Why More Women in Their 20s Are Freezing Their Eggs
It’s no secret that times have changed; traditional timelines and gender roles no longer dictate how and when people live their lives. However, when it comes to reproduction, our biology is still stuck in the old days. That’s where assisted reproductive technologies (ART) — like egg freezing — can help bridge the gap. Egg freezing empowers people to live their lives on their own schedule and preserve their fertility.
So, maybe you’re wondering: Should I freeze my eggs? Why are more people in their 20s freezing their eggs? What’s the best age to freeze my eggs, anyway?
The answer is always the sooner the better, especially in terms of egg quality and quantity. In this article, we take a closer look at why this is the case. We’ll also explore what else you should consider.
Benefits of Freezing Eggs in Your 20s
During your 20s, your body is at its reproductive peak. This means that this time provides the best foundation for future family planning success. Benefits include taking control of your fertility, a more flexible timeline, and better egg quality and quantity.
Taking Control of Your Fertility
Freezing your eggs helps you to plan your family on your terms. The procedure can also offer some peace of mind, allowing patients to focus on personal growth, career development, and living life without reproductive pressure.
A More Flexible Timeline
Your 20s are often filled with exciting opportunities and life changes. Career growth, travel, education, and personal development typically take priority. Egg freezing allows you to pursue these goals without sacrificing future family options.
This flexibility can be especially important for career-focused individuals. For instance, medical school, law school, or starting a business requires a significant time investment. This may delay finding a partner or starting a family.
Egg Quality and Quantity
Simply put, your eggs are at their highest quality during your 20s. Chromosomal abnormalities may increase with age. You also have more eggs (and often higher-quality eggs) available for retrieval during this decade. Research even shows significantly higher success rates with eggs frozen earlier in life.
When Should You Freeze Your Eggs?
We recommend considering egg freezing before age 35. However, many women are now choosing to freeze eggs even earlier. The key is balancing your current life situation with future reproductive goals.
Egg Freezing Success Rates by Age
Age significantly impacts both egg quality and quantity. These two factors determine your chances of future pregnancy success.
Women aged 30-34 who freeze over 18 eggs have an 80% chance of achieving a live birth. This same age group has an 82% chance of having one child based on 20 frozen eggs. The chances of having two children drop to 50%, while the chances of having three children become 22%.
Success rates begin declining after age 35. Women between 35 and 37 maintain relatively good outcomes compared to those aged 38-40. Between ages 35 and 40, the chances of having one child range from 60-80% with adequate egg numbers.
The decline becomes more pronounced after age 37. Research shows a rapid decrease in both egg quantity and quality at this point. More eggs are typically needed to achieve the same pregnancy potential.
Egg Freezing After 40
Egg freezing after 40 presents significant challenges. Success rates drop considerably compared to younger ages. However, pregnancy is still possible with realistic expectations and proper planning.
Women aged 41-42 who freeze 20 eggs have approximately a 40% chance of having one child. The likelihood of having two children decreases to 10%.
These lower success rates reflect the natural decline in egg health after 40. Both quality and quantity decrease substantially by this age. That means multiple retrieval cycles may be necessary to collect enough high-quality eggs.
At EVOLVE, our team typically works with patients between the ages of 25 and 39 for optimal outcomes. Women over 39 seeking egg freezing should consult with our sister clinic, TRIO, for specialized guidance and care.
Other Aspects to Consider
Beyond timing and success rates, several practical considerations may influence your egg freezing decision. They may include egg freezing costs, storage options, and side effects.
Egg Freezing Cost
The cost of egg freezing varies by clinic and location. Initial costs typically include consultation fees, medications, monitoring appointments, and the retrieval procedure itself. These expenses can vary based on your individual treatment plan.
Often, the total cost can range between $8000 and $15000. Unfortunately, many insurance plans don’t cover elective egg freezing procedures — but that’s changing every day as more workplaces are noticing the increasing demand. However, some employers now offer fertility benefits that include egg freezing coverage, so it’s always worth checking your insurance and benefits to see if you have coverage.
EVOLVE offers financing options to make egg freezing more accessible. Payment plans can help spread costs over time.
Egg Freezing Storage
Once your eggs are frozen, they require ongoing storage in specialized facilities. These labs maintain eggs at extremely low temperatures using liquid nitrogen. Proper storage ensures your eggs remain viable for years or even decades to come.
Annual storage fees apply after your initial freezing cycle. These costs vary by facility but represent a small ongoing investment. Most clinics, including EVOLVE, offer convenient payment options for storage fees.
Egg Freezing Side Effects
Most patients tolerate egg freezing medications and procedures well. However, like all medications and procedures, potential side effects are rare but possible. Common effects are typically mild and temporary, and may include bloating, mood changes, and breast tenderness. However, these symptoms usually resolve quickly after your cycle ends.
The retrieval procedure itself has minimal side effects. You might experience mild cramping similar to menstrual cramps. Most women return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.
Serious complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), are rare, but they can happen. However, your medical team monitors you closely throughout the process and adjusts your medications as needed to minimize risks while optimizing results.
Getting Started With Your Egg Freezing Journey
Taking the first step toward egg freezing can feel exciting and overwhelming. The process is straightforward when you work with experienced and caring professionals, like our team at EVOLVE. We guide you through each stage with personalized care and support. We’re here to help you take control of your reproductive future. Talk to an EVOLVE Nurse today to learn more.
