Why Age Matters in Egg Freezing
Egg freezing has become one of the most effective forms of fertility preservation in California, especially as more women delay family building for personal or medical reasons. But one critical question remains: How many eggs are enough?
“Every woman’s ovarian reserve is different, but age plays the single most important role in egg quality and success rates,” explains Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh, Founder and Medical Director of the Fertility Institute of San Diego.
How Fertility Declines After 30 and 35
- At age 30, fertility is near its peak, but decline begins slowly.
- By age 35, egg quantity and quality both begin to decrease significantly.
- At age 40, natural conception rates are much lower, and multiple cycles of egg freezing in Southern California are often needed for a realistic chance at future pregnancy.
How Many Eggs Should You Freeze at 30
For women in their early 30s, eggs are typically healthier and more resilient. On average:
- 10–15 eggs may be enough to provide a strong chance of at least one live birth.
- One cycle of stimulation and retrieval often yields sufficient eggs.
“Women at 30 generally need fewer eggs and fewer cycles, making this the most efficient age to freeze,” notes Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
How Many Eggs Should You Freeze at 35
By the mid-30s, both quantity and genetic normalcy of eggs decrease. Most fertility specialists recommend:
- 20–25 eggs to achieve a similar chance of live birth compared to freezing fewer eggs at a younger age.
- Some women may require two cycles to reach this target, depending on ovarian reserve testing results such as AMH and AFC.
How Many Eggs Should You Freeze at 40
Freezing eggs at 40 can still provide opportunity, but expectations must be realistic:
- 25–30 eggs may be needed for one potential live birth.
- Multiple cycles are often necessary, and egg quality remains the biggest challenge.
Some women consider embryo freezing vs. egg freezing for higher predictability if sperm is available.
“Egg freezing at 40 is possible, but it requires careful planning, transparency, and sometimes considering alternative family-building paths such as donor eggs,” advises Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
How Many Eggs Are Needed for One Live Birth?
Research shows that the average number of frozen eggs needed per live birth is 10 to 15 if frozen under age 35. For women over 38, the number rises substantially due to higher rates of abnormal eggs.
How AMH and AFC Testing Guide Decisions
Before starting treatment, women undergo ovarian reserve testing (AMH and AFC):
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Estimates remaining egg supply.
- AFC (Antral Follicle Count): Measures small follicles visible on ultrasound.
These results help predict how many eggs can be retrieved per cycle and whether multiple cycles may be required.
Egg Freezing Success Rates in San Diego
Success rates vary by age and clinic. In San Diego, leading practices like the Fertility Institute use advanced vitrification techniques with high thaw survival rates.
- Women under 35: 80–90% egg survival, higher pregnancy rates.
- Women 35–40: Lower per-egg success, requiring more eggs for the same outcome.
- Over 40: Lower likelihood, but not impossible with multiple cycles.
Cost of Egg Freezing Cycles in California
Most women pay for:
- Cycle fee (stimulation, retrieval, lab freezing)
- Medications (a significant cost factor)
- Annual storage fees for frozen eggs
The number of cycles required by age directly affects total cost. Younger women often need fewer cycles, making egg freezing more cost-effective at 30 versus 40.
FAQs on How Many Eggs to Freeze
Taking the Next Step
Knowing how many eggs to freeze at 30, 35, and 40 in Southern California helps women make informed, proactive choices. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing immediate fertility concerns, expert guidance is essential.
If you’re ready to explore your options, please book a complimentary virtual consultation with Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh to discuss your egg freezing goals and fertility preservation strategy.
