There has been a dramatic rise in the number of women freezing their eggs in the UK in recent years. HFEA data shows that egg-freezing cycles have increased by 64% since 2009. Specifically, there were 2,576 cycles in 2019 and 4,215 in 2021. This is the fastest-growing fertility treatment in the UK.
There are several reasons for this rise. One reason is that women are increasingly delaying having children. The average age of women with their first child in the UK is 30. This means they have less time to conceive naturally, and egg freezing gives them more options.
Another reason for the rise in egg freezing is that it is becoming more affordable. In the past, egg freezing was a costly treatment, but the cost has decreased significantly in recent years. This has made it more accessible to a broader range of women.
Social changes have also driven the rise in egg freezing. In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of single women and same-sex couples having children. This has led to more women considering egg freezing to preserve their fertility.
The rise in egg freezing is a positive development. It gives women more control over their fertility and allows them to delay having children without compromising their chances of becoming a parent. However, it is essential to note that egg freezing does not guarantee success. The success rate of egg freezing depends on several factors, including the woman’s age and the quality of her eggs.
If you are thinking about freezing your eggs, you must talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits to ensure safe and effective treatment. You should also do your research and choose a reputable clinic.
Here are some additional factors that may be contributing to the rise in egg freezing in the UK:
- The increasing awareness of egg freezing as a fertility preservation option.
- The development of more effective egg-freezing techniques.
- The growing availability of egg-freezing coverage through health insurance plans.
Considering egg freezing, weighing the risks and benefits carefully is essential. However, for many women, egg freezing can be a valuable way to preserve their fertility and give them more options for starting a family.
In addition to the abovementioned factors, the COVID-19 pandemic may have also affected the rise in egg freezing. During the pandemic, many women could not meet potential partners or have sex due to social distancing restrictions. This led some women to consider egg freezing to preserve their fertility for the future.
Of course, egg freezing is not the only option for women who want to delay having children. Other options include using donor eggs or adoption. However, egg freezing is a relatively simple and affordable procedure that can give women more control over their fertility.
Talk to your doctor about egg freezing’s risks and benefits before deciding. You should also do your research and choose a reputable clinic.
Patients aged 18 and 34 had the highest pregnancy rate per embryo transferred at 41% in 2021. Meanwhile, pregnancy rates per embryo moved increased from 8% in 1991 to 33% for patients aged 35-37 and 25% for patients aged 38-39 in 2021.
For patients aged 40-42, the pregnancy rate per embryo transferred increased from 6% in 1991 to 16% in 2021. For patients aged 43-50, the pregnancy rate per embryo moved risen from 1% in 1991 to 6% in 2021.
“Our report shows that the average age of IVF patients has increased to 36, around five years older than mothers who get pregnant naturally, and these aftershocks could mean that the average age of an IVF patient continues to rise.
“Although pregnancy rates have increased, the likelihood of success decreases with age. For some patients, this may mean they never get the baby they hoped for, and that’s heartbreaking.”
More patients than ever before are paying privately for IVF. The number of IVF cycles funded by the NHS continued to vary across the UK, with an overall 16% decrease to 20,000 bikes in 2021 from about 24,000 in 2019.
