Fertility
Freezing and storing eggs – your no-panic guide
Emma Harpham in partnership with CRGH, Editor | 1 Apr 2025
Thinking you might want to freeze your eggs, but feeling overwhelmed? You’re definitely not the only one!
I’ve become much more curious about my own personal fertility status since entering my late 20s – read up on my experience so far, and the tests before egg freezing I’ve already had done – but mixed sentiments and stories around the egg freezing process on social media can often make for slightly alarming viewing.
On one hand, there’s a societal pressure surrounding fertility – are we too late? Will we be able to have a family at all? On the other, egg freezing is a complex medical process that raises plenty of questions on its own. When is the best time to freeze? Does it hurt? How many eggs can be frozen, and how long can they be stored?
That said, if there’s one thing I’ve been lucky enough to learn through TRB’s long-standing partnership with London-based CRGH (the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health), it’s that with the right information and support, egg freezing absolutely can be an empowering step in your fertility journey.
We sat down with Dr. Wael Saab, Fertility Consultant and Clinical Director at CRGH, to build this no-panic guide.
From busting some pervasive myths to answering some of the most common questions, here’s everything you need to know.
Over to Dr. Saab.
What is the egg freezing process, and is it as complicated as it sounds?
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a way to preserve your fertility by extracting, freezing, and storing your eggs for potential future use.
Women choose to freeze their eggs for a variety of reasons – many for social reasons, for example, if they’re not ready to start a family just yet, and some for medical purposes, such as before chemotherapy.
The process itself involves stimulating your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, and then freezing them for later.
It might sound complicated, but with medical guidance, it’s a straightforward and manageable process that puts you in control of your future fertility options.
Can you break down the egg freezing process in more detail, step by step?
At CRGH, your egg freezing journey typically follows these steps:
- Initial consultation – You’ll meet with a specialist to discuss your medical history and fertility goals.
- Checking your ovarian reserve – A test to assess how many eggs you’re likely to produce, which helps your clinician decide on the best medication regimen.
- Ovarian stimulation – You’ll take hormonal injections for about 10-12 days to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Monitoring – You’ll have regular blood tests and ultrasounds to track how your follicles (which contain the eggs) are developing.
- Egg retrieval – A minor procedure under sedation to collect your eggs.
- Freezing – Once collected your mature collected eggs are frozen and stored for future use.
How long does the egg freezing process take from start to finish?
The whole process involves an average of five visits to the clinic over a period of three to four weeks, with support at every stage.
After the retrieval procedure, most women resume normal activities within a day or two.
When is the best time to freeze your eggs?
The best time to freeze your eggs depends on your personal circumstances, but one key factor is age.
Egg quality and quantity naturally decline over time, so if you’re considering egg freezing, the sooner the better – ideally before the age of 35.
That said, every woman’s situation is different. A consultation with a fertility specialist can help you decide on the right timing based on your health, lifestyle, and future plans.
How much does egg freezing cost?
Egg freezing costs can vary depending on your clinic and the number of cycles you choose to do.
At CRGH, the average cost of one egg freezing cycle is between £7,665 – £8,315. This includes the main steps of the process, but in some cases, additional services may be needed.
Based on your doctor’s treatment plan, the clinic will be able to provide a personalised cost estimate before you begin treatment.
Are there any egg freezing side effects, and how can you manage them?
While most women don’t experience major side effects during egg freezing, some may have mild bloating and discomfort due to hormonal stimulation.
The egg retrieval procedure itself carries minimal surgical and hormonal risks. In very rare cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur, causing more severe symptoms, but your medical team will monitor and guide you to reduce this risk.
Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor can help manage any side effects and keep you feeling comfortable throughout the process.
Is egg freezing painful, and how can you prepare (and recover) for the procedure?
The process itself is not painful, but some discomfort can occur due to the hormonal injections and the retrieval procedure. Many women find the experience manageable, especially with the right preparation.
Before the procedure, it helps to:
- Follow your doctor’s guidance on medication and lifestyle adjustments.
- Arrange for some downtime after the retrieval.
- Stay hydrated and eat well to support your body.
Most discomfort after egg retrieval can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, and recovery is usually quick.
Read our previous collab piece for more on egg retrieval recovery, plus tips for how to reduce bloating.
Does freezing eggs affect your fertility later on?
No, egg freezing is designed to preserve your fertility, not harm it.
The process doesn’t interfere with your natural menstrual cycle, and once it’s complete, your body resumes its regular hormonal rhythm.
How many eggs should you freeze?
The ideal number of eggs to freeze depends on your age and ovarian reserve. While freezing more eggs improves future chances, quality matters just as much as quantity.
Generally, the older you are when you freeze your eggs, the more you’ll need to freeze to optimise your chances later on.
Your fertility specialist can provide guidance based on your unique situation.
What are the long-term storage options for frozen eggs, and are they safe?
Frozen eggs are stored in specialised facilities using cryopreservation techniques. In the UK, the statutory storage limit for frozen eggs is 55 years, with storage renewals available in 10-year increments.
These storage methods are highly effective, keeping eggs viable for extended periods. If and when you decide to use your frozen eggs, they can be thawed and used in fertility treatment.
The bottom line – Your fertility, at your pace
Whilst egg freezing isn’t a guarantee, it can be a powerful option for women looking to take control of their fertility.
There’s a lot of fear-mongering around fertility preservation, but by focusing on the medical facts, you can make an informed decision that works for you.
Not quite ready yet? Bookmark this article, alongside CRGH’s simple and straightforward egg-freezing resources for access to reliable information.
If you are thinking about freezing your eggs, expert support from CRGH can help you start (and navigate) the process with confidence, clarity and reassurance. Connect with their team to book in for an initial consultation, and speak to a fertility specialist.
