21 August 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Egg Freezing: Everything You Need to Know

Discover how egg freezing can help preserve your fertility for future family planning. Learn about the process, success rates, and what to expect in this ultimate guide.

Key Takeaways

Egg freezing is a process where a woman's eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use.
Women may consider egg freezing for reasons such as preserving fertility, medical conditions, or personal choice.
Before undergoing egg freezing, it's important to prepare both physically and emotionally for the process.
The egg freezing procedure involves hormone injections, egg retrieval, and freezing the eggs for storage.
Potential risks and considerations of egg freezing include side effects from hormone injections and the possibility of unsuccessful thawing or conception.

Understanding Egg Freezing: The Basics

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a medical procedure that allows women to preserve their fertility by storing their eggs for future use. This process involves the extraction, freezing, and storage of a woman's eggs, which can then be thawed and used for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) at a later date. The purpose of egg freezing is to provide women with the opportunity to delay childbearing for personal or medical reasons, while still preserving their fertility potential. Advances in egg freezing technology have made the procedure more accessible and effective.

The history of egg freezing can be traced back to the 1980s, when the first successful human egg freezing and thawing was reported. Over the years, advancements in cryopreservation technology and techniques have significantly improved egg freezing success rates, making it a more viable and accessible option for women. Today, egg freezing is considered a reliable and well-established fertility preservation method, offering women greater control over their reproductive choices. Many women consider egg freezing as a way to delay pregnancy while pursuing their careers or personal goals.

Reasons to Consider Egg Freezing

One of the primary reasons women choose to freeze their eggs is to delay childbearing for personal or career-related reasons. Egg freezing offers women the opportunity to preserve their fertility for future family planning. As women age, their fertility naturally declines, and the risk of age-related fertility issues, such as decreased egg quality and quantity, increases. By freezing their eggs at a younger age, women can preserve their fertility potential and have the option to use their frozen eggs for future family planning.

Another common reason for egg freezing is to preserve fertility due to medical conditions or treatments that may impact a woman's reproductive system. For example, women undergoing cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may opt to freeze their eggs before starting their treatment, as these therapies can potentially damage or destroy the ovaries and eggs. Egg freezing provides these women with the opportunity to have biological children in the future, even if their fertility is compromised by their medical condition or treatment. The decision to undergo egg freezing should be discussed with a fertility specialist to understand the potential benefits and risks.

Concerns about age-related fertility decline are also a significant factor driving the decision to freeze eggs. As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decrease, making it more challenging to conceive naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies. By freezing their eggs at a younger age, women can increase their chances of having a successful pregnancy in the future, even if they choose to delay starting a family. Egg freezing is becoming an increasingly popular option for women who want to extend their reproductive choices.

Preparing for the Egg Freezing Process

The initial stage of the egg cryopreservation (or egg freezing) process involves a meeting with a fertility expert. The specialist will gauge not only the woman's fertility health but also her overall wellness, to check if she is a good candidate for the egg freezing procedure. This typically relies upon a physical exam, several key blood tests to evaluate the woman's hormone levels and potential fertility, and an ultrasound to study the anatomy and health of the woman's ovaries. After these assessments, if the fertility specialist gives the green light, the woman can move forward toward the next step in the egg freezing process. All egg freezing in the UK is regulated by the HFEA.

Ovarian stimulation is the first step that a woman must go through when she is preparing to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF). The woman must take hormones to stimulate her ovaries to produce several eggs concurrently. The woman takes them for 10 days on average.

The extraction of eggs is usually carried out with the woman under sedation or general anesthesia, ensuring both comfort and safety. Once the eggs are removed, they are quickly frozen and stored for use at a later time.

The Egg Freezing Procedure: What to Expect

The basic premise of the egg freezing procedure is to obtain mature eggs from a woman's ovaries, and this is done through a process called egg retrieval. To accomplish this, fertility specialists use a technique very similar to what fertility specialists have used for years—the process of in vitro fertilization or IVF. With IVF, eggs are gathered from a woman's ovaries, and then the eggs are fertilized and grown in a laboratory. The finished embryos are then transferred to the woman's uterus. However, in the case of egg freezing, the harvested eggs are not immediately fertilized but instead are frozen for future use.

Typically, a woman will feel just slight discomfort or cramping when the eggs are harvested, and the actual procedure takes under half an hour. The eggs are vitrified (cooled very rapidly) to a sufficiently low temperature that they should remain stable for a very long time.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Although egg freezing is largely a safe and routine procedure, there are some potential risks. The most frequent side effect happens to be ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which occurs as a result of the fertility medications used to 'turn on' the ovaries and get them to produce eggs. Most of the time, suitable preemptive measures are taken and the specialist keeps a close enough eye on the patient that any developing situation is soon remedied, but it is good to know what is at stake for your health if you go through this procedure.

