Egg Freezing: Process, Cost & Success Rates
Everything you need to know about the egg freezing procedure, cost breakdown, and how many eggs to freeze
Why Consider Egg Freezing?
Career or Life Timing
Focusing on career or not yet with the right partner
Medical Reasons
Preserving eggs before cancer treatment or other medical procedures
Family Planning Flexibility
Already have children but may want more in the future
Declining Ovarian Reserve
Family history of early menopause — freeze eggs while younger
Best Age for Egg Freezing
Egg quality and quantity decline with age. Freezing earlier generally yields better results:
Under 35
Optimal
35–38
Good
38+
Act Soon
The Egg Freezing Process
Initial Assessment
Blood tests for ovarian reserve (AMH, FSH) and ultrasound to count follicles. A personalized stimulation plan is created.
Ovarian Stimulation
10–12 days of injectable hormones. Ultrasound monitoring every 2–3 days to track follicle growth.
Egg Retrieval
15–20 minutes under IV sedation. Ultrasound-guided needle retrieves mature eggs transvaginally.
Vitrification
Eggs are immediately flash-frozen using vitrification, preventing ice crystal formation. Survival rate exceeds 90%.
Long-Term Storage
Eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen and can be safely preserved for 10+ years until you are ready to use them.
Egg Freezing Cost
Egg freezing costs have two main components: a one-time retrieval cycle fee and ongoing annual storage.
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Retrieval cycle (monitoring + retrieval + lab + vitrification) | $6,000–$10,000 |
| Medications (billed separately) | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Annual storage fee | $500–$800 / year |
| First-year total (with meds) | $9,000–$15,000 |
* Some employer benefits and insurance plans now cover egg freezing costs. HRC offers multiple financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I use my frozen eggs?
You can use your frozen eggs at any time when you are ready to conceive. They will be thawed, fertilized via ICSI, cultured into embryos, and transferred to your uterus. Eggs stored in liquid nitrogen are technically viable indefinitely; most clinics offer 10-year storage periods with options to renew.
What are the success rates with frozen eggs?
For eggs frozen before age 35, the live birth rate is approximately 5–7% per thawed egg. Most physicians recommend storing 10–20 eggs to achieve meaningful success rates. Thanks to vitrification, pregnancy rates with frozen eggs are now comparable to those with fresh eggs.
How many eggs can be retrieved in one cycle?
Egg yield varies by age and ovarian reserve (AMH level). Women under 35 typically retrieve 10–15 eggs, ages 35–38 retrieve 8–12, and women 38+ may retrieve fewer. Your physician will estimate your likely yield based on ultrasound and blood test results at your first visit.
How much does egg freezing cost?
A complete egg freezing cycle (including retrieval, excluding medications) typically costs $8,000–$12,000, with medications adding $3,000–$5,000. Annual storage fees run $500–$1,000. Some employers and insurance plans cover egg freezing costs — check your benefits. HRC offers multiple financing options.
Is egg freezing safe? What are the side effects?
Egg freezing is a safe medical procedure. The most common side effects are bloating and discomfort during ovarian stimulation. About 1–2% of patients may develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), most cases mild; severe cases are rare. HRC physicians monitor your stimulation closely to minimize risk.
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