Myth 1: Egg freezing is a good insurance policy for women over 38 years

Egg freezing may still be a valid option for older women, but they should plan to freeze a very good number of eggs.

Fertility declines steeply for all women after the age of 35 years, which is defined by obstetricians (not meaning to be unkind) as an “advanced maternal age”. Women may prefer the term PA35 (pregnancy after 35). At 38 years and above, a much higher proportion of women struggle with their fertility, requiring IVF to conceive. 50% of women over the age of 38 who conceive with IVF require more than 3 IVF cycles to take home a baby (the Australian average is 2.6 IVF cycles). It is easy to see how a woman in this age bracket who plans a single cycle of egg freezing may not be able to have a baby using her frozen eggs. Egg freezing may still be a valid option for older women, but they should plan to freeze a very good number of eggs.

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Written by Dr Raelia Lew

RANZCOG Board Certified CREI Fertility specialist, Gynaecologist and the Director of Women’s Health Melbourne. 

Co-host of the Knocked Up Podcast, Co-founder of Lovers intimate wellness solutions. Raelia has a PhD in Preconception Health Promotion and Genetic Screening.  Raelia is a leading Australian expert in IVF and egg freezing, pioneering a bespoke model of care.