Deciding when and whether to freeze your eggs is one of the most personal and complex choices a woman can face. With advances in assisted reproductive technology, egg freezing has become an increasingly viable option for those who wish to preserve their fertility, but navigating the right time to act, and understanding the financial implications, can feel overwhelming.
Associate Professor Alex Polyakov, a fertility specialist at Genea, offers practical guidance on this decision. He recommends that women consider egg freezing between the ages of 35 and 37 as the most cost efficient window, balancing egg quality and quantity with the overall investment involved in the process. While freezing earlier may yield more eggs, the likelihood of needing to use them is lower, meaning the cost per live birth outcome is often higher. Waiting too long, however, can significantly reduce the number of viable eggs retrieved.
Egg freezing is not a guarantee of future pregnancy, but it is a meaningful way for women to expand their reproductive options. For those facing medical treatment that may affect fertility, or for women who simply are not yet ready to start a family, it provides an important safety net.
Beyond timing, the article highlights a broader need for more comprehensive fertility education and support. Many women are not aware of how significantly egg quality and quantity decline with age, or what their options are until they are already facing fertility challenges. Greater awareness and earlier conversations with a fertility specialist can make a meaningful difference to the choices available.
At Genea, our expert team of Change Makers is here to support you through every stage of your fertility journey, from initial consultations through to treatment.
A/Prof Alex Polyakov
Associate Professor Alex Polyakov is an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Fertility specialist practicing in East Melbourne. A/Prof Polyakov is unique among fertility specialists by offering a holistic approach that encompasses surgical, fertility, and obstetric care. This means Alex is highly trained to perform surgical interventions for gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and intrauterine polyps/adhesions.
