The best age for social egg freezing is generally in your 20s to early 30s, but it depends on your fertility goals and ovarian reserve. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Optimal Age for Egg Freezing

1. Early to Mid-20s (20–29 years)

• Egg quality is at its peak – fewer chromosomal abnormalities.
• Fewer eggs may be needed to achieve a future pregnancy.
• Success rates per frozen egg are the highest.
• Ideal if you want maximum flexibility for delaying pregnancy.

Pros:

• Highest chance of live birth per egg
• Less hormonal stimulation required
  Cons:
• Cost may seem high for someone not ready to freeze yet
• Many women don’t yet feel the immediate need

2. Early 30s (30–34 years)

• Still a very good age for egg freezing.
• Egg quality and quantity are slightly lower than in the 20s, so more eggs may be needed.
• Recommended for women who are career-focused or delaying pregnancy for personal reasons.

3. Mid-to-Late 30s (35–39 years)

• Egg quality begins to decline more noticeably.
• More eggs are needed for the same likelihood of future pregnancy.
• Egg freezing is still possible but less efficient and more costly.

Pros:

• Can preserve remaining fertility
  Cons:
• Higher chance of needing multiple stimulation cycles
• Slightly lower success per egg

4. 40+ Years

• Egg freezing is less effective; success rates drop significantly.
• Usually only recommended if medical reasons (e.g., prior chemotherapy) or very low ovarian reserve exist.

Why Age Matters

• Egg quality declines with age, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
• Egg quantity declines with age, requiring more cycles or higher stimulation doses.
• Freezing earlier maximizes your chances of a future pregnancy with fewer eggs and fewer complications.

Typical Recommendations for Social Egg Freezing Abroad

• Best age: 25–34
• Acceptable age: up to 37 (with careful counseling and realistic expectations)
• Clinics abroad often provide ovarian reserve testing (AMH, FSH, AFC) to personalize advice.

✅ Bottom Line:

• 25–34 years old is considered ideal for social egg freezing.
• After 35, egg freezing is still possible, but success rates decline and more eggs may be required.

Generally, yes. Most doctors recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours after the retrieval procedure before flying. This allows the anesthesia to wear off completely and ensures there are no immediate complications like severe bleeding or infection. However, if you are at risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), your doctor might advise staying a few days longer for monitoring. Always get “fit to fly” clearance from your clinic.

Yes, cryo-shipping is possible, but it is expensive and carries a small risk. Specialized medical couriers use liquid nitrogen tanks to transport samples. However, most patients choose to return to the country where they froze their eggs for the fertilization and IVF transfer process later. This is often more cost-effective and safer for the eggs.

The lower cost is primarily due to the lower cost of living, lower labor costs, and favorable currency exchange rates in these countries compared to the US or UK. It does not reflect a lack of quality. In fact, many clinics in these regions use the exact same Japanese vitrification technology (Cryotop method) and medications as Western clinics. You are essentially paying less for the operational overhead.

This depends on your age. For a woman under 35, doctors often recommend banking 10-15 mature eggs for a high probability (85%+) of at least one live birth. For women over 35, the recommendation might rise to 20 or more eggs because chromosomal abnormalities become more common with age. Multiple cycles might be needed to reach this number.

Yes, most international visitors need a visa. However, Iran offers a specific medical visa (T-Visa) which is often processed faster than a tourist visa. WMedTour assists with the invitation letter and visa process to ensure smooth entry. You can view our Iran tour section for more details on logistics and support.

Yes. We strictly partner with clinics that hold national and international accreditations (such as ISO, JCI, or ESHRE certifications). We verify their laboratories, success rates, and hygiene standards. You can read more about our verification process on our About Us page.

Typically, standard health insurance does not cover “social” freezing (elective preservation) domestically or abroad. However, some progressive corporate benefit plans in 2026 might offer reimbursement. It is essential to check your specific policy. In most cases, patients pay out-of-pocket, which is why the lower costs in places like Greece and Iran are so attractive.

