Egg Freezing FAQs

If you are looking into the potential of freezing your eggs, undoubtedly you may have questions. Below is a list of some frequently asked questions we receive about egg freezing:

1. What is egg freezing?

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation method where a woman's eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use. This allows women to try for pregnancy later in life, using assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.

2. Who should consider egg freezing?

Egg freezing may be suitable for women who:

• Wish to delay pregnancy for personal or career reasons.

• Have a medical condition (e.g., cancer) or treatment (e.g., chemotherapy) that may affect fertility.

• Have a family history of early menopause.

• Are undergoing gender-affirming treatments that may impact fertility.

3. What is the best age to freeze my eggs?

The ideal time to freeze eggs is in your 20s or early 30s, as egg quality and quantity decline with age. However, women in their late 30s or early 40s can still freeze their eggs, but success rates may be lower.

4. What is the egg freezing process?

The egg freezing process typically takes two weeks and involves:

1. Ovarian stimulation – Hormone injections to encourage egg production.

2. Egg retrieval – A minor surgical procedure under sedation or anaesthesia.

3. Freezing and storage – Eggs are frozen using vitrification (rapid freezing) and stored in a fertility clinic.

5. How much does egg freezing cost in the UK?

The cost varies but typically includes:

• Egg retrieval and freezing: £3,000–£5,000 per cycle.

• Medication: £500–£1,500.

• Annual storage: £200–£400.

• Future thawing and IVF treatment: £2,500–£5,000.

For IVF Matters Egg Freezing Fees, please refer to our Treatment Prices.

Some patients may also opt to spread the cost of their treatment with our Fertility Finance plans. 

6. How long can eggs be stored?

In the UK, eggs can be stored for up to 55 years, following a law change in 2022. Consent must be renewed every 10 years.

7. How many eggs should I freeze for a good chance of pregnancy?

Fertility specialists recommend freezing at least 10–15 eggs per desired pregnancy attempt. Success rates depend on age and egg quality.

8. What are the risks of egg freezing?

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) from hormone injections.

• Egg survival through the thaw process and fertilisation is not guaranteed.

• Emotional and financial considerations.

9. Can I use my frozen eggs at any clinic?

Eggs can be transported between licensed UK clinics. If considering treatment abroad, check local regulations on egg storage and use.

10. What are the success rates for using frozen eggs?

Success rates depend on age at freezing:

• Eggs frozen before 35 have higher survival and fertilisation rates.

• Pregnancy success rates range from 5%–40% per thawed egg, depending on various factors, including the age of the woman at retrieval, the quality of the eggs and the age of the woman at IVF treatment.

11. Is NHS funding available for egg freezing?

NHS funding is usually limited to medical cases (e.g., cancer patients). Private treatment is more common for elective egg freezing. IVF Matters offers patients the option to spread the cost of their treatment with Fertility Finance payment plans. 

12. Can I donate my eggs instead of freezing them?

Yes, women can donate eggs to others in need, either through an egg-sharing programme or altruistic donation. Speak with your clinic at your consultation if this is something you would like to consider. 

Do you need advice about Egg Freezing?

If you would like further information on our Egg Freezing process, you can contact us via our website, telephone us on 0333 939 9951 or schedule a FREE Advisory Call through our website to discuss the procedure.