26 August 2026 | Elective egg freezing is rising in Australia, here's what the numbers say | WA Today
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Key takeaways
- Elective egg freezing more than doubled in Australia and New Zealand between 2020 and 2024, growing fastest among people under 35.
- Chances of success are similar at 28 and at 32, then decline more noticeably after 35.
- Specialists generally recommend aiming for around 20 eggs for the best chance of one live birth, which can mean more than one collection cycle.
- A single elective cycle in Australia typically costs $7,000 to $12,000, according to WA Today, plus ongoing storage fees.
- A/Prof Polyakov's view is that egg freezing should be an informed decision based on realistic numbers, not a guarantee.
A recent WA Today feature looked at the sharp rise in elective egg freezing among young Australians, and what's really driving it. Genea's Associate Professor Alex Polyakov, medical director at Genea Melbourne, was one of the specialists interviewed. Here's what patients considering egg freezing should take from it.
Why are more Australians freezing their eggs?
Elective egg freezing has become far more common in Australia, with cycle numbers more than doubling between 2020 and 2024, and the biggest jump among people under 35. Part of this comes down to timing. Not having a partner ready to start a family is the most common reason people give for freezing their eggs, according to fertility researchers cited in the feature.
The technology shifted too. Egg freezing was developed in the 1980s for people whose medical treatment threatened their fertility. It changed in 2012 when vitrification, a fast freezing method, became standard. A/Prof Polyakov, medical director at Genea Melbourne, explains that “with vitrification, the chance of pregnancy with a frozen egg is probably roughly the same as with a fresh egg.” That shift is a big part of why egg freezing moved from a medical necessity for some to an option many more people now consider.
Is egg freezing really an insurance policy?
A/Prof Polyakov is direct about the gap between how egg freezing can be marketed and what it can deliver. He points out that it can be presented as a safety net, telling patients they'll be fine once their eggs are frozen, when the reality is more complicated than that. Researchers interviewed for the feature raised similar concerns about influencer content and marketing overstating the odds, and about how few Australian fertility clinic websites provide reliable, balanced information.
What age gives you the best chance of success?
Success rates are similar at 28 and at 32, and drop more noticeably once you pass 35. As A/Prof Polyakov puts it, "bottom line is whether you're 28 or 32, the chance of pregnancy is the same."
Age matters more the closer you get to, and past, 35. He adds that every six months can start to shift the odds once you're over that age, which is why timing becomes a bigger factor for people freezing eggs later. Fertility specialists interviewed for the feature generally point to 32 to 35 as the window that balances egg quality with avoiding unnecessary early costs.
How many eggs do you actually need?
Most specialists recommend aiming for around 20 eggs to give yourself a solid chance at one live birth, and this can take more than one collection cycle depending on your age and ovarian reserve. Specialists quoted in the feature describe a rough rule of 20 eggs or three cycles, whichever comes first, since additional eggs beyond that point add cost without meaningfully improving the odds.
Younger patients are also less likely to ever return to use their frozen eggs, which is worth factoring into a decision made well before you might actually need them.
What should you weigh up before you start?
Egg freezing is a significant financial, physical and emotional commitment, and it's worth going in with clear numbers rather than assumptions. According to WA Today, a single elective cycle in Australia generally costs $7,000 to $12,000 upfront, plus ongoing annual storage fees that add up over the years your eggs stay frozen.
Research referenced in the feature found that around 78% of people considering elective egg freezing feel highly uncertain about the decision, and that regret is more closely linked to not having enough information upfront than to the outcome itself. That's why an informed choice, one based on your own fertility profile, age and circumstances, is essential.
If you're weighing up egg freezing, a conversation with a fertility specialist about your individual AMH levels, ovarian reserve and personal timeline is the best path forward.
This article is based on reporting by WA Today, featuring commentary from Genea Melbourne City Medical Director and Fertility Specialist A/Prof Alex Polyakov.
About the authors
Dr. Alex Polyakov
Medical Director Melbourne City and Fertility Specialist MBBS, MClinEpid, MReproMed, MHlth&MedLaw, MBioeth, GradCertEBM, FACLM, FANZCOG
Melbourne Fertility Specialist A/Prof Alex Polyakov at Genea. Complete fertility care from IVF to delivery, combining clinical expertise & academic research.
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If you are interested in learning more about egg freezing and whether it's right for you, our Fertility Concierge team is here to help. Whether you're looking for more information, considering your next steps or ready to book an appointment, they can answer your questions and connect you with the right Genea fertility specialist.