Biologically, eggs can remain frozen indefinitely without degrading, thanks to vitrification (flash freezing). Legally, however, each country has different limits. For example, Spain and the UK have generous limits (often 10-55 years), while other countries might have renewable contracts. We help you understand the storage contracts before you commit.

Yes, social freezing for single women is legal in Spain, Greece, the Czech Republic, and Iran. However, the laws regarding *using* the eggs later (IVF) vary. For example, in the Czech Republic, IVF is typically restricted to couples (male-female). Spain and Greece allow single women to undergo IVF with sperm donation. This is a critical factor to consider for your future plans.

Hormone stimulation for egg freezing (ovarian stimulation) is generally well tolerated, but experiences vary by individual. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

What Hormone Stimulation Involves

• You receive daily injections of fertility medications (FSH or FSH + LH) for 8–12 days to stimulate multiple eggs to mature.
• Some protocols also include GnRH antagonists to prevent premature ovulation.

Common Sensations / Side Effects

Most patients describe mild to moderate discomfort rather than true pain:

Rare / More Severe Risks

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS):
  Rare, more common in younger patients with high ovarian reserve. Symptoms include significant bloating, rapid weight gain, abdominal pain, or shortness of breath. Usually mild and self-limiting, but severe cases require hospitalization.
• Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, or minor bruising.

Tips to Minimize Discomfort

• Rotate injection sites (stomach, thigh, upper arm).
• Use small needles provided by the clinic.
• Apply a cold pack for minor swelling or soreness.
• Stay hydrated and rest if bloating occurs.

Bottom Line

• Most patients find stimulation tolerable, describing it as mild discomfort rather than pain.
• Clinics usually provide detailed guidance, support, and follow-up to manage symptoms.
• Severe pain is uncommon and should be reported immediately.

If you’re planning social egg freezing abroad, several tests and evaluations are typically recommended before your travel to ensure safety, optimize success, and prevent complications. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide:

1. Fertility Assessment

• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test
  Measures ovarian reserve (how many eggs you may have).
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Estradiol
  Usually done on day 2–5 of your menstrual cycle to assess ovarian function.
• Antral Follicle Count (AFC) via Ultrasound
  Ultrasound assessment of follicles in your ovaries. Helps plan stimulation protocols.

2. General Health & Blood Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) – checks overall health
• Blood Type & Rh Factor – important for fertility treatments
• Liver & Kidney Function Tests – ensures your body can process medications
• Coagulation Tests (if indicated) – to assess blood clotting risk

3. Infectious Disease Screening

Most fertility clinics abroad require testing for:

• HIV 1 & 2
• Hepatitis B & C
• Syphilis
• Rubella / CMV (to check immunity)
• Chlamydia / Gonorrhea (sometimes required)

These protect both you and the lab environment for your eggs.

4. Hormone & Endocrine Screening

• Thyroid Function (TSH, T4) – thyroid disorders can affect ovarian response

• Prolactin – high levels may interfere with ovulation

5. Pelvic / Uterine Assessment

• Transvaginal Ultrasound – checks for ovarian cysts, fibroids, or uterine abnormalities
• Optional: Hysterosonography or Hysterosalpingography – if there’s a history of uterine issues

6. Lifestyle & Medication Review

• Medical history & medications – to avoid drugs that interfere with stimulation
• Vaccinations – some clinics require up-to-date vaccines
• Smoking/alcohol – patients are usually advised to limit these

7. Optional Genetic Screening

• Some patients choose carrier screening or karyotyping if there’s a family history of genetic disorders.

Practical Tips for Traveling

• Get all test results in English or the local language of the clinic
• Carry originals and digital copies
• Schedule your tests 2–4 weeks before your travel so results are valid

✅ Bottom Line:
Before traveling abroad for social egg freezing, you generally need:

1. Fertility hormone tests (AMH, FSH, estradiol)
2. Ultrasound for ovarian assessment
3. Blood tests for general health
4. Infectious disease screening
5. Thyroid & prolactin tests
6. Pelvic assessment
7. Optional genetic tests