In an era where more women are prioritising careers, financial stability, and personal growth, family planning is shifting. With UK fertility rates at their lowest since 1970, experts are encouraging younger women to consider freezing their eggs while they are still at peak quality. Read More
Celebrities such as Love Island’s Anna Vakili and Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison have openly shared their egg-freezing journeys, urging women to take control of their reproductive futures. Even Hollywood star Florence Pugh, 28, has spoken out about her experience, revealing that medical concerns prompted her to preserve her fertility. But is egg freezing in your 20s really worth it? Experts say the answer is yes. According to them, early egg freezing is a game-changer for future fertility. Egg freezing is increasingly seen as a proactive measure rather than a last resort. According to Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp, an NHS GP and women’s health specialist, freezing eggs in your 20s significantly improves the chances of a successful pregnancy later in life. “Younger eggs have fewer chromosomal abnormalities, increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy,” she explains. “Eggs also accumulate DNA damage over time, making conception more difficult as women age.” Here’s why early egg freezing is gaining traction: Higher egg quality: Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and by their late 30s, less than 100,000 remain. Eggs frozen in a woman’s 20s have a better chance of fertilisation and a lower risk of genetic abnormalities. Better hormone levels: Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), which indicates ovarian reserve, is highest in a woman’s 20s. This means more eggs can be retrieved in a single cycle, increasing the success rate. Increased IVF success: Using eggs frozen in a woman’s 20s results in higher IVF success rates, mirroring those of younger women. By 40, miscarriage rates rise to 50%, compared to just 10-15% for women in their 20s. More reproductive freedom: Freezing eggs removes the pressure of the “biological clock,” allowing women to focus on careers, relationships, or personal goals without feeling rushed into parenthood. One of the biggest concerns surrounding egg freezing is cost. However, it may be more affordable than many think. According to the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority, egg collection and freezing costs around £3,350, with annual storage fees ranging from £125 to £350. For some, this is a more manageable investment compared to other major expenses, such as a house deposit, which averages £36,000 in the UK. Moreover, acting early could make women eligible for up to three rounds of free IVF on the NHS in certain regions—an opportunity that disappears after age 35. Despite its benefits, egg freezing remains a controversial topic. Vicky Pattison, 35, faced backlash after sharing her decision to freeze her eggs rather than have children immediately. “People were asking why I wouldn’t just have a baby now that I have a boyfriend,” she told the BBC. “It’s such an outdated mindset.” She argues that women should be praised for taking control of their futures rather than pressured into motherhood before they are ready. “Why aren’t we celebrating women who say, ‘This isn’t the right time, and I want to give my future children the best start in life’?” TV presenter Kirsty Allsop has also encouraged women to consider motherhood earlier if possible. “If you want kids and you’re in a stable relationship, have them in your late 20s,” she advised. “It does NOT get easier the later you leave it.” While egg freezing offers flexibility, it is not a guaranteed solution. Success depends on factors such as ovarian reserve, medical history, and individual health conditions. Dr Misra-Sharp emphasises the importance of consulting a fertility specialist early. “If egg freezing is an option, assessing AMH levels and ovarian reserve can help determine the likelihood of success,” she advises. “The earlier, the better in terms of egg quality, but it’s a deeply personal decision.” As fertility rates decline and more women delay motherhood, egg freezing is emerging as a viable strategy to safeguard reproductive choices. Whether motivated by career aspirations, financial concerns, or simply the desire for flexibility, an increasing number of women in their 20s are taking charge of their fertility—before time starts working against them.Why Freeze Your Eggs Early?
The Cost of Egg Freezing
Challenging the Stigma
Is Egg Freezing the Right Choice?
A Future-Proof Investment
Why More Women Are Freezing Their Eggs in Their 20s
In an era where more women are prioritising careers, financial stability, and personal growth, family planning is shifting. With UK fertility rates at their lowest since 1970, experts are encouraging younger women to consider freezing their eggs while they are still at peak quality. Read More