When Should I Freeze My Eggs for My Future Family?
Without the ability to see into the future, it can be difficult to predict when you will be ready to have children. Understandably, many women have questions about the process or timing for egg freezing and whether it is the right option for them.
How do I know if I should freeze my eggs? At what age should I freeze my eggs? How long will my eggs last?
Having eggs frozen and available for later use can be a huge blessing if you run into fertility complications or do not have an opportunity to have children naturally. However, retrieving and storing the eggs can be a daunting and expensive, so you’ll definitely want to do some research, speak with your doctor, and make a plan for fitting it into your budget.
At What Age Should I Freeze My Eggs?
One of the most popular questions is, “When should I freeze my eggs?”
There is no right or wrong time to freeze your eggs, but there are better times. The younger you are, the more eggs you will be able to retrieve; the older you are, the more likely you will have a lower quantity and quality of eggs and may desire a second retrieval. If you were to freeze your eggs in your 20s, you would have the highest success rate, but you would likely end up storing them much longer or not needing them at all.
According to The American Society of Reproductive Medicine an optimal time to freeze your eggs is in your 20’s and early 30’s. Is It Too Late to Freeze My Eggs at 45?
The longer you wait, the lower your chances are of having enough high quality eggs. As you age, your body not only produces fewer eggs, but those eggs may be of lower quality. This is why women in their late 30s and beyond are more likely to experience miscarriages.
Many women around the age of 37 or 38 choose to freeze their eggs and use them in their early 40s. However, waiting until you are 45 to retrieve eggs for freezing may be too late. The best way to know for sure is to set up a consultation with your doctor and discuss ovarian reserve testing.
How Long Do Frozen Eggs Last?
It is common to freeze eggs for five to ten years in long-term storage. Frozen, or Cryopreserved eggs can last indefinitely!
Is It Worth It to Freeze My Eggs?
It’s important to remember there are no guarantees when it comes to egg freezing and IVF. You can’t assume that if you have your eggs frozen, you will definitely use them later in life. You also can’t be entirely sure that using your frozen eggs will be successful. With that in mind, however, your odds certainly increase if you have at least given yourself the option.
If you are ready to have kids and have not been able to conceive through traditional methods , it is a huge comfort to know you can still use your frozen eggs.
Answering the question: “should I freeze my eggs?” will be a personal decision. You will need to weigh out the costs and benefits and discuss the decision with your doctor.
How Much Does It Cost?
When estimating the cost for freezing eggs, remember to factor in all the steps. For example, the freezing process alone may cost around $7,000, but that doesn’t include the cost of hormone therapy, harvesting the eggs, storing the eggs, preparing them to be used, or IVF. You can expect to spend at least $20,000 for everything, but that number will vary. Fortunately, some clinics provide financing options, so make sure to ask all your questions, including those related to cost, at your consultation appointments.
How Can I Qualify for IVF?
If your doctor has approved your egg retrieval procedure and you are prepared to take on the risks and costs associated with egg freezing, contact Future Family to get started. The process is similar to qualify for IVF. You will need to meet with your doctor to make sure your body is ready, and then you will move forward with a fertility specialist.
At what age should you freeze your eggs? Ultimately, that’s between you and your doctor, but when you’re ready, Future Family is here to help. Learn more about Future Family and how we can support you through the fertility process.