 50% chance of becoming pregnant using those eggs. It’s also worth noting that even fertile couples have only about a 20% chance of conception each month.
2. “What happens if I decide to discard my eggs later?”
Excellent question! If you find yourself pregnant naturally or decide against using the stored eggs, you have a few choices. You can either donate them for research or to another individual (we can assist with this), or you can choose to discard them. Most women find this option comfortable since the eggs are not embryos and have not been fertilized. Ultimately, the decision is yours!
3. “How can I be sure my eggs will lead to a pregnancy?”
Freezing about 20 eggs can provide multiple opportunities for conception. Women aged 37 and younger who successfully freeze this number can expect an 80% cumulative delivery rate, meaning they have a high chance of having a baby.
4. “How long will my eggs remain viable?”
Once your eggs are frozen in liquid nitrogen, they are essentially paused in time. For example, if you freeze your eggs at 30 and return to use them five years later, they will have the same quality as when they were initially frozen.
5. “Is it true that I can wait until 50 to have a baby?”
While the ideal approach for couples is to try for a baby naturally, frozen eggs can serve as a backup plan if they encounter difficulties. Many women choose to use their eggs many years after freezing. However, the latest we typically recommend for trying to conceive using frozen eggs is by your 51st birthday, although most women do so much sooner.
If you’re keen to learn more about egg freezing, check out our article on festive finds for your stocking stuffers or explore other resources like Healthline’s guide on intrauterine insemination for additional insights. For men looking to boost fertility, this fertility booster might be helpful too!
In summary, egg freezing is a viable option for women looking to preserve their fertility. Understanding the process, success rates, and options available can empower you in your reproductive journey.