If you're 38 and wondering if it's too late to freeze your eggs, you're not alone. Many women are considering this option later in life, and the simple answer is no—it's never too late to freeze your eggs. Egg freezing can be done at various stages of life, though the success rate can vary based on age. Generally, the younger you are, the more likely it is that the frozen eggs will survive and lead to a successful pregnancy. As you age, however, it’s typically necessary to freeze more eggs to achieve the same chances of success. On average, about 80–90% of frozen eggs survive the freezing and thawing process, with the typical survival rate being around 85%. At each stage of the IVF process, some eggs may not survive. For someone around the age of 38, roughly 1 in 18 frozen eggs results in a live birth.
To improve your odds of having a successful birth in the future, you may need to freeze more eggs than you initially think. In many cases, it’s advisable to freeze approximately 20% more eggs than what you are estimated to need to ensure a higher chance of a successful pregnancy. You may need to undergo more than one egg freezing cycle to obtain a quantity of eggs that you and your provider are comfortable with, but this is dependent on your individual egg retrieval numbers, desired number of children in the future, and risk aversion. These numbers also vary based on factors such as your overall health, egg quality (which decreases with age), and fertility.
Ultimately, while age can affect egg freezing success, 38 is not too late to start. Understanding the factors that could impact your individual outcomes is crucial when planning for your fertility journey. While egg freezing offers hope for future parenthood, it’s important to have realistic expectations and be prepared for the potential challenges. Consulting a fertility specialist is highly recommended, as they can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your individual situation.
Dr. Jesse Hade is a compassionate and dedicated board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with over 20 years of private practice experience. Dr. Hade has mentored and trained many physicians currently in practice throughout the country and is an award-winning physician with numerous research studies. Treating complex and often overlooked problems is a specialty that Dr. Hade has mastered throughout his career. When Dr. Hade is not caring for his patients he enjoys bike riding, cooking and spending quality time with his wife and children.
Learn more about Generation Next Fertility’s egg freezing practice on Freeze.
