Egg Freezing Now: What Patients in Orange County Should Know About Costs, Success Rates, and Today’s Data
Egg freezing has quickly become one of the most talked-about fertility options for people who want more flexibility with their reproductive timeline. And it makes sense: egg freezing can be a great plan if you’re pursuing education, building your career, undergoing medical treatment, or simply hoping to leave the door open for future family building.
But with more interest comes more questions. At FCOC, we believe patients deserve information that is clear, honest, and grounded in science. This guide breaks down what egg freezing can offer today, what we do (and don’t yet) know about long-term outcomes, and how to think about costs and planning.
A Changing Landscape: How Egg Freezing Became Mainstream
Egg freezing was primarily used for cancer patients until 2012, when the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) officially deemed it non-experimental. That opened the door for wider access, but elective egg freezing didn’t truly become mainstream until 2014, when major employers like Apple and Google added egg freezing to their family-building benefits.
Since then, especially from 2018 through the early 2020s, elective egg freezing has surged across Orange County and the rest of the country. This rapid rise is exciting but it also means something important: We don’t yet have decades of long-term outcome data. And that matters for how we counsel patients today.
Why Egg Freezing Outcome Data Is Still Limited (and Why That’s Okay)
Most patients who froze eggs in the last seven years are still not at a point where they need or want to use them. Studies looking at return-to-use rates within 5-7 years show:
Fewer than 10% of women have come back to use their frozen eggs so far.
There are several reasons:
- Many attempt natural conception first
- Some haven’t tried for pregnancy yet
- Others store eggs as a “just in case” plan
- Many feel their timing hasn’t lined up yet
Because of this, most of the real-world data on thaw survival, fertilization, blastocyst development, and live birth outcomes comes from a small proportion of the total population who have frozen eggs.
What this means for patients today:
We rely on the best available evidence:
- IVF age-specific data
- Predictive mathematical modeling
- Clinical outcomes from patients who have used their eggs
- Established attrition rates at each step (thaw → fertilization → embryo development → transfer)
And we expect much stronger, population-level data to emerge over the next 5-10 years as more patients begin using their frozen eggs.
What the Best Current Models Tell Us About Success Rates
One of the most commonly used models for estimating future live birth chances comes from Goldman et al., Human Reproduction (2017): a study still considered a foundational reference for clinicians counseling patients today.
Below is an approximation of the predicted chance of achieving at least one live birth based on age at freezing and the number of mature eggs frozen.
**Estimated Chance of One Future Live Birth
(If Eggs Are Thawed and Used in IVF)**
| Age at freeze | 5 Eggs | 10 Eggs | 15 Eggs | 20 Eggs | 25 Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| <35 years | ~47% | ~72% | ~85% | ~92% | ~96% |
| 35-37 years | ~40% | ~64% | ~78% | ~87% | ~92% |
| 38-40 years | ~22% | ~38% | ~50% | ~61% | ~69% |
| 41-42 years | ~15% | ~25% | ~35% | ~45% | ~50% |
| >42 years | <10% | <20% | <25% | <30% | <35% |
Interpreting these numbers:
- These projections reflect probabilities, not guarantees.
- Success depends heavily on age at freezing.
- More eggs generally improve chances because of natural attrition.
- Individual outcomes vary based on ovarian reserve, egg quality, sperm quality, and uterine factors.
The Human Side of Egg Freezing: What a Consultation Helps Clarify
At FCOC, we spend a significant portion of each consultation helping patients understand how individualized the egg freezing process is.
A first visit typically covers:
- AMH and antral follicle count testing
- Expected egg yield per cycle
- The number of eggs typically needed for one (or more) future children
- The potential need for multiple cycles
- How your partner or sperm source may influence future planning
- Realistic expectations for your specific age group
What Does Egg Freezing Cost?
Across the U.S., the average cost of a single egg-freezing cycle—including monitoring, medications, the retrieval procedure, vitrification, and one year of storage—runs about $12,000–$13,000 out-of-pocket.
But here’s the key:
These numbers apply only to patients without insurance coverage. Many Orange County patients now have partial or full coverage for:
- Diagnostic testing
- Medications
- Cycle fees
- Fertility preservation benefits
Your actual out-of-pocket cost could be significantly different. Plus, with California Bill SB-729, more people will have access to fertility coverage in 2026.
That’s why every egg-freezing patient at FCOC receives a personalized coverage review with our financial team before starting medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
If so few women have used their frozen eggs, does that mean egg freezing isn’t effective?
No, the low return-to-use rate reflects timing, not failure. Most women who froze in the last 5-7 years simply aren’t trying for pregnancy yet.
How many eggs should I freeze?
It depends on your age and goals. Younger patients often need fewer eggs; patients in their mid- to late-30s may need more to reach comparable predictions.
Is freezing in my early 40s still helpful?
It can be, but expectations must be realistic. Egg quality declines sharply after 40, and live birth predictions reflect that. Your physician will walk you through other options too, including embryo freezing and donor eggs.
How long can eggs stay frozen?
Indefinitely. Vitrified eggs remain stable in storage without known loss of viability.
Will outcome numbers change as more people use their eggs?
Yes. We anticipate significantly more data over the next 5-10 years as the “elective egg-freezing generation” starts families.
Does freezing eggs hurt?
Most patients describe the experience as manageable: temporary bloating, mood changes, or mild discomfort. The retrieval itself is performed under sedation.
Why Patients Choose FCOC for Egg Freezing
Fertility Centers of Orange County is built on a simple philosophy: patients deserve science-based care that is compassionate, individualized, and grounded in transparency.
We provide:
- Clear evidence and realistic expectations
- World-class clinical and laboratory expertise
- Individualized cycle planning
- Comprehensive insurance and financial guidance
- A team that cares about your long-term family-building goals
Considering Egg Freezing? Start With a Personalized Consultation.
A consultation with one of our reproductive endocrinologists gives you a clear picture of: your ovarian reserve
- Expected egg count
- How many cycles you may need
- Your predicted chances based on age
- Realistic long-term possibilities
- Your exact insurance coverage
- The full financial picture
FCOC offers flexible appointment options across our Orange County locations.
Your future family deserves informed, thoughtful planning and our team is here to guide you through every step. Book today.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent medical advice. Please consult with a fertility care expert for personalized recommendations.