If you’re considering or scheduled for an egg retrieval, it’s helpful to know what recovery may look like. We’ll go over what to expect and provide tips to support you, both physically and emotionally.

How will I feel?

Everyone experiences recovery differently. Many people start to feel more like themselves within a few days to a week, while others may have mild symptoms that last a little longer.

You may have:

• Bloating, cramping, or belly discomfort. The ovarian stimulation medications may cause your ovaries to swell, leading to bloating and tenderness. After the egg retrieval, hormone changes may also cause fluid to build up in your belly, leading to “water weight” and bloating which can last for a few days.
• Slight nausea or dizziness. Nausea or dizziness may be caused by anesthesia or enlarged ovaries. These symptoms typically improve within a day of the procedure.
• Constipation. Constipation is a common symptom due to anesthesia, higher progesterone levels after the egg retrieval, or changes to eating, drinking, and movement. You should be able to pee normally after the procedure.
• PMS-like symptoms. Hormonal changes during stimulation and recovery may cause mood swings, fatigue, or other symptoms that your period typically causes for you.
• Light bleeding or spotting. Light bleeding or spotting can happen after the procedure and may last for about 5 days.

Many people get their period about 5 to 12 days after the procedure, if they’re not having a fresh embryo transfer. But that timing can vary. Your period may be heavier or cause more cramping than usual. This may be related to a thickened uterine lining after ovarian stimulation, which is shed in the first period after the procedure.

Get ready ahead of time

Taking a few steps ahead of time will help make your recovery a little smoother.

1. Line up support. Clinics often ask that someone drives you home after the procedure since you’ll be receiving anesthesia. And having someone to help during the first day or two can make recovery easier.
2. Plan time off work. Your clinic may recommend that you take off work the day of your procedure. An additional day may be helpful, depending on how you’re feeling.
3. Prepare items for recovery. Your healthcare team may share recommendations based on your specific plan, but having a few items ready ahead of time can make recovery more comfortable:
   • Pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) — ask your team what they recommend
   • Heating pad for discomfort
   • Electrolyte drinks
   • Stool softeners, if recommended by your team
   • Loose, comfortable clothes
   • Sanitary pads
4. Plan something to look forward to. You may want to plan a special treat to look forward to after your procedure (a movie night, a book you’ve been meaning to read, a special meal or dessert — whatever brings comfort for you).

At-home recovery tips

These are general tips to help with recovery. Be sure to follow the specific instructions your clinic provided you.

Eating and drinking

While there aren’t restrictions for what you can eat or drink after an egg retrieval, you might find these approaches helpful as you recover:

• Have light, balanced meals to help ease bloating.
• Get plenty of fiber (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) to support digestion and help with constipation.
• Hydrate with electrolytes to help fluid balance. After egg retrieval, hormone changes cause fluid to leak from the blood vessels into the belly. Electrolytes help bring this fluid back into the blood vessels, helping with bloating. In fact, your doctor may ask you to avoid plain water for the first day or two. Electrolyte drinks and broths are good options.

Movement and daily activities

Getting up and walking is good for your recovery. You may feel a bit unsteady after the anesthesia on the first day, and having someone nearby for support can be helpful. Plan to skip heavy exercise for about a week.

Your healthcare team will provide guidance on other aspects of your recovery, as well. For example, it’s often recommended to shower instead of taking baths after the procedure, since soaking may raise the risk of infection. Your healthcare team may also mention pelvic rest during recovery, which often includes avoiding things like sex or tampons.

Finally, allow yourself plenty of rest. Rely on your support person and listen to your body.

Signs to look out for

Your healthcare team will let you know when to call if you see any signs of a possible problem.

For example, call if you have signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a rare complication where the ovaries swell in response to excess hormones from stimulation:

• Sudden abdominal swelling
• Rapid weight gain
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Peeing less than usual
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Also call if you have:

• Heavy bleeding
• Severe pain
• Fever over 101°F (follow the instructions your clinic gave you)

Finally, it’s always OK to call if anything just feels “off.”

