Egg Freezing: Your Essential Guide To Preserving Your Fertility

When should I consider freezing my eggs? 

Where possible, the earlier, the better. Fertility declines with age, so the best time to freeze your eggs is in your late 20s or early 30s. While it’s possible to freeze eggs later, we generally don’t recommend it after age 36 as egg quality and quantity decrease.  

For women over 36 years old, embryo freezing may be a more viable option to consider, depending on your personal circumstances. 

How many eggs should I aim to freeze to start a family? 

We recommend aiming for at least 20 eggs to maximise your chances of a successful pregnancy in the future. However, this depends on factors such as your age and ovarian reserve. The younger you are, the fewer eggs you may need for a successful pregnancy.

At our clinic, we offer AI-powered egg quality analysis to provide a personalised prediction of how many viable embryos your frozen eggs, once thawed, are likely to yield. This analysis can help with family planning and understanding if more than one round of an egg retrieval may be necessary.

What else should I consider? 

* Egg freezing methods: The success of egg freezing can partly depend on the cryopreservation method used. The Open System method is widely considered to be the most advanced freezing technique, while the Closed System method is less commonly used and may not offer the same level of efficiency. It’s worth researching which method your clinic uses to ensure you’re receiving the latest technology.

* Pre-treatment testing: Before starting, you’ll need an anti-mullerian hormone test (AMH blood test) and an ultrasound which will help us assess your ovarian reserve.

How much does egg freezing cost in Ireland?

Costs vary from clinic to clinic, but a ballpark figure is around €3,000.

Are there any other costs to consider?

Yes, you will also need to factor in your consultation cost and basic fertility testing such as an AMH Blood Test and Vaginal Ultrasound. If you have health insurance, a portion of these costs may be covered by your policy. Lastly, factor in storage costs. Some clinics include one year of free storage in their packages and some don’t, so make sure you check beforehand.

Will I need to take medication?

Yes. Egg freezing involves mild hormonal stimulation to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. You’ll take self-administered hormone injections for about 10-14 days, followed by a trigger shot to prepare for your egg retrieval. Most women tolerate the medication well, with side effects similar to PMS such as mood swings, bloating, and mild discomfort.

Do I need to stop taking birth control before freezing my eggs? 

Yes. If you’re on the pill, you’ll need to stop taking it at least three months before your egg collection and the related hormone tests (AMH etc.).  

What is the egg retrieval process like? 

Egg retrieval is a quick and minimally invasive procedure. It takes about 20 minutes under light sedation, meaning you won’t feel any pain. A fertility specialist retrieves the eggs using ultrasound guidance. You’ll be able to go home shortly after the procedure. Mild cramping is the most common side effect. 

What are the success rates? 

Success in part depends on your age at the time of freezing. Generally, the younger your eggs, the higher the chance of success if you choose to use them later. 

At Beacon CARE Fertility, we see consistently high pregnancy rates in our Egg Donation Program using frozen donor eggs which typically come from women in their late 20s to early 30s. 

However, it’s important to understand that egg freezing is not a guarantee. It’s better viewed as a proactive step and a way to provide more options for the future. While it can improve your chances of having a baby later in life, success isn’t guaranteed and depends on a number of factors. 

Dr Israel Carmona is a Fertility Consultant at Beacon CARE Fertility (Dublin, Limerick, Drogheda).  

Egg Freezing Packages at Beacon CARE Fertility start at €2,995 and include one year of storage. To learn more, click HERE.