Ask the Expert: Top 10 Questions About Egg Freezing — Answered

Whether you’re thinking about egg freezing for medical or personal reasons, stepping into your first fertility consultation can feel overwhelming. At Elsa Fertility, we believe education is empowerment. That’s why we’ve asked our fertility experts to break down the top 10 questions you should bring to your egg freezing consultation — so you can feel informed, prepared, and confident about your reproductive future.

We’ve also included a consultation prep checklist at the end to help you get the most out of your appointment.

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1. How Do I Know If I’m a Good Candidate for Egg Freezing?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “What factors—like age, ovarian reserve, or medical history—will determine if I’m a strong candidate for egg freezing?”

Most fertility clinics assess your ovarian reserve using tests such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC) via ultrasound. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) states that egg freezing is most effective when done before age 35, although it remains a viable option beyond that, especially with personalized guidance (ASRM, 2022).

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2. What Does the Timeline Look Like From Start to Finish?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “How long will the full process take from initial consult to retrieval?”

Generally, the process spans 4 to 6 weeks. You’ll undergo initial testing, followed by a 10–14 day ovarian stimulation cycle, ending in an egg retrieval. Your initial testing is based around your period cycle and done on day 2-4 of your period typically. Timing of retrieval varies based on your natural cycle, lab availability, and medication response (ASRM Practice Committee, 2022).

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3. What Medications Will I Take — and What Are the Side Effects?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “What stimulation medications will I be prescribed, and how might they affect me physically and emotionally?”

Expect injectable hormone medications like FSH and LH analogs, possibly along with GnRH antagonists. Side effects may include bloating, mood changes, and fatigue. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that severe complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) are rare but possible (ACOG FAQ178, 2021). Be sure to discuss with your fertility provider or nurse OHSS symptoms, what to watch for, and if you are considered high risk for OHSS.

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4. How Often Will I Need Monitoring Appointments?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “How many monitoring appointments should I plan for, and can I coordinate them around work or travel?”

During stimulation, you'll likely need 5–7 early morning monitoring visits for ultrasounds and blood work. These visits help tailor your medication dose and timing. It’s important to stay flexible, as your response to meds may adjust the schedule.

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5. Are There Any Lifestyle Modifications I Should Make?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “Should I modify my exercise, diet, or supplements during the process?”

Yes. Most clinics recommend avoiding high-intensity or high-impact exercise during stimulation, as enlarged ovaries are more prone to twisting (ovarian torsion). Stick to light walks, yoga (minus inversions), or stretching. Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking should also be limited or avoided for optimal egg quality and safety.

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6. Do I Need to Abstain from Sex During the Process?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “Is there a period where I should avoid sexual activity before or after stimulation?”

Abstinence is generally advised after day 4 of injections to avoid ovarian torsion or unintended pregnancy, especially if you're producing multiple mature eggs. Post-retrieval, your provider may also recommend waiting a few days or until your next period before resuming sexual activity. Remember to use back up contraception when you resume sexual activity until you have been back on your regular birth control for an entire cycle.

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7. What Happens to My Eggs After Retrieval?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “Can you walk me through the vitrification process and how my eggs are stored?”

Your mature eggs will undergo vitrification, a flash-freezing technique that prevents ice crystals from forming. Ask about cryostorage conditions, security, and backup systems in place. According to ASRM, vitrified oocytes remain viable for several years with minimal decline in quality (ASRM Committee Opinion, 2021).

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8. How Are My Eggs Tracked and Protected in Storage?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “What identification and quality control systems are used to ensure the security of my frozen eggs?”

Ask whether the clinic uses electronic witnessing systems, barcoding, or dual-verification procedures to prevent storage errors. Inquire about backup generators, alarm systems, and insurance options for long-term storage.

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9. What Are the Long-Term Storage Options and Costs?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “How long can I store my eggs, and what are the annual storage fees?”

Most eggs can be stored indefinitely, but some states or insurance providers may have limitations. Storage fees typically range from $500 to $1,000/year. Be sure to ask about bundled plans or multi-year discounts.

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10. What Should I Know About Future Use — and Success Rates?

Ask your provider:
🗨️ “If I decide to use my eggs later, what are my chances of success with frozen eggs?”

Success rates depend on your age at freezing and the number of mature eggs retrieved. ASRM reports a cumulative live birth rate of 60–70% when freezing 15–20 eggs at age 35 or younger (ASRM Committee Opinion, 2022).

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Consultation Prep Checklist: What to Ask Your Provider

Bring this checklist to your appointment — and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.

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Health & Candidacy

• Do I need AMH or other hormone testing before starting?
  
  
• Do I need to stop any current medications or supplements?
  
  

Cycle Timeline & Logistics

• How long will the process take?
  
  
• How flexible is the monitoring schedule?
  
  

Medications & Side Effects

• What drugs will I take, and are there alternatives if I react poorly?
  
  
• What are the risks of OHSS and how are they managed?
  
  

Lifestyle

• What types of exercise should I avoid?
  
  
• Should I avoid sex during stimulation and after retrieval?
  
  

Lab & Storage

• How are my eggs frozen, labeled, and stored?
  
  
• What systems are in place to prevent storage or identity errors?
  
  
• What are my storage costs, and do you offer financial counseling?
  
  

Long-Term Outlook

• What are my chances of success if I freeze now?
  
  
• What happens when I’m ready to use my eggs?
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Final Thoughts

Egg freezing is a big decision — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. By coming to your consultation prepared, you’ll walk away with answers that are personal, practical, and empowering.

Elsa Fertility is here to guide you every step of the way. 💙

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Sources

• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Committee Opinion: Oocyte Cryopreservation. 2022.
  
  
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). FAQ178: Egg Freezing and Fertility Preservation. 2021.
  
  
• ASRM Practice Committee. Fertility preservation in patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapy or gonadectomy. Fertil Steril. 2019.
  
  

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