Emotional self-care

You may feel a mix of emotions after your egg retrieval. Whatever you feel is valid, and remember that you are not alone.

Practice self-care that feels right for you during this time. Some ideas include:

• Deep breathing
• Journaling
• Taking short walks
• Listening to music

How much you share with others is always up to you. You may find it helps to reach out to someone you trust, whether that’s a partner, family member, or friend. Another option is to seek support from others who have been through a similar journey through organizations such as RESOLVE.

Your Progyny Care Advocate is always here for you as well. Reach out for help getting ready for your procedure, if you have questions as you recover, or if you could use a listening ear.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Support your recovery after egg retrieval appeared first on Progyny.

If you’re going through egg retrieval, you may be wondering, “How many eggs will they be able to retrieve… and how many do I need for a successful pregnancy?”

The best thing you can do is have an open discussion with your fertility specialist about your personal situation and what factors play a role in your own unique case. With reproductive medicine, there are simply no magic numbers or guarantees.

Understanding attrition in IVF

Because eggs and embryos go through several stages in in vitro fertilization (IVF), it’s expected that the number at the end will be lower than it was at the start. This is called attrition. You can think of this as a funnel, in which the number of eggs and embryos go down at different points.

1. After retrieval, about 80% of the eggs are mature enough to fertilize.
2. Out of the mature eggs, about 70% successfully fertilize to create embryos.
3. Out of the embryos, about 50% or fewer become blastocysts. A blastocyst is an advanced embryo stage of 100 to 300 cells that forms 5 to 7 days after fertilization with a good chance of implanting into the uterus. Often, pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-A) is done to assess the health of the embryo at this stage.
4. Out of the blastocysts, PGT-A testing will identify that some embryos have missing or extra chromosomes, which may affect implantation. As we get older, the chances that embryos will successfully implant go down.

For example, a 2023 study in Human Reproduction found the following rates of embryos with the expected number of chromosomes (called “euploid” embryos):

Attrition example

To help imagine these attrition numbers, suppose 10 eggs were retrieved for a 40-year-old.

In some cases, having more eggs may help increase the chances of pregnancy, but it’s only part of the overall picture. Also keep in mind, not all patients can (or should) have “maximal” ovarian stimulation that aims to result in many eggs due to health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Can I estimate my chances of success?

Your doctor may use your age and results from ovarian reserve testing to predict your chances of a live birth. Ovarian reserve is the quality and quantity of a person’s eggs, and it’s the main indicator of how many eggs will be retrieved.

Be sure to have a discussion with your doctor about your personal situation to understand what is optimal for you and what can be done to maximize your likelihood of success.

Here’s what you can do

It’s natural to feel a lot of different emotions and stress when you’re considering or going through egg retrieval. You care deeply about the outcome, and it may seem like aspects of the process are out of your control. That can be really hard.

Please know that personalized support and guidance are available. With that, here’s what you can do right now:

1. Ask your doctor anything. You can feel comfortable bringing up any questions or concerns that are on your mind. Together, you and your care team have the best, most complete information about you.
2. Reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate. We’re here to provide support, suggest personalized resources, and lend an experienced listening ear.
3. Prioritize self-care. Cope with stress in healthy ways that feel right to you, whether it’s reading a good book, talking with a friend, doing deep breathing, or journaling. Carve out time and be good to yourself, just as you would treat a friend.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Egg retrieval: How many can I expect? appeared first on Progyny.

What does it really mean to own your fertility? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jaime Knopman from CCRM Fertility of New York and author of Own Your Fertility, for a candid conversation about egg freezing, fertility preservation, and grief. Dr. Knopman shares what inspired her to write the book, who it’s for, and why fertility preservation can be one of the first acts of agency in reproductive health. We unpack common misconceptions about egg freezing.

