What is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, involves collecting and storing your eggs so they can be used in the future. It offers a way to preserve your current egg quality, especially if you’re not yet ready to conceive.
Women may opt for this route due to personal or medical reasons. Elective egg freezing is often considered by those wishing to delay pregnancy, while others may choose to freeze their eggs before undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy. Whatever the reason, egg freezing in Singapore provides more control over when to try for a child.
Thinking About Egg Freezing in Singapore?
Egg freezing is an option that gives women the opportunity to preserve their fertility for later use. From 1 July 2023, the permitted age for elective egg freezing in Singapore was extended from 35 to 37 years. This update, announced by the Ministry of Health, applies to both social egg freezing and egg donation.
If you’re considering egg freezing in Singapore, you may have questions about the process, your eligibility, or how it fits into your life plans. Understanding your options can help you make an informed decision about your reproductive future.
What to Know If You’re Considering Egg Freezing in Singapore
If you are thinking about egg freezing in Singapore, it’s helpful to understand what the process involves and how it fits within local guidelines. Women between the ages of 21 and 37 are eligible for social egg freezing in Singapore under current regulations. However, frozen eggs can only be used for pregnancy within marriage.
Many women choose this option to preserve fertility while focusing on their careers, personal goals, or managing health conditions. The procedure includes hormone stimulation, egg retrieval, freezing, and long-term storage.
At The O&G Specialist Clinic, we provide support tailored to your needs, helping you explore your fertility preservation options with clarity and confidence in accordance with Singapore’s healthcare framework.
What’s the Best Age to Freeze Your Eggs?
Choosing the right age for egg freezing is crucial, as egg quality and quantity decline with age. Understanding the impact of age on fertility can help you make an informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider at different stages:
In Your Early 20s – Peak Fertility
Freezing eggs in your 20s is ideal, as you are at your peak fertility. At this age, both the quantity and quality of your eggs are in optimal condition, offering the highest chances of a successful pregnancy in the future. The procedure at this stage typically yields a greater number of healthy eggs, which can improve your chances of conception later on.
In Your Mid-30s – Fertility Decline Begins
In this age range, fertility remains robust, though it may not be as optimal as in your 20s. Egg freezing remains a viable option, offering a way to preserve fertility for the future. The earlier you freeze your eggs within this period, the higher your chances of success when you decide to use them.
In Your Late 20s to Early 30s – Fertility Still Strong
After the age of 35, both the quantity and quality of eggs begin to decline more noticeably. While freezing eggs at this stage can still lead to positive outcomes, the procedure may result in fewer viable eggs, which could affect the chances of pregnancy later. Women in their mid-30s who are unsure about their fertility options may want to consider freezing eggs sooner to maximise their chances of success.
In Your Late 30s to Early 40s – Lower Egg Quality
After the age of 37, egg freezing may be less successful due to the natural decline in both egg quantity and quality. At this stage, women may have fewer eggs to freeze, and the eggs retrieved may have a reduced likelihood of resulting in a successful pregnancy. Despite this, some women in this age group still opt to freeze their eggs as a way to preserve their reproductive options for the future.
What To Expect During The Egg Freezing Process
Egg freezing involves several stages, each designed to ensure that your eggs are safely retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the process, from consultation to storage:
Why I Chose to Freeze My Eggs
It wasn’t an easy decision. Like many women, I’ve faced uncertainty, in relationships, career paths, and health. Freezing my eggs gave me a sense of control over at least one part of my future. Here’s what led me to consider egg freezing in Singapore:
I Wanted More Time: I wasn’t ready to have a baby, but I didn’t want to rule out the possibility. Egg freezing allowed me to pause that decision without feeling like I was running out of time.
I Had Health Concerns: When I found out I needed to begin treatment that could affect my fertility, elective egg freezing felt like a safeguard. It gave me peace of mind during an otherwise stressful time.
I Didn’t Have a Partner: I wasn’t in a relationship where parenthood was on the table. Rather than wait and risk regret, I chose to freeze my eggs to preserve my future options.
Start Your Fertility Journey Today
Whether you’re thinking about freezing your eggs now or exploring your fertility options for the future, we’re here to support you. Our team offers personalised care and information to help you navigate every step with clarity and confidence.
