As women age, not only do they have fewer eggs, but the quality of those eggs also declines. “Quality” refers to the genetic makeup that determines whether an egg can lead to a successful pregnancy. This decline in egg quality starts becoming noticeable around age 37 and accelerates as women reach their 40s, although it can affect some women at a younger age.
For example: a 30-year-old might need about 20 eggs from a couple of egg retrieval procedures to have a good chance of achieving a live birth, while a 40-year-old might need closer to 60 eggs to reach that same goal. This is because as we age, an increased proportion of our eggs contain an abnormal balance of chromosomes (DNA), and these eggs either cannot result in a pregnancy or will result in a miscarriage. It is a significant difference and shows why age is such a critical factor in fertility.
When it comes to freezing eggs, common medical practice is to perform the egg retrieval before you are 45 or 46 years old, which is similar to the age limit for using your own eggs in in-vitro fertilization. Neither the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), nor the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) have formal guidelines on age recommendations for egg freezing, but ASRM recognizes that generally younger eggs have better outcomes. However, it is essential for each woman to get personalized advice based on her specific egg reserve and her plans for starting a family.
At GENESIS Fertility & Reproductive Medicine, we do not want our patients to waste neither time nor money and therefore do not recommend egg freezing for patients age 46 or older. In addition, our patients above the age of 38 are counseled extensively based on their AMH and age.
Freezing eggs when you are younger can seem like a smart move to preserve your fertility options. However, it also means you might end up paying the costs of procedures, medications, and longer periods of storage but not needing to use those frozen eggs, as younger patients are more likely to conceive naturally. Finally, while egg retrieval is generally considered safe, it does involve anesthesia and is technically a minor surgical procedure, both of which come with risks.
Every woman considering egg freezing should receive tailored advice that considers her unique circumstances. It is critical to carefully weigh the advantages and potential drawbacks to make the best decision for you and your future family plans.
Ruchi K. Amin, MD, FACOG is a fellowship-trained reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at GENESIS Fertility & Reproductive Medicine. She completed her OB/GYN residency at Hutzel Women’s Hospital in Detroit. Her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility was at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Amin is passionate about providing individualized, compassionate care and works hard with her patients to achieve shared goals.
Learn more about GENESIS Fertility’s egg freezing practice on Freeze.