The conversation also turns to a topic often left unspoken: fertility-related grief. Dr. Knopman reflects on how grief shows up when timelines shift and how patients can hold both hope and loss at the same time. This episode is for anyone navigating fertility decisions, questioning timing, or seeking clarity and compassion along the journey. Own Your Fertility is now available on Amazon!

Guest:
Dr. Jaime Knopman, Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Director of Fertility Preservation for CCRM Fertility of New York

Hosts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, SVP, Provider and Member Services, Progyny

This show does not constitute medical advice.

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events on the full spectrum of women’s health and family building and what they might mean for you. From news, research studies, pop culture, and everything in-between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Janet Choi and host, Lissa Kline, LCSW.

The post Own your fertility: All the facts and feelings with Dr. Knopman appeared first on Progyny.

An egg bank is a specialized facility where human eggs are frozen and stored for future use. People who need donor eggs can purchase frozen eggs to create embryos using in vitro fertilization (IVF).   

Donor eggs: an overview 

Eggs are donated by healthy, fertile donors who have been carefully screened following FDA and state regulations. Eggs from older people have a lower chance of successful pregnancy, so most egg donors are in their 20’s. 

Eggs are preserved using a rapid freezing technique and stored in cryogenic tanks filled with liquid nitrogen at -196°C. This ultra-cold environment keeps the eggs viable until they’re ready to be used.  

When eggs are needed for fertility treatments, they are carefully thawed and fertilized with sperm. The resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus of the person carrying the pregnancy — either the intended parent or a gestational carrier. 

Who uses egg banks? 

• People with infertility: People with low ovarian reserve or poor egg quality can use donor eggs to become pregnant. 

• People with age-related concerns: Egg health goes down with age, so using eggs from younger donors can increase the chance of success.   

• LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents by choice: Donor eggs allow LGBTQ+ people and couples, as well as single intended parents by choice, to pursue biological parenthood. 

How do egg banks work? 

Intended parents start their journey by selecting a donor from the egg bank’s database. You can review detailed donor profiles, which typically include: 

• Medical history 

• Genetic screening results 

• Physical characteristics 

• Educational background 

• Personal interests 

Intended parents may also be advised to go through medical evaluation and psychological counseling to explore emotional, ethical, and relationship considerations. Your fertility specialist can guide you through your decision. 

Steps for using a donor egg in IVF:  

1. The frozen eggs are carefully thawed, using special techniques to preserve their viability.  

2. The eggs are fertilized with sperm from the intended parent or a sperm donor.  

3. The resulting embryos are observed for several days to be sure they’re developing properly.  

4. The best quality embryo is transferred to the uterus of the person carrying the pregnancy, or frozen for future use. Freezing embryos allows for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), if desired.  

Your fertility clinic will coordinate with your chosen egg bank for counseling, logistics, medical procedures, and monitoring. 

Benefits of using frozen donor eggs 

Frozen eggs have several benefits:  

• Frozen eggs can be used right away, while fresh eggs require the donor to match their cycle and egg retrieval with the recipient’s treatment cycle.   

• Access to a broad and diverse pool of donors. 

• Freezing allows time to test the eggs, improving safety and success rates.  

• Frozen eggs can be shipped, so intended parents are not limited by availability where they live. 

Legal and ethical considerations 

Legal contracts are used to protect the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved in egg donation: the donor, intended parents, and the resulting child.  

Legal contracts ensure that:  

• Donors give up all parental rights 

• Donors grant the intended parent(s) full legal custody of the donated eggs and any resulting embryos and children 

They also outline the terms of donation, such as donor compensation, details and timing of medical procedures, and confidentiality. 

Ethical considerations   

In the past, many donations have been anonymous, but open donations in which donors and recipients can choose to share information are increasingly common. This allows for transparency and sharing genetic knowledge. 

It’s important to consider whether donor-conceived children will be able to access information about their genetics. Think about how it might affect the child’s sense of identity, emotions, and relationships with both their biological and social parents.  

Counseling can help you think through these questions. 

