Jennifer Aniston, 53, said: “I would have given anything if someone had told me, ‘Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favor’. You never think about it until time passes and the ship sails.”
“In my late 30s and into my 40s, I went through very tough times. I was trying to get pregnant. It was a complicated journey on the path to starting a family.”
After years of speculation about her motherhood, the actress revealed: “I underwent In Vitro Fertilization, I took Chinese infusions, I tried everything.”
What does “freeze your eggs” mean?
When Jennifer says “Do yourself a favor. Freeze your eggs”, she encourages preserving future fertility through vitrification of mature oocytes, which are stored at –196 °C in liquid nitrogen to halt biological aging.
Elective cryopreservation is a strategic option to keep reproductive potential active until personal, professional, or health circumstances are right. As explained in this article, it’s a key decision for your family’s future.
Step-by-step process
- Ovarian stimulation: Daily injections of FSH and LH for 10–12 days to develop multiple follicles.
- Trigger injection: 10,000 IU of hCG or a GnRH agonist for final maturation.
- Egg retrieval: Ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration under light sedation.
- Vitrification: Ultra-rapid freezing in cryoprotectant solutions without forming ice crystals.
- Storage: Preservation at –196 °C in liquid nitrogen, even for decades.
- Quality report: Assessment of the number, maturity, and morphology of the oocytes.
Who should consider it?
- Women diagnosed with cancer before chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Those with endometriosis or low ovarian reserve.
- Women under 35 focused on career but wishing to delay motherhood.
- Anyone with conditions that may affect ovarian function.
Deciding when to become a mother is very personal. Egg freezing offers autonomy and relieves biological clock pressure. For those over 40, it can still be an option, though success rates decline with age.
Benefits and risks
Benefits:
- Preserves fertility before ovarian aging or gonadotoxic treatments.
- Reduces anxiety about the biological clock.
- Provides flexibility in family planning.
Mild risks: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, anesthetic complications <1%, emotional stress. Consulting a specialist is key to tailor the protocol and manage expectations.
Frequently asked questions
1. How many eggs should I freeze to improve my chances?
It depends on your age and ovarian reserve. Under 35, women typically aim for 15–20 eggs to achieve a 50–60% live birth rate. Over 38, 20–30 eggs may be needed due to lower survival and fertilization rates after thawing.
2. Does it guarantee a future pregnancy?
It doesn’t guarantee, but it increases the odds. Egg quality, tied to age, is crucial. Studies show 90% survival post-vitrification and 35–40% implantation per transfer.
3. Can I use my eggs at any age?
Legally, up to 50–55 years. Biologically, maternal health matters. Your specialist and obstetrician will assess your condition before transfer.
4. How long can I store my eggs?
Indefinitely, with successful births after more than 10 years. Consent is renewed every 5 years per regulations, and temperatures are monitored to maintain integrity.
References
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2022). Practice Committee Opinion: Oocyte cryopreservation. Fertility and Sterility.
- MedlinePlus. (2023). Egg Freezing. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Practice Committee ASRM. (2013). Mature oocyte cryopreservation: guideline. Fertility and Sterility.
- ESHRE. (2021). Guideline on female fertility preservation. Human Reproduction Open.
We know this journey can feel overwhelming. Every story is unique and deserves personalized attention. We invite you to contact an assisted reproduction specialist to answer your questions and design a tailored plan. We are with you every step of the way.