How I landed on egg freezing at 36
Women are increasingly choosing fertility preservation as a strategic option for future family planning. When I decided to freeze my eggs at 36, I wanted to safeguard my chances of pregnancy down the line while continuing life as usual. I knew the basics: it’s a medical procedure, it involves ovarian stimulation, and the eggs are frozen for later use in IVF. What I didn’t fully grasp were the nuances—the emotional, financial, and practical realities behind the science.
Before my decision, I spoke with friends, read medical guides, and most importantly, consulted specialists. What I learned: egg freezing is not a guaranteed path to a biological baby, and success depends on age, ovarian reserve, and the quality of the eggs at retrieval. At 36, I was at the tail end of prime fertility years, which meant a tighter window for optimal outcomes.
What to expect from the process
The journey starts with a medical assessment: blood tests, an ultrasound to gauge ovarian reserve, and a discussion of medical history. If you proceed, you’ll go through ovarian stimulation—daily injections that prompt the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This part can feel overwhelming, but clinics provide training and support. The retrieval is a short procedure, typically under light anesthesia, followed by a short recovery period.
Storage is a consideration from the start. Eggs are frozen using fast-freezing (vitrification) to preserve quality, but you’ll need to decide how many cycles to bank and for how long. I found the cost and the ongoing storage fees to be among the more challenging parts of planning, especially without insurance coverage in many cases. Understanding the total investment, including potential future IVF cycles, was essential.
Costs and practicalities you should know
In the UK, egg freezing costs vary by clinic but typically involve an initial consultation, stimulation medications, the retrieval procedure, and annual storage fees. Some clinics offer packages that bundle some services for clarity. It’s important to ask about hidden costs and what happens if you switch clinics or move abroad later. Compare the price per egg and consider how storage fees will accrue over time.
Another practical aspect is time. You’ll want to align egg freezing with life plans such as career goals, partner status, and finances. For many women, balancing a demanding job with medical appointments requires planning and flexibility. If you’re single, you’ll also need to consider a support system for the emotional flow of the process.
Emotional and social considerations
Freezing eggs can feel empowering, but it also carries emotional weight. It is a choice about the future, not a guaranteed outcome. It’s normal to fear the unknown: will the eggs be viable later? Will I still want children? Talking openly with partners, friends, or a counsellor can help.
One surprise for me was how social the procedure felt—friends who had already navigated IVF offered a mix of practical tips and emotional reassurance. I also learned the importance of setting limits: how many cycles to attempt, how long to store, and what constitutes a successful outcome for you personally.
Medical realities you should understand
Age remains a guiding factor. While freezing at 36 can preserve fertility, it does not guarantee a baby. The quality of eggs is more variable as we age, which can affect IVF success rates later. A medical counselor can help translate statistics into what it means for your life plan—something numbers alone cannot do.
Discuss safety and risks with your clinician. Ovarian stimulation can have side effects, and there are rare complications to consider. A thorough pre-cycle assessment helps mitigate risk and tailor the protocol to your body’s needs.
What I wish I’d known at the start
- Ask for a transparent price breakdown including all potential fees—don’t assume there are no hidden costs.
- Get a clear plan for how many cycles you might need and how long eggs can be stored under current regulations.
- Clarify the success expectations from your clinic, including live birth rates by age group and how your individual health factors could influence outcomes.
- Check what happens if plans change—interstate or international moves, changes in relationship status, or shifts in family goals.
Bottom line
Freezing your eggs at 36 can be a meaningful way to extend your reproductive timeline, but it’s not a magic wand. It’s a medical procedure with financial, emotional, and practical considerations. By arming yourself with information, choosing a reputable clinic, and building a support network, you can approach fertility preservation with confidence. If you’re contemplating egg freezing, start with a thorough consultation, compare options, and tailor your plan to your personal life goals.
