How Many Eggs Do I Need to Freeze to Secure My Fertility?
As a fertility doctor, I have daily consultations with women looking to preserve their fertility and half of my practice is dedicated to egg freezing!
With growing awareness on the effects of age and fertility, and women delaying childbearing, egg freezing has become very popular! One of the most common questions patients ask me is: “How many eggs do I actually need to feel secure about my ability to have kids in the future?” The answer is nuanced, as it depends on several factors, including age, egg quality, and personal fertility goals. In this post, we’ll explore what you need to know to make informed decisions about egg freezing.
Age and Egg Quality: Why They Matter
Age is one of the most significant factors in determining how many eggs you may need. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and this reserve naturally declines over time. Not only does the quantity of eggs decrease, but the quality does as well. Younger eggs are more likely to be chromosomally normal, while eggs in older women are at a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to a lower chance of conception and higher chance of miscarriage. Now the rate of decline in egg quantity and quality can vary even among women of the same age, but the truest measure of what an egg is capable of is the ability to become an embryo that leads to a positive pregnancy— something we don’t have insight to until it’s time to use your eggs. Therefore, we use the limited data available to help guide more specific numbers based on female age and number of children desired (also keep in mind we have no clue what sperm looks like if a woman is single!).
Under 35: Generally, a higher percentage of eggs retrieved from women under 35 are chromosomally normal, which means that you may need fewer eggs to achieve a successful pregnancy in the future.
35 and Over: As women age, the number of eggs retrieved that are viable for pregnancy decreases. Freezing more eggs can help offset this decline in quality.
- How Many Eggs Should You Aim to Freeze?
Studies suggest that freezing 15 to 20 mature eggs can give a good chance of having at least one child in the future. This number accounts for the natural attrition that occurs from freezing, thawing, fertilization, and embryo development.
If You’re Under 35: Freezing about 10–15 eggs might provide a good chance of a future pregnancy, but 15–20 eggs may offer even more security, especially if you hope to have more than one child.
If You’re 35 or Older: Consider aiming for closer to 20–30 eggs, as the likelihood of chromosomally normal eggs decreases with age.
One Cycle Might Not Be Enough
The average number of eggs retrieved per cycle varies based on age and individual ovarian reserve. Women under 35 might retrieve an average of 10–20 eggs per cycle, while older women might retrieve fewer. As a result, some people may need to undergo multiple cycles to reach their target number of eggs. A fertility specialist can guide you on whether multiple cycles would be advisable based on your initial response to ovarian stimulation and your fertility goals.
- What Are Your Personal Fertility Goals?
When determining how many eggs to freeze, it’s essential to consider your personal goals. If you hope to have multiple children in the future, you might consider freezing a larger quantity of eggs. Conversely, if you’re uncertain about whether you want children or are only aiming for one child, you may be comfortable with a smaller reserve.
- Additional Considerations for Egg Quality and Health
Aside from the number of eggs, ensuring good egg quality is vital. Adopting a lifestyle that supports reproductive health can make a difference. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. While egg freezing can’t entirely halt the impact of aging, a healthy lifestyle may help optimize the quality of the eggs you freeze.
- Working with a Specialist to Make a Plan
Determining the right number of eggs to freeze is a personalized process, best approached with guidance from a fertility specialist. By evaluating your ovarian reserve, family-building goals, and lifestyle, a specialist can recommend a tailored egg-freezing plan. For some, an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test, which measures ovarian reserve, may provide insight into how many cycles could be needed to meet your goals.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the number of eggs to freeze for fertility preservation. By understanding the impact of age, egg quality, and your personal goals, you can make an empowered choice about your fertility. Remember, the journey to preserving your fertility is as unique as you are, and working with an experienced fertility specialist can help guide you in making the right decisions.