Why More Women Are Choosing to Freeze Their Eggs

In a recent episode of 60 Minutes, CBS News spotlighted a growing trend: increasing numbers of young women are choosing to freeze their eggs in an effort to preserve their fertility and expand their reproductive options. The report underscored what we at Fertility Centers of New England see every day, that is, women taking proactive steps to plan their futures.

A Shift in Fertility Awareness

Historically, egg freezing was viewed primarily for women facing medical treatments like chemotherapy. Today, that perception has shifted. More women are opting to freeze their eggs not because of an immediate fertility concern, but to take control of their reproductive timeline.

This shift reflects greater awareness about how fertility declines with age, particularly after age 35. While advances in reproductive medicine have increased the chances of conception later in life, biology still plays a major role. Freezing eggs at a younger age—when egg quality is higher—can significantly improve the chances of a successful pregnancy down the road.

Empowerment Through Science

One of the most compelling points raised is how egg freezing empowers women to make choices based on personal readiness rather than biological pressure. Whether it’s the desire to establish a career, find the right partner, or simply delay parenting until the time feels right, women are now leveraging reproductive technology to give themselves options.

The process itself has become more accessible and efficient, thanks to advances in vitrification (rapid freezing) techniques. And while cost and access can still be limiting factors, some employers are beginning to offer egg freezing as a covered benefit, further normalizing it as a valid family-planning strategy.

What the Process Involves

Egg freezing typically involves:

• Ovarian stimulation: Daily hormone injections over 8–12 days to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

• Egg retrieval: A minor procedure performed under sedation to collect the eggs.

• Cryopreservation: Viable eggs are frozen and stored for future use.

Women often retrieve and freeze between 10–20 eggs per cycle, though this can vary depending on age and ovarian reserve.

Is Egg Freezing Right for You?

While egg freezing isn’t the right choice for everyone, it may be worth considering if:

• You’re in your late 20s or early 30s and not ready to have children yet.

• You have a family history of early menopause or fertility issues.

• You’re focused on other life goals but want to preserve the option to have a biological child later.

Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about egg freezing or would like to schedule a fertility consultation, please contact us or visit our Egg Freezing Program page. We are here to help you take control of your fertility on your terms.