Getting started with an egg bank  

Egg banks offer a meaningful path to parenthood. Ask your fertility clinic and egg bank any questions you have.  

Your Progyny Care Advocate can also provide support by helping you: 

• Find a fertility specialist 

• Connect with counseling and support resources 

• Navigate the process with confidence 

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance and a lawyer for legal guidance.   

The post Using egg banks for pregnancy appeared first on Progyny.

A cancer diagnosis, or learning that you’re at higher risk, can raise urgent questions about your future fertility. For people who haven’t started or finished building their families, those questions can feel overwhelming. The good news: advances in reproductive medicine offer options that let you prioritize treatment while protecting your ability to have children later. 

So what options exist if you’re facing cancer treatment — or planning preventive care if you know you are at high risk for developing cancer — before your family is complete? 

Egg freezing 

Egg freezing preserves eggs for future use and is a well-established option before treatments that may affect fertility. It can be especially helpful when pregnancy needs to be delayed, including during cancer care. 

Eggs retain their age-related reproductive potential at the time they are frozen. This means that eggs frozen earlier in life may offer higher chances of pregnancy later. For example, eggs frozen at age 33 generally provide similar pregnancy potential when used at age 40 as they would have at 33, though outcomes vary and pregnancy is never guaranteed. 

Egg freezing has also been shown to be an effective form of fertility preservation. Long-term studies have found that most frozen eggs survive the thawing process, and many of those eggs can be successfully fertilized. While fertilization does not guarantee pregnancy or live birth, these outcomes support egg freezing as a viable option for people looking to preserve fertility.  

For individuals diagnosed with cancer — or those at higher risk, including adolescents and young adults — knowing these options exist can provide reassurance and hope for the future. 

Embryo freezing 

If you have a partner and are facing a cancer diagnosis, freezing embryos instead of eggs may be an option to consider. The process is similar to egg freezing. After eggs are retrieved, they are fertilized with sperm in the embryology lab and grown for several days until they reach an advanced stage called a blastocyst. 

Blastocysts can be tested for aneuploidy, which means having an incorrect number of chromosomes, and then frozen for future use. If you carry a known gene mutation that increases your risk for cancer, embryos can often be tested for that mutation as well. 

One advantage of embryo freezing is that your doctor can more accurately estimate the chance of a future live birth compared with frozen eggs. A key consideration, however, is that embryos are jointly owned by both partners. You must both agree on how the embryos can be used before they can be thawed and transferred into a uterus. 

An open conversation with a fertility specialist can help you weigh the benefits and limitations of freezing eggs versus embryos and decide which option best fits your goals and circumstances. 

Getting started 

If fertility preservation is something you’re considering, start by talking with your oncologist about your treatment timeline. From there, a fertility specialist can help determine whether egg or embryo freezing is appropriate and create an individualized plan.  

Because the process typically takes a few weeks, early coordination can help avoid delaying cancer treatment. After treatment is complete and you’re ready to pursue pregnancy, it’s important to reconnect with your oncology and fertility care teams to confirm that it’s a safe time to move forward. Once you receive medical clearance, your fertility specialist will guide you through next steps based on your overall reproductive health. 

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.  

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

The post Fertility preservation after a cancer diagnosis appeared first on Progyny.

Egg freezing is a proactive way to take control of your fertility future. Many people don’t realize that they’re born with all the eggs they’ll ever have. Unlike other cells in the body, eggs don’t regenerate, and both their quantity and quality naturally decrease over time. 

Egg freezing offers a way to safeguard your reproductive potential, giving you the flexibility to build your family on your own timeline. While the idea of fertility treatments may feel overwhelming at first, the process is often more manageable than expected. With the right guidance and support, egg freezing can be a straightforward and empowering experience. 

What is egg freezing? 

Egg freezing, a form of fertility preservation, involves retrieving and freezing your eggs at your current age so they can be used later when you’re ready to move forward with family building. Because egg quality and quantity decline with age, freezing eggs earlier can increase the chance of a successful pregnancy in the future. 

