Introduction

If you’re in your 30s and starting to think seriously about your future fertility, you’re not alone. Egg freezing is becoming an increasingly common and empowering choice for women who want to preserve their fertility for the future. But a common question I hear is: when is the right time to do it?

Understanding the best age for egg freezing, what the process involves, and whether it’s right for you can help you make an informed decision—and give you more control over your reproductive choices.

💡 Note: This blog is general educational information only and does not constitute personalised medical advice. Please consult with a fertility specialist to discuss your individual situation.

 

Why Women Consider Egg Freezing

Egg freezing (also known as oocyte cryopreservation) allows you to preserve your eggs at their current biological age. This means that if you freeze your eggs at 32 and choose to use them at 38, your chances of success reflect the quality of a 32-year-old’s eggs.

Egg freezing can be a proactive option if:

• You are not ready to have children right now
• You are focusing on your career, travel, or education
• You haven’t met the right partner yet
• You have a medical condition (like endometriosis or PCOS) that may affect your fertility over time
• You have a family history of early menopause

The ability to freeze your eggs doesn’t guarantee a future pregnancy—but it can give you more time and options.

 

Fertility and Age: What You Need to Know

Many women are surprised to learn how early fertility begins to decline. Your egg reserve (the number of eggs you have) is highest before your birth (while you are still inside your mother’s uterus) and declines with age.

More importantly, egg quality also declines over time—especially after age 35.

Here’s a general guide:

• Under 35: Best time to freeze eggs—higher quality and better response to stimulation
• 35–37: Still a good window, but may require more eggs to achieve the same outcome
• 38–40: Possible, but lower success rates; requires careful counselling
• 40+: Egg freezing is less likely to be successful, and often not recommended without individualised medical advicePreview (opens in a new tab)

Freezing eggs earlier typically means better success rates if and when you decide to use them.

 

How Do I Know If It’s Time to Freeze My Eggs?

There’s no universal rule, but if you are in your early-to-mid 30s and unsure when or whether you’ll have children, this is the ideal time to start exploring egg freezing. Some helpful steps include:

Fertility Testing

This includes:

– AMH blood test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Gives an estimate of your ovarian reserve

– Pelvic ultrasound: Assesses antral follicle count and ovarian anatomy

Clarifying Your Future Plans

Are you hoping to conceive in the next 2–3 years, or are you unsure of your timeline?

Do you see yourself possibly having a second or third child later on?

These factors can guide your decision.

Medical and Family History

Women with conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS, or those with a family history of premature menopause, may benefit from freezing eggs earlier than average.

 

What Does the Egg Freezing Process Involve?

The egg freezing process is similar to the early stages of IVF. It involves:

Ovarian Stimulation (10–14 days)

You will take hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to grow multiple eggs. These are administered as subcutaneous (under the skin) injections and are tailored to your response.

Monitoring Appointments

During this phase, you’ll come into the clinic for monitoring:

– Transvaginal ultrasounds to track follicle growth

– Occasional blood tests to check hormone levels

Egg Collection Procedure

Once your follicles are ready, you’ll receive a trigger injection. The egg collection procedure is performed in hospital under light sedation and usually takes about 15–20 minutes. Recovery time is typically 1–2 days.

Egg Freezing

Mature eggs are frozen using vitrification, a fast-freezing method that helps preserve egg quality. Genea uses leading-edge technology and media to maximise egg survival and potential.

 

Lifestyle Factors That Can Influence Egg Quality

While age is the most significant factor affecting egg quality, lifestyle choices also play a role. Supporting your reproductive health now can improve both your natural fertility and the outcomes of egg freezing.

Here are key lifestyle habits that can make a difference:

• Nutrition: A diet rich in antioxidants (found in leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains) can support egg health.
• Exercise: Moderate, regular exercise promotes hormonal balance and circulation—but avoid overtraining, which can disrupt ovulation.
• Sleep: Consistent, good-quality sleep is important for hormonal regulation.
• Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact reproductive hormones. Consider mindfulness practices, counselling, or stress-reduction techniques.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol intake are associated with lower egg quality and fertility.

Making simple, sustainable changes can support your egg health while you explore your options.

 

Common Questions About Egg Freezing

Is egg freezing painful?

The injections can be uncomfortable, but most patients manage them well. The egg collection is done under sedation, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure itself. Some cramping or bloating may occur afterward, but this typically resolves within a few days.

How many eggs should I freeze?

The number varies by age and fertility goals. As a general guide: – Under 35: Aim for around 15–20 mature eggs – Over 35: May need more than one cycle to reach a similar chance for pregnancy with frozen eggs.

We can review your egg number during monitoring and advise whether additional cycles may be needed.

How long can eggs be stored?

Eggs can technically be stored indefinitely if frozen correctly. In Victoria, eggs can be stored for up to 10 years, with the option to apply for extensions in special circumstances.

Does freezing eggs affect future fertility?

No. The eggs collected during the cycle are from that month’s recruited group, and egg freezing does not deplete your overall reserve. You can still attempt natural conception later.

What’s the success rate of using frozen eggs?

Success depends on age at freezing and the number of mature eggs stored. In general, younger eggs result in higher pregnancy rates. Genea uses advanced vitrification technology that helps maintain high survival rates during thawing.

 

A Real-Life Example

Ella, a 33-year-old graphic designer from Melbourne, came to see me after a breakup from a long-term relationship. She wasn’t sure when she’d be ready for children but wanted to feel more in control of her future. After doing an AMH test and ultrasound, we confirmed that her ovarian reserve was in a healthy range.

We went ahead with one cycle of egg freezing, and Ella was able to store 18 mature eggs.

She told me afterward, “I feel relieved—not because I know exactly what I want, but because I know I have more options now.”

Stories like Ella’s are increasingly common—and reflect the reality that family-building doesn’t always follow a linear path.

 

Final Thoughts

Egg freezing is not about pausing your biological clock—it’s about giving yourself more choices for the future. If you’re in your late 20s to mid-30s and want to keep your fertility options open, it may be the right time to start the conversation.

At my Melbourne fertility practice, I offer evidence-based, personalised guidance and access to Genea’s advanced laboratory technology, including the Geri incubator and patented culture media.

Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to begin, I’m here to support you with clarity, compassion, and expertise.

 

📍Dr Alice Huang – Fertility Specialist Melbourne
Book your consultation today to discuss if egg freezing is right for you.

 

Disclaimer: This blog is general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Please speak to your fertility specialist for personalised recommendations.