Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is one of the most significant advances in modern reproductive medicine because it can provide women with flexibility over their future family-building timeline. But along with the growing popularity of elective egg freezing comes a responsibility to give patients reliable, transparent, and science-informed guidance about what the data can (and can’t) tell us.

At RPMG, we tailor counseling around individualized testing, age, goals, and evidence. And we believe clarity matters, especially when science is still evolving.

A Brief History: From Cancer Preservation to Mainstream Elective Freezing

While egg freezing feels “new” to many patients, it was officially deemed non-experimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in 2012. Before that, egg freezing was used almost exclusively for oncology patients needing fertility preservation prior to chemotherapy.

Two major shifts changed everything:

• 2014: Apple and Google announced fertility benefits that included egg freezing.
• 2018–present: A rapid increase in elective egg freezing cycles across the U.S., especially among women in their early to mid-30s.

This means that large-scale, long-term outcome studies are still in progress, because most of the eggs now in storage were only frozen in the last 5–7 years.

Why Outcome Data Is Still Limited

One of the most important facts for patients to understand is this:

Most women who freeze their eggs haven’t used them yet.

Studies examining return-to-use within 5–7 years from the freeze date show that fewer than 10% of women have come back to thaw and use their eggs so far.

The majority either:

• Conceive naturally
• Haven’t yet attempted pregnancy
• Are still waiting for the timing that feels right

Because such a small proportion of frozen eggs have been used, the available outcome data: on thaw survival, fertilization, blastocyst development, genetic normalcy, and live birth is based on a subset of patients, not the entire population of egg freezers.

More robust data should emerge in the next 5–10 years as the large wave of elective freezers from 2018–2024 begin returning to use their eggs.

In the meantime, fertility specialists rely on:

• Outcomes from the patients who have used their eggs
• Age-specific IVF data
• Predictive modeling studies

One of the most widely referenced models remains Goldman et al., Human Reproduction (2017). This model estimates the chance of achieving at least one live birth based on age at freezing and the number of mature eggs stored.

Estimated Chance of a Future Live Birth

Based on Age at Freezing and Number of Mature Eggs (Predictive Modeling)**

Note: These estimates assume eggs are later thawed and used in IVF. Actual success rates depend on many factors, including egg quality, sperm quality, embryo development, and uterine factors.

Important context:

These percentages reflect predictions, not actual real-world population data, because fewer than 1 in 10 egg freezers have used their eggs yet. As more patients return to use their eggs, these numbers may shift.

What Dr. Brower Wants Patients to Know About Egg Freezing

“Egg freezing gives you more options - not guarantees. The most important driver of success is your age at the time of freezing. Our goal is to help you freeze enough high-quality eggs to give your future self real options.” - Dr. Brower

Understanding the Cost of Egg Freezing

Across the U.S., one cycle of egg freezing—including monitoring, retrieval, freezing, and one year of storage averages $12,000 - $13,000 for those without insurance coverage.

However, many patients now do have benefits and with the California Bill, SB-729 even more people will have fertility coverage in 2026.

Particularly in California, more employer plans are offering:

• Diagnostic testing coverage
• Medication coverage
• Partial or full egg freezing benefits
• Fertility preservation programs

Because coverage varies widely, we encourage every patient to:

• Verify their benefits early
• Connect with our Financial Counselors
• Review medication cost scenarios
• Consider future storage costs

RPMG helps each patient understand their true out-of-pocket cost before starting.

Key Takeaways for Patients

1.  Freezing earlier is generally more effective.

Egg quality declines with age, especially after 37.

2.  Most women will need 10–20+ eggs for a strong chance of a future live birth.

The older the patient, the more eggs typically needed.

3.  Many patients require more than one cycle to reach their target egg number.

4.  The data is still catching up.

The story of elective egg freezing is still being written. Outcomes will become clearer as more patients return to use their eggs over the next decade.

FAQs

1.  Why is long-term egg freezing outcome data still limited?

Because elective egg freezing only became widespread in the late 2010s, most women who froze their eggs haven’t yet needed or chosen to use them. Studies show <10% utilization within 5–7 years of freezing.

2.  Does this mean we don’t know if egg freezing works?

We do have promising data but from a relatively small subset of patients. To supplement this, specialists rely on IVF data and predictive models that estimate how many eggs tend to lead to a live birth at a given age.

3.  If I freeze my eggs now, how long can they stay frozen?

Indefinitely. Vitrified eggs remain stable in long-term cryostorage without known declines in viability.

4.  What matters more: quantity or age?

Both matter but age overwhelmingly affects egg quality. Quantity helps overcome attrition, but younger eggs have much higher potential per egg.

5.  Should I expect to do more than one cycle?

Many patients do, especially after age 35. Your AMH, antral follicle count, and family-building goals help determine whether one cycle is enough.

6.  Will outcome data be better in the future?

Yes. As the large wave of egg freezers from 2018–2024 begin using their eggs, we expect much more robust real-world data over the next 5–10 years.

Why Patients Choose RPMG

For more than 30 years, our Southern California clinics have combined evidence-based medicine with compassionate, individualized care. We believe in giving patients:

• Transparent success expectations
• Personalized guidance
• World-class embryology
• Full insurance and financial review
• Science-supported pathways

Thinking About Egg Freezing? Start With a Consultation

A consultation with one of our expert REIs gives you a personalized review of:

• Ovarian reserve
• Expected egg yield
• Recommended number of cycles
• Realistic success expectations
• Your insurance coverage
• Long-term planning options

RPMG offers convenient appointments across all four locations.

Your future family deserves clear, honest guidance and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. Book today.