Costs and Financial Implications

The cost of egg freezing can be a significant consideration for many women. The overall cost of the procedure can vary widely depending on the fertility clinic, the location, and the individual's specific medical needs. Generally, egg freezing costs, including the initial consultation, medication, and the egg retrieval procedure, can range from £5,000 to £10,000 or more in the UK.

In addition to the initial cost of the egg freezing procedure, there are also ongoing costs associated with the long-term storage of the frozen eggs. These storage fees can range from a few hundred pounds to several hundred pounds per year, depending on the fertility clinic and the duration of storage.

When considering the financial implications of egg freezing, it's crucial for women to carefully research and compare the costs and coverage options available to them. Consulting with a fertility specialist and a financial advisor can help individuals make an informed decision and plan for the long-term costs associated with egg freezing.

Utilising Your Frozen Eggs for Conception

Conception using frozen eggs requires a well-choreographed series of steps, starting with egg thawing and preparation. After the eggs have been thawed, they are fertilized with sperm using in vitro fertilization. This process injects a single sperm into each of the mature eggs, with the fertilized eggs then cultured for several days before being transferred to the woman’s uterus. A major study published by the London Women's Clinic has shown that egg freezing effectiveness is equal to that done with fresh eggs.

Once the eggs have been fertilized, the resulting embryos are carefully monitored and cultured in the laboratory for several days. When the embryos have reached the appropriate developmental stage, one or more of them are selected for transfer back to the woman's uterus in hopes of achieving the successful establishment of a pregnancy.

Using cryopreserved eggs for conception can result in a viable pregnancy but is not guaranteed. Depending on several circumstances, the resulting pregnancy may more closely resemble naturally occurring pregnancies seen in younger women. The age of a woman at the time she harvested her eggs is, by far, the most influential factor in predicting the outcome associated with the use of those eggs, either frozen or unfrozen.

Using frozen eggs for conception may require extra thought and planning because of several associated factors. One is the potential necessity of donor sperm, especially in cases where male partners are not available. Another is the probable need to create more than one embryo, as studies suggest that a single embryo transfer results in a far lower pregnancy rate than transferring multiple embryos. Finally, the very act of freezing and thawing eggs (and any resulting embryos) carries with it certain unknowns that can only be understood by physicians familiar with the latest research and developments in human reproductive technology.

FAQs

What is egg freezing and how does it work?

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process in which a woman's mature egg cells are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. The freezing process involves several key steps, including egg retrieval, where eggs are collected from the ovaries, and the actual freezing, which is typically performed using a technique called vitrification. This rapid freezing method helps to preserve the integrity of the eggs, ensuring that they remain viable for future fertilization.

Why might someone choose to freeze their eggs?

Individuals may choose to freeze their eggs for various reasons, including the desire to delay fertility until they are ready to start a family, personal or career-related goals, or medical reasons such as the need for fertility treatment due to health issues. Social egg freezing has gained popularity as it allows women to take control of their reproductive choices, preserving their ability to have children at a later date.

What is the typical egg freezing cost?

The egg freezing cost can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the location of the fertility clinic, the specifics of the treatment plan, and any additional services such as medication and storage fees. On average, the total cost for one egg freezing cycle can range from £5,000 to £10,000.

What are the success rates associated with egg freezing?

The success rates of egg freezing depend on various factors, including the age of the woman at the time of egg collection and the quality of the eggs retrieved. Generally, younger women, particularly those under the age of 35, have higher egg freezing success rates.

All of our blog posts are written, edited, or produced by the London Women's Clinic Content Team. This is a collaboration between our expert writers, health editors, and the leading researchers and senior doctors at our Harley Street clinic.

‘We started our IVF process with LWC around a year ago. It felt very daunting and a long road ahead, and the entire team were so supportive and explained everything so clearly. When we were undergoing the egg retreival and transfer, the team were so kind and we felt really looked after. We have now welcomed our little girl and after years of trying, we wouldn't have gotten here without the support and guidance given by LWC. Thank you all!’

Alice Maker

22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Dr Suraya made our appointment a really enjoyable experience. She made us both feel at ease and was so knowledgeable throughout the scan. Dr Suraya is a real asset to LWC’

Liz Troup

22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘I received excellent care from all the staff at London Women's Clinic, we felt very welcomed as a same sex couple. We are so grateful to have been able to have our wonderful daughter. I would definitely recommend the clinic to anyone starting fertility treatment!’

Megan Knox

21 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘I've recently completed a round of egg freezing with London Women's Clinic harrow and I couldn't recommend them as a clinic more. Carla and Ana-Maria quite literally held my hand throughout the entire process, making me feel really relaxed and supported. It's made such a stressful experience super positive and if anyone is thinking of using them, I'd absolutely recommend them!’

