“Freeze” for More Choices — No Regrets for the Future!
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Reproductive Medicine Center Director Lu Xinfen
Specialties:
Infertility specialist, IVF, frozen embryos, menopausal health care, general
gynecology, tumors, laparoscopic surgerySpecialties:
Infertility specialist, IVF, frozen embryos, menopausal health care, general
gynecology, tumors, laparoscopic surgery
Delayed marriage and “childbearing”
have become increasingly common nowadays.
According to statistics, the average age for first-time mothers in Taiwan has
risen — 34 years in Taipei, 32 years in New Taipei City, and the national
average has increased from 27 years old in 2005 to 31 in 2019. Many women may
silently wonder: “What if I’m not ready, but I don’t want to give up the chance
to have a child someday — what should I do?”
That’s when egg freezing becomes a widely discussed option among women.
What is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing (also known as oocyte cryopreservation) uses vitrification
technology to freeze and store healthy eggs while a woman’s ovarian function is
still optimal (ideally before age 37). The eggs can be thawed and used in the
future when pregnancy is desired.
In 2013, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) stated that egg
freezing should no longer be considered experimental. Initially developed for
fertility preservation in cancer patients, it has become increasingly popular
among healthy women proactively planning for the future. This is known as
“social egg freezing.”
Can Egg Freezing Guarantee Future Pregnancy?
The answer is no—but it can significantly increase the chances.
International studies and clinical experience at our hospital show that success
rates correlate strongly with age. To have a 75% chance of achieving one live
birth:
‧ Age 34: 10 eggs are needed
‧ Age 37: 20 eggs
‧ Age 42: 61 eggs
Thus, egg freezing is generally recommended before age 35 and ideally not later
than 38.
Is the Egg Freezing Process Scary?
The process usually begins on day 2–4 of the menstrual cycle with ovulation
induction medications. Cancer patients needing medical fertility preservation
can start injections anytime.
Ultrasound and hormone monitoring are done around day 7, followed by egg
retrieval surgery around day 11–15. The outpatient procedure lasts about 15–20
minutes and allows same-day recovery.
The total cost is about NT$110,000 or more, plus annual storage fees.
Far Eastern Memorial Hospital uses advanced vitrification technology and ensures
each egg is preserved in ultra-low-temperature liquid nitrogen for maximum
safety and peace of mind.
Cost-Effectiveness of Egg Freezing
Egg freezing increases a woman’s chance of having a genetically related child
later in life while reducing the potential costs of infertility treatments due
to age-related decline.
Studies report egg usage rates of 9–12%. While this may seem low from an
insurance or economic perspective, the value lies in personal autonomy over
reproduction—a benefit beyond monetary calculation.
Medical egg freezing (e.g., before cancer treatment) is especially valuable in
protecting fertility.
Is Financial Assistance Available?
Under Taiwan’s Assisted Reproduction Act, there is no restriction on egg
freezing for single or married women. However, current regulations only allow
fertilized egg use within a marriage.
Social egg freezing is not subsidized, but medical egg freezing is subsidized
in six cities including Taipei and New Taipei, with amounts ranging from
NT$20,000–32,000, reflecting the government’s growing recognition of fertility
preservation needs.
How Can I Know My Ovarian Age?
The optimal window for egg freezing is ages 30–35, but if you’re unsure whether
to proceed due to life goals—saving money, travel, buying property or luxury
goods—you may want to start by understanding your ovarian reserve.
A simple AMH blood test (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) can give you insight into your
fertility potential. With this information, you can make an informed decision
about whether to freeze your eggs now.
Conclusion
The younger the eggs, the higher the success and pregnancy rates after
freezing.
If you have future fertility plans, we recommend freezing eggs before age 30,
or no later than 35.
Far Eastern Memorial Hospital provides expert fertility assessments,
consultations, and personalized freezing plans. Whether you’re planning ahead
or facing urgent treatment needs, we are here to support your reproductive
choices.
The future may be unpredictable, but your decisions don’t have to be delayed.
Egg freezing may not guarantee pregnancy—but it is a form of self-love and
proactive empowerment.