Everything I Wish I’d Known Before Freezing My Eggs at 36
Deciding to freeze my eggs at 36 was one of the most empowering—yet daunting—choices I’ve ever made. Like many women, I spent my 20s and early 30s focused on my career and relationships, assuming motherhood would “happen” when the time was right. But as my biological clock grew louder, I realized I needed to take control of my fertility before it was too late.
Looking back, there’s so much I wish I’d known. If you’re considering egg freezing, here’s my honest take on the process, costs, emotions, and the realities no one talks about.
1. It’s Not a Guarantee—Just an Insurance Policy
I assumed egg freezing was a foolproof backup plan. The truth? It’s more like fertility insurance. Not all eggs survive thawing, and not all will fertilize. At 36, my doctor recommended 15-20 eggs for one healthy pregnancy—meaning multiple retrieval cycles I hadn’t budgeted for.
2. The Hormonal Roller Coaster Is Brutal
Daily hormone injections left me bloated, exhausted, and emotionally volatile. One minute I was crying over a commercial; the next, I was rage-texting over nothing. For two weeks, my life revolved around clinic visits and ultrasounds.
3. The Cost Goes Beyond Money
In India, one cycle costs ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs, plus ₹20,000–30,000/year for storage. Hidden costs? Time off work, emotional toll, and future IVF expenses if needed.
4. Clinic Quality Varies Wildly
I learned too late that success rates, lab tech, and doctor expertise matter. Do this:
– Compare clinics by live birth rates (not just retrieval stats).
– Ask about lab certifications (avoid outdated freezing methods).
– Get a second opinion on how many eggs you’ll need.
5. The Emotional Aftermath Surprised Me
Post-retrieval, I felt relief—but also grief. Freezing eggs meant accepting life hadn’t gone as planned. No one prepares you for that sadness.
6. Age Affects Frozen Eggs Too
Eggs frozen at 36 have lower success rates if used at 40. Younger eggs (frozen in your 20s/early 30s) work better. If you’re considering it, don’t wait.
7. Judgment Is Inevitable—But It’s Your Choice
From “Just find a partner!” to “Isn’t that unnatural?”—I heard it all. But fertility is personal. Your body, your future, no one else’s business.
Key Takeaways
- Educate yourself: Ask about success rates, costs, and emotional impact.
- Budget for multiple cycles: One retrieval rarely suffices.
- Choose your clinic carefully: Research labs and doctors thoroughly.
Would I do it again? Yes—but with far fewer assumptions.
Have you considered egg freezing? Share your thoughts below!
[Disclaimer: Consult a fertility specialist for medical advice.]