Brooke Day

19 January 2026, LWC Harrow

‘I undertook Kind IVF, which even though is nurse led as opposed to consultant led, the care, professionalism and knowledge is there. The nurses consult with consultants during your protocol, so the difference really is you see the nurses instead. The medication doses are less and less medication, but this doesn't mean it will be less effective, it is an option worth exploring, as the cost is less and can open the door when more traditional ivf is out of reach. I am currently pregnant having gone through the kind ivf protocol one time.’

APINTOF MEGAN

19 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Exceptional service from start to finish. Highly recommend Harley street team for looking after us. Absolutely loved your service and care. Thank you London woman's clinic :)’

Anh Nguyen

19 January 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘The team at the Cambridge LWC branch have been incredibly supportive, encouraging and helpful throughout our journey, and have been with us through the ups and downs. It's a very safe and inclusive space, and we feel very well cared for. We can't recommend them enough! Sarah and Jacqui’

Sarah Peace

16 January 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘We will be forever grateful to London Women's Clinic Bromley for helping us achieve what once felt impossible -- welcoming our beautiful, healthy baby boy in November 2025. Our IVF journey was emotional, overwhelming at times, and deeply personal, but from the very first appointment we were met with nothing but kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. Every step was clearly explained, we were kept fully informed throughout, and there was always someone available to answer our questions or simply reassure us when we needed it most. We never once felt like just another patient -- we felt truly cared for. Dr Malini, Sarah, Nicky (Nikita) and Dom were exceptional and will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Their warmth, patience, and genuine kindness made the process so much easier to cope with. They made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported during some of the most vulnerable moments of our lives. Every nurse, embryologist, and member of staff we encountered was wonderful. We honestly cannot recommend London Women's Clinic Bromley enough to anyone struggling with fertility or facing similar challenges. The dedication, empathy, and expertise of this team has changed our lives forever. We hope to take the clinic up on their offer to visit with our little miracle, who we are endlessly thankful they helped bring into this world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Lucy & Sayed ’

Lucy morgan

16 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘My journey with egg freezing in the LWC has been amazing. I had started consultations with another provider before but didn't feel comfortable there, and I'm SO GLAD I listened to my instinct and went to this clinic! The whole team was so knowledgeable and supportive throughout, but also just lovely. I would recommend the clinic, ESPECIALLY if you are worried about the process and feel emotional, the understanding and support here is way beyond what I was hoping for!!!’

Charlotte M

15 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘My journey with the LWC in London Bridge + Harley Street has been outstanding. The team is so lovely, I felt welcomed and understood from the first to the last call and through every appointment in between. I would recommend it to every friend!’

Charlotte M

15 January 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘Nicki has a beautiful and excellent personality, she was so kind, polite and sweet. I felt so happy after the scan . Bless her. Right woman for the job.’

Steave Oyinloye

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Nikita was fab - really put me at ease with my scan and able to relax. Feel very supported’

S S

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Just had my scan with Nikki and she was very informative and made me feel very comfortable.’

Lisa

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Nikita was excellent and mindful during our initial scan/consultation explained everything well.’

james harris

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Myself and partner have had a lovely experience with LWC Canterbury they are thoughtful and caring. Always made us feel comfort and welcome even through the difficulties that we have faced on our journey, however we will be forever grateful for all they have done and are contiuing to do.’

Natasha Elliott

14 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘This was my first fertility treatment, and I cannot express enough how thankful I am to have chosen LWC and to have been treated at the Harrow clinic. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering starting their fertility journey! From the start, I appreciated how transparent the admin team was about all the costs involved at every stage, giving clear ranges when the decision depended on how the treatment would go. I am also extremely grateful for their support in helping with securing financing, even when I decided to move forward at short notice. They took the time to schedule calls to answer my questions, and I truly felt listened to and cared for as a patient. At the Harrow clinic, I experienced an exceptionally caring and positive environment. All the nurses were highly professional while also being incredibly comforting and supportive. I would especially like to thank Ana Maria, who was there throughout the process, offering practical advice based on her own experience, a hug when needed, and making the entire journey feel much more like home. I would also like to thank Carla for her positivity, high energy, and encouragement during difficult moments, and Laura for her empowering and reassuring approach to the injections. Dr Goswami was also outstanding--extremely professional and clear in her advice. She carefully adjusted the treatment to aim for the best possible outcome while prioritising safety and minimising risks. I am also very grateful for the support groups organised by the clinic. Through these, I met incredibly brave and empowered women and couples. Sharing this journey with some of them made the experience far more bearable and positive. Thank you to everyone at the Harrow clinic and LWC for your incredible support!!’

