More women than ever are choosing to freeze their eggs. In the UK, egg freezing cycles have more than doubled in recent years, rising from around 2,600 in 2019 to nearly 7,000 in 2023. It’s a shift we’re seeing every day in clinic. More people are asking questions earlier, thinking ahead, and wanting clear answers about their fertility before making big decisions.
If egg freezing has crossed your mind, you’re not alone.
You might be exploring it as a way to plan ahead, or because something in your health or circumstances has prompted you to act now. Whatever’s brought you here, this guide will help you understand what egg freezing involves and whether it might be the right step for you.
Quick jump:
Everyone’s reason is different. Most people come to egg freezing through a mix of personal circumstances, future planning, and sometimes medical need.
For many, egg freezing is about timing. You might not feel ready to try for a baby yet. That could be because of your career, relationships, finances, or simply not knowing what the next few years will look like.
A number of celebrities have opened up about making this decision. Vicky Pattison and Priyanka Chopra have both spoken about freezing their eggs to give themselves reassurance about the future, while focusing on other areas of their lives.
It reflects a wider shift. In the UK, most people freezing their eggs are single, accounting for around 89% of cycles between 2018 and 2022. Egg freezing gives you the option to come back to your eggs later, if and when you feel ready.
For some, egg freezing is more urgent and medically driven. Certain conditions, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect fertility over time. You might be advised to consider preserving your eggs earlier, depending on how your condition is progressing.
Others in the public eye have shared how health conditions influenced their thinking. Emma Roberts has spoken about living with endometriosis, while Florence Pugh has discussed her experience with both endometriosis and PCOS, and how that shaped her approach to fertility.
Medical treatments can also play a role. Treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy can damage the ovaries, which is why fertility preservation is often discussed before treatment begins.
Hannah, a Care Fertility patient, made this decision after being diagnosed with cancer. Before starting chemotherapy, she chose to freeze her eggs to protect her future fertility. Years later, she was able to use those eggs in treatment and now has children as a result.
For many people in similar situations, egg freezing offers a way to preserve future options at a time when so much feels uncertain. Data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) suggests that at least 16% of egg freezing cycles are for medical reasons, based on NHS-funded treatment.
Sometimes it’s not just one clear reason. You might have a condition, you might have had unexpected test results, or you might simply want to understand your fertility better before making decisions.
This is where a fertility assessment can help. Before seeing a doctor, we carry out tests such as blood tests and scans so your results can be reviewed and explained clearly during your consultation.
Egg freezing follows the same early steps as IVF treatment:
If you decide to use your eggs later, treatment continues with fertilisation, embryo development, and embryo transfer.
Overall, fertility treatment in the UK is generally very safe and most women are no more likely to experience problems with their health or pregnancy than those who conceive naturally.
However, as with all medical procedures, there are some risks to be aware of.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a reaction to the medication used to increase egg production. Around one third of women experience a mild form. This can include symptoms like bloating or discomfort and usually settles without treatment.
More serious complications are rare, and your clinical team will monitor you closely throughout treatment.
Egg freezing is becoming more common across the UK.
Although more people are freezing their eggs, fewer return to use them. In 2023, around 7,000 people froze their eggs, compared to around 700 who used them in treatment.
This shows that egg freezing is often about creating options for the future, rather than something everyone will go on to use.
There isn’t a single right answer. But egg freezing might be worth considering if:
If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal.
If you’re thinking about egg freezing, checking your fertility is often the first step.
It gives you a clear picture of your current fertility, including your ovarian reserve and how your body is functioning. You will then have a consultation where a specialist talks through your results and your options.
After your consultation, you’ll receive a personalised summary through our treatment companion app, Salve, including recommended next steps and cost estimates. If you decide to move forward, our patient services team will guide you through booking any required screening tests, completing consent forms, and preparing for treatment.
You don’t need to make any decisions straight away. It’s about understanding where you stand so you can decide what feels right for you.
Egg freezing isn’t about rushing into treatment. It’s about understanding your options and making a decision that feels right for you.
If you’re thinking about it, the best place to start is with a fertility assessment. It gives you clear, personalised information, so you can make decisions with confidence.
From your first enquiry, our team will guide you through every step. Your tests are carried out before your consultation, so your doctor can talk you through your results straight away. You’ll receive a personalised summary in your companion app, along with your treatment options and next steps, and if you choose to go ahead, we’ll support you all the way through.
If you’d like to explore egg freezing, or simply want to talk things through, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you understand your fertility and your options, on your terms.