Does egg freezing affect my natural fertility?
The age at which a woman chooses to undergo egg freezing and the number of eggs she opts to freeze are pivotal factors that profoundly influence her prospects of achieving a successful pregnancy. Recent research conducted in the United States underscores the pivotal role these variables play, revealing that a substantial proportion of women who embarked on their journey to become pregnant faced significant challenges in realising their goals.
The impact of age and egg quantity
Age at egg freezing
The age at which a woman decides to pursue egg freezing holds substantial significance. Fertility experts consistently emphasise that the optimal time for egg freezing is during a woman’s late twenties and early thirties when her eggs are typically at their peak in terms of quality and quantity. Freezing eggs at a younger age often results in a higher likelihood of successful pregnancy when those eggs are eventually used, but freezing eggs too young increases the chances substantially of never using those eggs.
Quantity of frozen eggs
The number of eggs a woman chooses to freeze is another critical determinant of her chances of achieving pregnancy. Research indicates that a greater quantity of frozen eggs typically increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. This is because having a larger pool of eggs to work with during fertility treatments provides more opportunities for successful fertilisation, embryo development and a subsequent baby.
Does egg freezing affect my natural fertility?
When a woman undergoes egg freezing, her eggs are extracted, processed, and then rapidly frozen through a technique called vitrification. During this process, the eggs are essentially preserved in their current state. They are suspended in time, maintaining the age and quality they had at the moment of freezing.
The eggs harvested for freezing are eggs that would have been destroyed anyway in the natural cycle. This is why no matter how many eggs you freeze, your ovarian reserve will remain untouched. After egg freezing, your ability to conceive naturally will not be compromised so you can still get pregnant naturally.
Benefits of egg freezing for natural fertility
Extending your reproductive window
Egg freezing allows you to extend your reproductive window, offering the flexibility to start a family when the time is right for you. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who wish to focus on their careers, education, or personal goals before becoming parents.
Preserving egg quality
As women age, the quality of their eggs declines, making conception more challenging. By freezing eggs at a younger age, you preserve the higher quality of those eggs, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy when you decide to use them.
Does egg freezing guarantee a successful pregnancy?
It’s essential to understand that egg freezing does not guarantee a successful pregnancy. Several factors influence fertility, including the health of the uterus, the quality of the sperm, and overall reproductive health. The success of a pregnancy using frozen eggs also depends on the age and quality of the eggs at the time of freezing.
When should you consider egg freezing?
The ideal time to consider egg freezing is in your late twenties to early thirties when your eggs are typically of the highest quality. However, there are benefits in freezing eggs later in life, so have a conversation with your doctor so you can learn about what your chances are of freezing eggs at the age you currently have. The decision to freeze your eggs is highly personal and may depend on your life circumstances and fertility goals.
Talk to one of our specialists, who can provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific situation. Book your initial consultation with us here.