Egg Freezing: Preserve your fertility on your terms

Egg freezing is a method of fertility preservation, which allows women to freeze eggs for later use. It is a medical procedure. Women undergoing egg freezing generally take injections (ovarian stimulation drugs) for around 2 weeks to mature more eggs before they are collected in a short theatre procedure. Some patients may require more than one cycle of treatment to freeze a good number of eggs for future use.

The optimum time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s to early 30s, as this is when egg quality and quantity are at their peak, maximising your chances of a future successful pregnancy. While freezing eggs after age 35 is possible, it is important to know that both egg quality and quantity naturally decline with age. Studies show that pregnancy rates are generally lower when using eggs frozen later in life. Because your fertility is unique, your consultant will provide personalised advice to determine if egg freezing is the right option for you.

The number of cycles required depends entirely on your individual fertility level and, most importantly, your age. Younger women typically have a higher ovarian reserve and better egg quality, meaning they usually collect more viable eggs per cycle and often need fewer cycles overall. Most women reach their target number of frozen eggs in 1 to 3 treatment cycles. Your doctor will discuss the results of your fertility assessment and advise you on the expected number of cycles you may need to achieve your goal.

The NHS only funds egg freezing for medical reasons. This typically applies to patients whose fertility is at risk due to an existing illness or necessary medical treatment, such as chemotherapy for cancer. For details on the services provided in your area, please contact your GP or your local Clinical Commissioning Group.

Most patients experience only mild and temporary discomfort. When injecting the medication, you may feel a slight prick, but the needles are very fine and the injections are given into the fatty tissue, minimising any sensation. The hormonal medication may cause side effects similar to pre-menstrual syndrome, such as bloating and light cramping. During the monitoring phase, ultrasound scans are performed with a small vaginal probe, which can feel a little uncomfortable, but they are very quick. Finally, the egg retrieval itself is performed under sedation or light general anaesthetic, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Afterwards, it's normal to feel a little sore and experience some abdominal cramping, which is typically managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relief.

Following recent UK legislation changes, frozen eggs can now be stored for up to 55 years. To maintain this long-term storage, you will be required to review and renew your consent every 10 years.

Should you decide to discontinue storage in the future, you have important choices regarding your frozen eggs. Many women opt to simply discard their eggs, particularly after their family is complete. Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to donate them—either for use in another person's fertility treatment or for vital research and training. We can provide more detailed information on donation options.