An insider guide to freezing your eggs: Freeze early to extend fertility

Whether you’re a woman focused on career, haven’t met the right life partner yet or just aren’t ready to have a child, the topic of freezing eggs might be the farthest thing from your mind. However, as a fertility specialist, I always suggest that women consider preserving their fertility as the quality and quantity of eggs will inevitably decrease over time.

Here’s the scoop: The timing for freezing your eggs can make a difference in your fertility journey, and there’s a sweet spot for optimal results. Egg quality tends to be at its best during your mid-20s, so considering egg freezing in your 20s and early 30s is a smart move.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine suggests that most experts agree your chances of success are higher when you freeze your eggs before you hit 38. It’s an exciting option that can empower you to plan your family on your own terms. While women in their late 30s and up tend to have eggs that will likely result in lower pregnancy rates, their bodies can still carry a health pregnancy, even in the late 40s.

How fewer eggs affects fertility

Even though a female baby is born with around two million eggs, by the time she hits puberty, that number drops to around 350,000. With every menstrual cycle, follicles in her ovaries stimulate to release an egg, but in the end, only one dominant egg gets released while all the other contenders that month undergo programmed cell death, a process called atresia.

This natural tendency for a woman’s eggs to deteriorate culminates in her mid-30s, when not only the number but also the quality of her eggs decreases rapidly. The loss of egg quantity and viability eventually leads to diminished ovarian reserve, a primary cause of infertility for older women.

Here are some practical tips:

• Consider your family planning desires now, especially if you might want to have children using your own eggs someday.
• Acting sooner rather than later is a good approach, but don’t feel pressured.
• Take some time to research how egg freezing works.

Prepare emotionally for freezing your eggs

Freezing eggs offers women the opportunity to take control of their reproductive health and align it with their life goals. It is a decision that deserves careful consideration of the emotional, physical and financial aspects involved.

Most women don’t anticipate fertility issues. In fact, many women are diligent and careful not to get pregnant until they are ready to conceive. But once they are, nearly 1 in 6 to 1 in 8 women of reproductive age face fertility challenges. In one-third of infertile couples, the infertility complication can be attributed to the woman, with a third to the male and a third to both.

My insider tip on freezing your eggs: Don’t go it alone

While egg freezing can offer a sense of security, it may also cause anxiety or feelings of uncertainty. Identify these emotions early and seek support from loved ones and professionals who can help you navigate the process and your emotions more confidently.

Take charge of your reproductive health and extend fertility

The benefits of freezing your eggs are compelling. Freezing eggs can help preserve future fertility options, enable career flexibility, and protect your fertility against possible medical conditions or treatments that could harm your reproductive health.

The latter happened to the nursing supervisor in our fertility clinic, Chelsea Spencer, RN, BSN.

“I had a few life instances that were pretty unexpected come up, and it just made me realize that I knew I wanted to be a mother down the road, but I was not ready for it in that moment,” she said in our podcast called Why I Chose To Freeze My Eggs. “So, when my 30th birthday rolled around in 2020, I was like, ‘I think I’m going to give myself this gift.’”

My insider tip: Take a holistic health approach

Work toward a prepared body as well as a prepared mind with a holistic approach to freezing your eggs. Maximize the viability of future embryos by eating healthy, finding helpful ways to manage stress and exercising regularly now. Schedule regular check-ups with a fertility specialist to monitor your reproductive health and stay abreast of advancements in reproductive technology that may enhance your future fertility potential.

More advice about freezing your eggs

If you’re contemplating freezing your eggs, it is crucial to choose a reputable fertility clinic that has expertise in this form of fertility preservation. When meeting with a specialist, ask questions about success rates, the number of eggs recommended for freezing and the procedures involved.

Furthermore, take care of your overall well-being during the process. Engage in activities that reduce stress, maintain a healthy lifestyle and prioritize self-care.

Remember, this journey is about empowering yourself and making choices now that align with your hopes and dreams for the future.