Marina Riabiz

14 January 2026, LWC Harrow

‘We had a very positive experience at this IVF clinic and would highly recommend it. From the very beginning, we felt well supported and looked after throughout the entire journey. A special thank you to Safak, our patient coordinator, who was incredibly helpful and always very quick to respond. We would also like to thank Princess, the receptionist, as well as the Italian receptionist whose name we unfortunately don't remember, for always being kind and welcoming. We are extremely grateful to Dr Suraya, who performed many of our scans and was exceptional throughout the process, and to Dr Rao, who followed our journey step by step with great care, professionalism and attention. Finally, a big thank you to all the nurses, especially Hannah,Ella and Paige, for their support, kindness and professionalism. Overall, we felt very well cared for and supported, and we truly recommend this clinic to anyone considering IVF!’

Alicia Gioia

12 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘The reception staff are amazing nothing is to much trouble. Always answered any queries we had. The whole team were brilliant from our first initial appointment too our very last. They made us feel so comfortable.’

Rachel Powell

12 January 2026, LWC Bristol

‘We don't know where to begin, this place truly is wonderful. So so comforting and welcoming. Every single staff member went above and beyond and really felt like family. We couldn't be more appreciative of everyone who helped us on our way to creat our little one, who is cooking away nicely at 20 weeks. From choosing a sperm donor to my egg collection and then to getting my wife pregnant with the embryos a few months later, it was so stress free and we felt supported every single step of the way. We can't thank all the lovely wonderful ladies at the Brentwood clinic enough for what they have helped us achieve- and of course the amazing people at the Harley street clinic for doing the procedures who were just as welcoming! Thank you all so so much, we can't wait to bring our little man to meet you all when we are ready to try for baby number 2 xxxxx’

molly bannister

9 January 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Following a seminar I attended at LWC, I arranged a consultation with Dr. Naware who specialises in fertility for women over 40. It was a refreshing experience. Dr. Naware is empathetic, kind and thorough. The follow up from the clinic was excellent, with Safak, Patient Coordinator, providing regular updates.’

A Patel

9 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘We are incredibly grateful to London Women's Clinic - Canterbury for their outstanding care and support throughout our IVF journey. Both the Canterbury and Bromley teams surrounded us with genuine kindness, understanding, and constant attention. We always felt listened to and truly cared for, and the level of professionalism was exceptional at every stage. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, we had the chance to welcome our beautiful little daughter into the world. We cannot recommend this clinic highly enough.’

Natalia Twardochleb

8 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘We can't recommend the London Women's Clinic enough. My partner and I are a same-sex female couple and are currently pregnant with our baby due in July -- after only two attempts. From the moment we chose the London Women's Clinic, the experience was incredible. The Harrow branch in particular felt so welcoming and supportive. Carla Lang, Ana-Maria, Laura Adagbon, and Dr Gill were absolutely amazing -- accommodating, kind, friendly, and genuinely caring. They went above and beyond throughout our entire journey, even responding to emails outside of working hours, which meant so much to us. We had previously completed blood tests and scans at another clinic but didn't feel it was the right fit. The London Women's Clinic didn't push us to repeat everything unnecessarily -- they accepted our previous tests, which really showed that they are not money-driven. On that note, their pricing is also very affordable compared to other clinics. Dr Gill is incredibly thorough and precise, taking so many factors into account when planning treatment, which gave us complete confidence. Our insemination was carried out at the Harley Street London Women's Clinic by Dr Yogita Date, who was equally wonderful. She made us feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely wished us luck during the procedure. Overall, this clinic felt more like family than a medical service. Even now, they continue to check in on us and our pregnancy, which says everything about the level of care they provide. We are beyond grateful and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the London Women's Clinic to anyone starting their fertility journey.’

Maisie Thomas

8 January 2026, LWC Harrow

‘The team at LWC Harley Street have been outstanding. They have supported my wife and I through our IVF journey at every step, keeping us informed and making the entire journey feel seamless. A special thanks to Dr Serra, Nurse Mimi, Vita and the rest of the LWC team that have helped us along the way. We are now 20 weeks into our pregnancy and LWC have continued to follow up to ensure all is well. A big thank you once again and we highly recommend LWC Harley Street to anyone considering IVF.’

Keyur Nakum

29 December 2025, LWC Harley Street

‘Cannot fault the ladies here at all. I felt so so welcome and looked after during the visit and consultation. The nurses were so compassionate and lovely, and I really felt like I was being listened to and understood. Would recommend to anyone looking to start a fertility journey/make some enquiries into their fertility healthxx’

Ellie Brown

19 December 2025, LWC Canterbury

‘Myself and my partners experience with LWC in Canterbury has been AMAZING! They have been so supportive and friendly throughout our whole IVF journey and gave us no stress throughout any part of it. Would very highly recommend as our first round of ISCI IVF worked ’

Mia Summers

19 December 2025, LWC Canterbury