Why might I want to freeze my eggs?
There are many different reasons why someone might consider egg freezing. It could be about protecting your future fertility, preserving your options or making space for other aspects of your life.
Egg freezing might be right for you if:
You’re not quite ready to start a family, but want to give yourself the best chance later on
You haven’t met the right partner yet, or want to plan for solo parenthood in the future
You have a family history of early menopause or a reduced egg reserve
You’re living with a condition like endometriosis or recurrent ovarian cysts that may affect your fertility over time
You’re due to have medical treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, that could harm your ovaries
You’re undergoing gender-affirming treatment and want to preserve your fertility beforehand
Whatever your reason, we’ll support you with clear advice and personalised care.
When is the best time to freeze my eggs?
Egg quality and quantity naturally decline with age, especially from your mid-thirties onwards. That’s why we usually recommend egg freezing before the age of 35, when your eggs are likely to be at their healthiest.
If you’re unsure about your fertility, we can carry out a simple blood test called an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test. This assesses your remaining ovarian reserve (egg stores).
Types of egg freezing protocols
There are two main treatment pathways used in egg freezing – the long protocol and the short protocol.
The long protocol (also known as the agonist cycle) can take around seven weeks from start to finish. It involves temporarily ‘switching off’ your natural hormone cycle using medication before starting the hormone injections that stimulate your ovaries. This can help your body respond more predictably to treatment.
The short protocol (also known as the antagonist cycle) usually takes around five weeks. It skips the hormone suppression stage initially and starts with stimulation injections – another medication to prevent early ovulation is introduced later.
This approach helps lower the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition where the ovaries become swollen and uncomfortable due to overstimulation. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may be at a higher risk of developing OHSS, so the short protocol is often recommended in these cases.
Medication for both protocols usually begins around day 19 of your cycle.
Your consultant will recommend the most suitable approach based on your medical history and how your body is likely to respond.
Egg freezing cycles and finance options
At BCRM, we offer both single treatment cycles and a three-cycle package. If your ovarian reserve is low, we might recommend freezing over multiple cycles to increase the number of eggs stored.
We’ve also partnered with Access Fertility to make treatment more manageable, allowing you to:
Spread the cost of treatment over 12 months with 0% interest
Maximum loan amount of £12,000
Pay for all or part of your treatment in manageable monthly payments
Take out more than one loan if multiple cycles are needed (up to £12,000 per 12-month period)
You can find out more about Access Fertility’s finance options by emailing support@accessfertility.co.uk or visiting the Access Fertility website.
Why choose BCRM for egg freezing?
At BCRM, we combine leading fertility expertise with a caring, personalised approach.
When you choose us, you’ll benefit from:
A highly experienced team of fertility specialists, nurses and embryologists
A dedicated on-site laboratory with secure egg storage facilities
Thoughtful, honest advice tailored to your fertility goals
A welcoming environment where you’re always treated as an individual
Emotional support and counselling if you’d like someone to talk to
We’ll make sure you feel informed, reassured and confident every step of the way.
Discover more about egg freezing with BCRM
If you’re considering egg freezing, we’re here to help you explore your options and make the right decision for your future.
Contact us to book a consultation with one of our fertility specialists. We’ll talk everything through with you, support you through each stage of treatment and make sure you feel confident about whatever you decide.
Egg freezing FAQs (frequently asked questions)
We’re here to provide you with all the answers you need to any questions you may have about egg freezing.
How long does freezing my eggs take?
From your first appointment to egg collection, egg freezing typically takes between five and seven weeks – depending on the type of protocol right for you (long or short).
We’ll tailor your treatment schedule around what’s best for your health and lifestyle.
What happens when I want to use my eggs?
When the time is right, we’ll thaw your frozen eggs and fertilise them using ICSI. The resulting embryos can then be transferred into your womb in the hope of starting a pregnancy.
How much does egg freezing cost?
A single cycle of egg freezing at BCRM starts from £3,995. We also offer a three-cycle package at a discounted rate. Your consultant will help you choose the best option for your circumstances.
Learn more about the cost of egg freezing with our price list.
How long can my eggs be stored?
In the UK, eggs can be stored for up to 55 years, provided you renew your consent every 10 years.
Will egg freezing affect my future fertility?
No. The eggs collected are from one treatment cycle and won’t affect your ability to conceive naturally in future.
The egg freezing process: step by step
Starting treatment can feel like a big step, especially when it’s new. We’ll be with you throughout to explain what’s happening, answer your questions and support you at every stage. Here’s what a typical egg freezing journey looks like.
1. Suppressing the natural cycle
You’ll take medication (either tablets or injections) to temporarily pause your usual monthly cycle. This allows us to time your treatment and improve how your body responds to the next stage.
2. Boosting egg supply
Next, you’ll start hormone injections called gonadotropins for about 10 to 12 days. These gently stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs rather than just one.
3. Ultrasound scanning
We’ll monitor your response to treatment using regular vaginal ultrasound scans and blood tests. When your eggs are nearly ready, we’ll schedule the egg collection and give you a final ‘trigger injection’ to help them mature.
4. Collecting the eggs (transvaginal oocyte recovery)
Egg collection is a short, safe procedure carried out under sedation. Using a fine needle and ultrasound guidance, we collect the eggs through the vaginal wall. It takes about 20 minutes, and most people return home the same day.
5. Freezing the eggs
Once collected, your mature eggs are frozen using vitrification and stored securely in our on-site lab. They’ll remain there until you’re ready to use them.