What egg freezing involves
Every woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have. Both the number and the quality of eggs fall with age, faster after 35. Egg freezing pauses the clock for the eggs you store. The eggs are frozen by vitrification, a rapid freezing method that protects them from ice damage. When you are ready, they are thawed, fertilised with sperm by ICSI, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus.
Who considers it
- Women who want to focus on career, studies or finding the right partner first.
- Women with a family history of early menopause.
- Women with a low AMH for their age who are not ready for pregnancy.
- Women about to start chemotherapy or radiation, which can damage the ovaries.
- Women with endometriosis who need ovarian surgery.
Why age matters most
The age at which eggs are frozen decides their quality, not the age at which they are used. Eggs frozen in the early 30s give a much better chance per egg than eggs frozen at 38 or 40. Women freezing later usually need more eggs, and sometimes more than one cycle, for a reasonable chance. Dr. Prachi often says that fertility has an expiry date, and her short video on the biological clock explains this in under a minute.
An AMH test and an ultrasound follicle count give a good idea of how your ovaries may respond. These two checks help you decide whether, and when, to freeze.
The process step by step
- Consultation and testsAMH, ultrasound and basic blood tests, plus a talk about your plans and timelines.
- StimulationAbout 10 to 12 days of hormone injections to grow several eggs, with scans every few days.
- Egg collectionA 15 to 20 minute procedure under short anaesthesia. You go home the same day.
- VitrificationMature eggs are frozen in the lab the same day and stored safely.
- Later useWhen you are ready, eggs are thawed, fertilised by ICSI, and an embryo is transferred.
How many eggs are enough?
There is no single number, because it depends on your age when you freeze. As a broad guide, women under 35 are often advised to aim for around 10 to 15 mature eggs. Older women may need more. Not every egg survives thawing, fertilises or becomes a healthy embryo, which is why numbers matter. Dr. Prachi will give you an estimate based on your own reports.
Honest limits
Frozen eggs improve your chances later, but they cannot promise a baby. Trying naturally at a younger age still gives the best odds for most women. Egg freezing is best seen as a backup plan that you choose with clear information.
Questions couples ask
What is the best age to freeze eggs?
Ideally before 35. Freezing in your late 20s or early 30s gives the best quality eggs, but freezing later can still be worthwhile after testing.
Does egg freezing reduce my future egg supply?
No. Each month the body loses a group of eggs anyway. Stimulation simply rescues eggs from that month's group that would otherwise be lost.
How long can eggs stay frozen?
Vitrified eggs remain stable for many years. Storage time limits are set by Indian law and the clinic will explain the current rules.
Can I freeze embryos instead of eggs?
Yes, if you have a partner. Embryo freezing gives a slightly clearer picture of quality, but egg freezing keeps your choices open.
This page gives general information only. Dr. Prachi will advise on what suits you after reviewing your history and reports.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Prachi Benara, MS, DNB, MRCOG (London). Last updated October 2026.