What is the typical timeline of the treatment process? 

While some circumstances may require a faster treatment path — for example, if you want to freeze eggs before starting chemotherapy or radiation — most people will first meet with a healthcare provider to review their medical history, run initial bloodwork, and complete an ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have) and overall reproductive health. 

The overall timeline depends on your menstrual cycle. Once your period starts, you can schedule an ultrasound and bloodwork. Based on those results, your provider will review your medicine plan and next steps. Treatment usually begins with the following menstrual cycle. Depending on your plan, you may start with birth control pills or other medicines before beginning stimulation with injectable medicines. 

When it’s time to begin ovarian stimulation, you’ll start daily injections for about 9 to 12 days. During this time, you’ll have ultrasounds and bloodwork done about every other day so your care team can track your progress. These visits usually happen early in the morning, and you’ll receive updates later that day about any medicine adjustments and your next appointment. 

Once the follicles (small, fluid-filled sacs in the ovary that house and nourish eggs) have grown to the appropriate size, you’ll take a “trigger shot” to help the eggs mature for retrieval — typically about 36 hours before the procedure. 

You’ll then come in for the egg retrieval, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes under anesthesia. During the procedure, the care team carefully accesses the ovaries (with ultrasound guidance) through the vaginal wall to collect the fluid containing the eggs. The eggs are then evaluated under a microscope, and mature eggs are frozen for future use. 

Afterward, you’ll recover for about an hour before going home. You’ll need someone to drive you and stay with you that day as you recover from anesthesia. Most people feel sore for a couple of days, while others may have mild discomfort for up to a week. 

Because not every follicle contains a mature egg — and not all eggs survive the freezing and thawing process — your provider may discuss how many eggs to freeze to optimize your chances of success. 

Finding support 

While the treatment process can take a physical toll, it can also bring emotional challenges. Although deciding to freeze your eggs can be empowering, it’s normal to experience a range of feelings throughout the process. 

Coming to the decision to freeze your eggs can be difficult, and there are often many steps between initial interest and starting treatment. Fertility journeys can sometimes feel isolating, so it’s important to build a support system you can lean on and talk about your experience with. 

Progyny is here to support you, too. Contact your Progyny Care Advocate with questions, concerns, or anything else that’s on your mind. 

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

Related content/Recommended reads: 

• Egg freezing: frequently asked questions  
• Five myths about egg freezing  

The post Egg freezing 101 appeared first on Progyny.

If you’ve chosen to preserve your fertility through freezing embryos, eggs, or sperm, you may wonder if your specimens can be moved between clinics or storage facilities.   

The good news is, yes, frozen fertility specimens can be safely transferred.  

We partnered with CryoFuture, one of Progyny’s tissue transportation partners, to explain why and how embryos, eggs, and sperm are transferred and what steps you can take to ensure the process is easy and secure. 

Why are fertility specimens moved? 

There are several reasons why you might need to transfer your frozen embryos, eggs, or sperm: 

• Changing clinics: If you’re switching to a new fertility clinic for treatment, your specimens may need to follow you. 

• Relocation: After moving to a new city or country, it’s more convenient to store specimens closer to your new home. 

• Cost: You may find a storage provider that offers more affordable options. 

• Peace of mind: Some people choose to transfer their specimens to facilities with enhanced security and monitoring. 

Safe transportation is the priority 

Frozen specimen transfer is a careful process designed to keep the embryos, eggs, or sperm safe and protected. It involves: 

1. Specialized equipment: Specimens are transported in liquid nitrogen tanks to maintain ultra-low temperatures (-196°C). 

2. Temperature monitoring: The tanks have monitoring systems to maintain a stable temperature throughout the journey. 

3. Professional handling: The transportation staff are specially trained in the process and ensure the highest standards of care throughout the process. 

4. Compliance and documentation: Before anything is transported, the company will do all the proper consents and paperwork to meet legal and medical guidelines. 

What is my role in the process? 

