Best Age for Egg Freezing
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) allows women to preserve their fertility, but timing is critical for success. At Medison Hospital, we help women make informed decisions about when to freeze their eggs for the best possible outcomes.
Ideal Age for Egg Freezing
1. Best Age: 25–35 Years
- Biological Peak Fertility: Women in their late 20s to early 30s have the highest number of healthy eggs, with better chances of a successful pregnancy later.
- Egg Quality Declines After 35: By age 35, egg quality drops significantly, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
- Higher Success Rates:
- Under 35: 10–20 eggs frozen may yield 1–2 healthy embryos.
- Over 35: More eggs (15–25+) may be needed for the same result.
2. Still Beneficial: 36–38 Years
- While not ideal, egg freezing can still be effective if done before 38, when ovarian reserve declines more sharply.
- More eggs may be needed per cycle to compensate for lower quality.
3. After 39: Lower Success Rates
- Possible but Challenging: Egg freezing after 39 is less efficient due to diminished ovarian reserve.
- Alternative Options: Some women opt for donor eggs if freezing at this stage isn’t viable.
Why Freeze Earlier?
- More Eggs Retrieved Per Cycle – Younger women typically produce 10–20 eggs per retrieval, while older women may get fewer.
- Better Survival & Fertilization Rates – Frozen eggs from women under 35 have a 90%+ survival rate after thawing, compared to ~70% at 40+.
- Lower Cost Long-Term – Fewer cycles are needed to bank enough eggs when freezing young.
When to Consider Egg Freezing
- Medical Reasons (e.g., cancer treatment, endometriosis, early menopause risk).
- Career or Personal Goals (delaying pregnancy for education, career, or finding the right partner).
- Declining Fertility Markers (low AMH levels, high FSH).
How Many Eggs Should You Freeze?
| Age at Freezing | Recommended Eggs for 1 Live Birth |
| < 35 years | 10–15 eggs |
| 35–37 years | 15–20 eggs |
| 38–40 years | 20–30 eggs |
| > 40 years | 30+ eggs (or consider donor eggs) |
The Egg Freezing Process
- Consultation & Testing (AMH, FSH, ultrasound).
- Ovarian Stimulation (10–14 days of hormone injections).
- Egg Retrieval (30-minute outpatient procedure under sedation).
- Vitrification (flash-freezing for preservation).
Success Rates: What to Expect
- Live Birth Rate per Frozen Egg:
- Under 35: ~5–7% per egg.
- 35–37: ~4–5% per egg.
- 38–40: ~2–3% per egg.
Cost & Longevity of Frozen Eggs
- Cost: $8,000–$15,000 per cycle (medications + procedure).
- Storage: $500–$1,000/year.
- How Long Do Eggs Last? Frozen eggs remain viable indefinitely, but most clinics recommend use within 10 years for best results.