1. Timing Matters
Egg freezing is most effective when done before age 35, as both egg quality and quantity naturally decline with age. The earlier you freeze your eggs, the higher the likelihood of having healthy, viable eggs for future use. While it’s possible to freeze eggs later, freezing them earlier maximises your chances of a successful pregnancy down the line. It’s important to assess your personal circumstances and future plans to determine the optimal time to undergo the procedure.
2. Costs Involved
The financial commitment required for egg freezing is a significant factor to consider. Costs typically include the initial procedure, hormonal treatment, and egg retrieval, as well as annual storage fees for the frozen eggs. If you decide to use the eggs in the future, additional expenses for fertility treatments, such as IVF, will also need to be accounted for. These financial aspects can vary, so it’s important to discuss the full scope of potential costs with a fertility specialist before proceeding.
3. Success Rates
The success of egg freezing can vary based on several factors, including your age at the time of freezing, the number of eggs retrieved, and the overall quality of the eggs. Generally, younger women have higher success rates due to better egg quality, while older women may experience a reduced chance of success. It’s crucial to set realistic expectations by discussing your individual situation and the likelihood of success with a fertility specialist. Understanding these factors will help you plan more effectively for the future.
4. Medical Requirements
The egg freezing process involves hormonal stimulation to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, followed by egg retrieval and freezing. It’s important to assess your medical health to ensure that you are fit for the procedure. Undergoing a thorough evaluation with a trusted healthcare provider can help identify any potential risks or concerns. Certain conditions or medical histories may require additional precautions or adjustments to the procedure, so it’s essential to understand your medical readiness.
5. Regulatory Guidelines in Singapore
In Singapore, social egg freezing is permitted for women between the ages of 21 and 37. However, it’s critical to be aware of the legal restrictions regarding the use of frozen eggs. According to local regulations, eggs can only be used for pregnancy if the woman is married. Familiarising yourself with the guidelines in Singapore ensures that you are in compliance with local laws and regulations, and helps you make informed decisions about your fertility preservation options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the success rates for egg freezing in Singapore?
Success rates for achieving pregnancy with frozen eggs depend largely on the age of the woman at the time of freezing. Eggs frozen before the age of 35 tend to have higher success rates. It’s also important to consider the number of eggs retrieved, as more eggs increase the chances of future pregnancy success. We recommend a consultation with our fertility specialists to discuss your unique situation.
How long can my eggs be stored in Singapore?
In Singapore, eggs can be stored for up to 10 years under current regulations. However, if you wish to extend storage beyond this period, you may need to apply for an extension, subject to approval from relevant authorities. It is important to regularly check with the fertility clinic regarding the storage timeline and any necessary paperwork.
Can I use my frozen eggs for IVF treatment later?
Yes, frozen eggs can be used for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment when you are ready to attempt pregnancy. The eggs will be thawed and fertilised with sperm, and the resulting embryos will be transferred into your uterus. We will guide you through the process when the time comes to use the stored eggs.
Does egg freezing guarantee a successful pregnancy later on?
While egg freezing offers a chance to preserve fertility, it does not guarantee a successful pregnancy. The success of using frozen eggs for pregnancy depends on several factors, including egg quality at the time of freezing, the number of eggs retrieved, your age, and the IVF process. It is important to discuss success rates of the IVF procedure in Singapore and set realistic expectations with your fertility specialist.
How many cycles of egg freezing might I need?
The number of egg freezing cycles needed varies depending on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, and individual health. Many women opt for one cycle, but depending on the response to ovarian stimulation and the number of eggs retrieved, more than one cycle may be recommended. Your fertility specialist will help you determine the most appropriate plan based on your needs.
Can I use my frozen eggs if I am not married in Singapore?
Previously, regulations state that frozen eggs can only be used for pregnancy if the woman is married. However, these restrictions have since been lifted, and women in Singapore, including singles, may now freeze their eggs even for non-medical reasons.
Our Specialist
MBBS (S’pore), M.Med (O&G) (S’pore), FRACOG (Aust), FRCOG (UK), FAMS, Accredited IVF Specialist
MBBS (S’pore), MRCOG (UK), Accredited IVF Specialist
MBBS (UK), MRCOG (UK), Accredited IVF Specialist
MBBS (Singapore), MRCOG (UK), MMed (O&G), Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Specialist
MBBS (S’pore), MRCOG (UK), MMed (O&G), Accredited IVF Specialist
Senior Consultant, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, MBBS (S’pore), MRCOG (UK), FAMS, OGSS, RCOG, SCCPS, APAGE, AAGL