• Ask questions: Be sure you understand how the transport will be carried out and what safeguards are in place. 

• Communicate with your provider: Your fertility clinic or insurance provider can guide you through the transfer process and help address any concerns. 

• Plan ahead: Transfers require the sending and receiving facilities to coordinate with each other, so it’s important to allow enough time for the process. 

Frozen fertility specimen transfers are safe and straightforward when handled correctly. By working with experienced professionals and understanding the process, you can rest assured that your embryos, eggs, or sperm will arrive at their destination securely.  

Your dedicated Progyny Care Advocate is also here to help guide you through any transport questions you have.  

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

The post What is the process for moving frozen embryos, eggs, and sperm?  appeared first on Progyny.

If you’re planning for a family in the future but now isn’t the right time, fertility preservation may be an option. This includes egg or embryo freezing, which allows you to preserve your fertility for later use.

Who may be a good candidate for egg freezing?

Anyone considering fertility preservation for personal or medical reasons may be a candidate. It’s important to meet with a reproductive endocrinologist (REI) a fertility specialist, to discuss your situation. Some factors your fertility specialist may review include:

• Body mass index and age
• Ovarian reserve (egg supply)
• Medical history and ability to undergo a short surgical procedure

What’s the first step if I decide to freeze my eggs?

Talk to your Progyny Care Advocate. They can help you understand your benefit and connect you with a clinic. You may also want to watch this step-by-step video about what it’s like during your first egg freezing consultation.

What is ovarian reserve and why does it matter?

Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs in your ovaries. REIs use this information to guide your options and next steps.

Tests that may be used include those for:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone
• Anti-Müllerian hormone
• Antral follicle count, measured by ultrasound

These tests provide rough estimates of egg quantity. They do not measure egg quality or guarantee future fertility.

How many eggs should I freeze?

The number depends on your age, ovarian reserve, and how you respond to medicine. On average, many people under 35 may need 10 to 15 mature eggs for a reasonable chance at one live birth; older than 35 usually requires more.

Should I freeze eggs, embryos, or both?

This depends on your circumstances. If you have a partner or sperm donor, you may be able to freeze embryos. Some people choose to freeze both eggs and embryos for added options.

What does the egg freezing process involve?

The process usually includes:

1. Fertility medicine you give yourself at home with small injections
2. Monitoring through bloodwork and ultrasounds
3. An egg retrieval procedure at your clinic

What should I know about this medicine and injections?

The medicine taken before the procedure stimulates your ovaries to produce multiple eggs in one cycle. The dosage and response vary by individual. Your REI will design a plan for you.

Possible short-term side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, and light cramping after retrieval. Most people feel better within a few days.

Can you predict how many eggs will be retrieved?

Your REI can provide an estimate based on your age and ovarian reserve. Bloodwork and ultrasound results provide a range, but the actual number may differ.

Does the process change if I plan another treatment, like IVF, afterwards?

Usually, the steps are the same. Depending on your treatment plan, your doctor may recommend waiting before the next cycle or moving directly into in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you plan to do IVF right away, ask whether fertilizing the eggs now — rather than freezing them — could maximize survival and embryo development.

How do you know if retrieved eggs are viable?

Only mature eggs are frozen. There is no test to confirm an egg’s ability to fertilize or result in a pregnancy. The biggest factor influencing success is your age at the time of freezing.

How long can eggs or embryos stay frozen?

Research shows that eggs, embryos, and sperm can remain frozen indefinitely without losing quality.

Can frozen eggs or embryos be moved to another facility?

Yes. You may need to transfer frozen tissue when moving, switching clinics, or using a gestational carrier. Not all clinics accept tissue from outside facilities, so confirm with your clinic first.

Can I still try to conceive without fertility treatment after egg freezing?

Yes. Each menstrual cycle matures new eggs, which are unaffected by a prior retrieval. Egg freezing does not usually affect your future fertility potential.

If you have other questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Egg freezing: Frequently asked questions appeared first on Progyny.

