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Freeze Time? The Reality of Social Freezing
Evidence-based · Patient-friendly

Freeze Time? The Reality of Social Freezing

Egg freezing can preserve eggs from a younger age — it does not freeze your fertility. Results depend on age at freezing, how many eggs you bank, and your health.

social freezing oocyte cryopreservation age matters cumulative live birth egg survival & fertilization informed consent
Myth: Freezing eggs means preserving fertility.  •  Reality: You’re preserving your eggs - not your fertility.

1 What to know before you freeze

  • Best earlier than 35. Egg number and quality decline with age; earlier banking generally improves odds.
  • Target a bank, not a cycle. Many people need multiple cycles to reach a useful egg count.
  • Typical planning target: ~15 eggs for a reasonable chance at one live birth (not a guarantee).
  • Expect drop-offs. Not every egg survives thawing, fertilizes, or becomes a transferable embryo.
Important: In one cohort, only 16% of women later returned to use their frozen eggs. Social freezing can expand options — but usage and success vary widely by age and egg count.

2 Key numbers (cohort + literature)

Metric Value Note
Average age at freezing 37.1 years Older age → lower per-egg yield & quality
Eggs frozen per cycle (avg.) 9.5 Multiple cycles often needed to reach ~15
Recommended planning target ≥ 15 eggs Planning heuristic — not a guarantee
Egg survival after thaw ~74% Survival varies by age/lab
Fertilization of thawed eggs ~67% ICSI commonly used
Pregnancy per embryo transfer ~48% Clinic & patient mix matter
Live birth per embryo transfer ~35% Most meaningful endpoint
Returned to use their eggs ~16% Utilization in that cohort

Figures are from the cited cohort and review; real-world outcomes differ by age at freezing, ovarian reserve, lab quality, and partner/sperm factors.

SOURCES
  • Kakkar, P., Geary, J., Stockburger, T., Kaffel, A., Kopeika, J., & El-Toukhy, T. (2023). Outcomes of social egg freezing: a cohort study and comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(13), 4182. DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134182.

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Information only — always consult your clinician before making decisions.