You’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have, and unlike other cells in the body, they don’t regenerate. Over time, both the number and quality of eggs naturally decline, which is why age can have an impact on fertility — and on the potential success of egg freezing. [1]
According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the age at which you freeze your eggs matters more than the age at which you use them. Freezing your eggs before 35 tends to offer the highest chance of success later, because the eggs are less likely to have age-related changes. But this isn’t a cut-off point — it’s simply when outcomes are generally more favourable. [2]
This is where the difference between biological potential and clinical possibility comes in. Biologically, you may still ovulate well into your 40s. But clinically, meaning in terms of IVF or egg freezing outcomes, success rates begin to drop sharply after 35, and even more so after 38. As Sally Cheshire CBE, Chair of the HFEA explains, “Clinics have an ethical responsibility to be clear that egg freezing below the age of 35 offers women their best chance of creating their much longed-for family.” [2]
There’s no fixed point when you need to start thinking about fertility — it’s a personal decision shaped by your circumstances, health, and plans for the future. That said, exploring egg freezing sooner can often mean more options later, as egg quality and quantity naturally change over time.
There are so many factors that impact egg quality, and there isn’t enough official data on the success rates of eggs frozen by age (with around 4,600 egg storage cycles in 2022). But, generally speaking, since the quality and quantity of eggs decline as we get older, the “ideal” age is before 35. [3,4,5]
But that’s not to say you can’t freeze your eggs after 35 — there are some variables to consider.
Based on the limited data available — a 2014 study pulling data from various other studies on egg freezing — here’s a general breakdown of success rates at each age: [6]
(These definitions of ‘success’ are based on the age at egg freezing resulting in an eventual successful pregnancy.)
If you’re wondering “At what age is it too late to freeze eggs?” — the answer isn’t entirely black and white, but there is a general upper limit. Most fertility clinics set the maximum age for egg freezing at around 40-45, though some may stop offering treatment even earlier, depending on your individual health and hormone levels.
That’s because success rates drop sharply over 40, and by your mid-to-late 40s, the likelihood of retrieving genetically healthy eggs becomes very low. Even with hormone stimulation, the eggs collected are less likely to lead to a successful pregnancy. Typically, outcomes for people freezing after 40 are significantly lower than for those freezing in their 20s or early 30s.
Access also varies depending on where you are. In the UK, the NHS rarely offers egg freezing unless it’s for medical reasons (like cancer treatment). Private clinics, however, may work with patients into their mid-to-late 40s if they meet specific criteria. Internationally, some countries have more flexible age policies — but always check local guidelines and success data before making a decision.
Age is important, but it’s not the only thing that influences the outcome of egg freezing. Your fertility is shaped by a wide mix of biological, lifestyle, and personal factors — and understanding these can help you make informed, confident decisions.
Here’s what else can impact your egg freezing journey:
That’s why we always recommend starting with an assessment — even if you’re not ready to freeze just yet. Knowledge gives you time to plan, space to breathe, and options to choose from.
If egg freezing is something you’re genuinely considering — and you think there’s a real chance you might want to use those eggs in the future — it’s worth thinking about sooner rather than later. There is no ‘perfect’ time. But if it’s something you’re thinking about, now is the best time to find out more. Not because there’s a hard cut-off, but because the science shows that the earlier you freeze, the more options you’re likely to have down the line.
That doesn’t mean you need to rush or have it all figured out — life rarely works like that. But if it’s on your mind now, it could be a sign that it’s the right time to explore your options. Egg freezing is more about preparing for the future, even if you’re not sure exactly what that looks like for you yet.
At Fertility Mapper, we’re here to guide you through all of it — without pressure. We help you compare clinics, book consultations when you’re ready, and take the next steps of your fertility path on your terms.
At 35, the general recommendation from most fertility clinics is to freeze 15 to 20 mature eggs for the best chance of one future live birth. Many people reach that in one or two cycles, but needing more is completely normal. Every egg banked is a step toward more options later on.
Not at all. While fertility does decline with age, 37 is still within a range where egg freezing can be effective — especially if your ovarian reserve is healthy. You might need more than one cycle to reach the recommended number of eggs, but many people successfully freeze at this age. The key is to act sooner rather than later and get a clear picture of your fertility through testing first.
No, the NHS doesn’t set a strict national age limit for egg freezing, but access is usually limited to medical reasons — like cancer treatment or early menopause risk. In practice, most NHS trusts won’t offer egg freezing past the early 40s, and availability can vary depending on your location and specific circumstances. For elective or “social” egg freezing, you’ll usually need to go through a private clinic.
Most people freeze their eggs between 30 and 37, though awareness is growing and more people are starting to consider it earlier.
No — unfortunately, egg freezing isn’t a guarantee. But freezing high-quality eggs at a younger age can significantly increase your chances of a successful pregnancy in the future.
In the UK, there’s no legal age limit for using your frozen eggs, but most clinics set their own upper age limits — often around 50–52 — since “advanced maternal age is associated with greater risk in pregnancy”. [8,9]