If you’re thinking about having children in the future, you may consider freezing your eggs. It’s become one of the most common options in reproductive medicine. This procedure allows you to freeze your eggs now, so you can use them later if you want to start a family.

With so much information out there about this topic, we turned to Wael Salem, MD, MPhil, to help clear up the facts and myths about egg freezing. Here are some common misconceptions you might hear.

1. Egg freezing uses up all your eggs

This is a common myth, but it’s not true. Freezing your eggs doesn’t take away your fertility. Only the eggs that would have naturally been absorbed by your body are harvested. This means that egg freezing won’t reduce your overall egg count or affect your fertility in the future.

2. Egg freezing guarantees I’ll be able to have a pregnancy in the future

While egg freezing can help increase your chances of pregnancy later in life, it doesn’t guarantee that you will get pregnant. The number of eggs your doctor recommends freezing will depend on your specific situation. Even with the recommended number of eggs, the biology of reproduction can be unpredictable, so there’s no certainty when it comes to achieving a pregnancy.

3. Egg freezing and embryo freezing are the same

Egg freezing and embryo freezing involve similar steps, but they are not the same. With embryo freezing, your eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab before they’re frozen. With egg freezing, the eggs are frozen without being fertilized.

One of the biggest differences is reproductive autonomy — freezing your eggs gives you the option to decide later who will provide the sperm. Also, there are different legal considerations when it comes to freezing eggs versus embryos.

4. Egg freezing is the best option for everyone

Egg freezing can be a good option for many, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. It’s crucial to have an open conversation with your doctor about your long-term reproductive goals. Consider things like how many children you want to have and when you want to start your family. Your doctor can help you decide if it’s the best fit for you.

5. Egg freezing is always necessary

For some people, especially those who are younger and planning to start a family soon, egg freezing may not be necessary. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your own fertility and whether freezing your eggs is the right decision for you.

If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Five myths about egg freezing appeared first on Progyny.

Egg freezing offers the opportunity to preserve fertility and keep options open for future family building. Whether you’re focused on your career, haven’t met the right partner, or simply want more time before starting a family, timing is an important factor when it comes to egg freezing success.

Why timing matters 

Egg quantity and quality both decline with age—particularly after age 35. Because of this, the earlier you freeze your eggs, the better your chances of having usable eggs later when you’re ready to conceive. That said, age isn’t the only factor to consider.

“Egg freezing is about taking control of your reproductive future,” explains Dr. Alexander Quaas, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at Shady Grove Fertility in San Diego. “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why an individual assessment is so important.”

Is egg freezing right for me?

The decision to freeze eggs is a personal one. If you’re in your early to mid-30s and not ready for children just yet, now may be an ideal time to start the conversation with a fertility specialist. Some people choose to freeze eggs earlier, in their late 20s, while others wait until their late 30s or early 40s. A fertility evaluation—including bloodwork and an ultrasound—can help determine your current egg supply and provide clarity on the best path forward.

Dr. Quaas adds, “I always tell patients: even if you’re not sure about having children, you’ll never regret having more options down the line.”

What happens if I wait?

While egg freezing is possible into your early 40s, it’s important to know that success rates tend to be lower with age. This is due to both a decrease in the number of eggs retrieved and an increase in chromosomal abnormalities. Freezing eggs earlier generally allows for better outcomes and a higher likelihood of future success with in vitro fertilization (IVF), should you need it later. The only downside to freezing eggs very early, for example at age 20-25, is the lower probability of actually using the eggs, because there are more reproductive years left to conceive naturally.

Next steps

If you’re considering egg freezing, the first step is a consultation with a fertility specialist. They’ll walk you through your options, discuss your reproductive goals, and help you understand what’s possible based on your unique biology. If you’re a Progyny member, your Progyny Care Advocate (PCA) can help you get started and guide you through the process.

More information

Visit Progyny’s education page on egg freezing at Egg Freezing | Progyny for more information.

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