Egg Freezing Process

Sequence of phases and expenses

FertilityIQ cost data,[1] ASRM standard protocol descriptions,[4] and clinic public pricing pages are the sources for the stage cost ranges.

Before the cycle begins

The cost for the pre-cycle phase is $500 to $1,500. A reproductive endocrinologist carries out baseline blood tests (AMH, FSH, estradiol, infectious disease panel) and a transvaginal ultrasound to assess antral follicles. Although optional, a genetic carrier screen is recommended. Most clinics also mandate a counseling session addressing realistic outcomes and storage consent. Consultation and screening make up this phase.

Ovaries are stimulated

Injections begin on cycle day 2 or 3 and run daily, under the skin: follicle-stimulating hormones first, Gonal-F or Follistim, with Menopur added in most protocols to supply luteinizing hormone activity. By day 5 or 6 an antagonist joins them, Cetrotide or Ganirelix, holding off premature ovulation. Every 2 to 3 days you go in for monitoring so the clinic can watch follicle growth and estradiol. Bloating, breast tenderness and mood changes are common and usually mild. The whole stimulation runs 10 to 14 days.

Final injection and egg collection

36 hours before retrieval, the trigger shot is given once follicles reach mature size (typically 18 to 22 mm). hCG (Ovidrel) or a dual trigger combining hCG and Lupron is used by most US clinics. Under twilight sedation, the retrieval is an outpatient procedure lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Via the vagina, a thin needle guided by ultrasound collects eggs. Mature eggs (metaphase II oocytes, meaning eggs ready to be frozen) are immediately identified by the embryologist and prepared for vitrification.

Freezing and long-term storage

Since the early 2010s, vitrification has been the standard of care, having largely replaced slow-freeze methods. It flash-freezes mature eggs using ultra-rapid cooling, which avoids ice crystal formation. Liquid nitrogen tanks at minus 196 degrees Celsius store the eggs after vitrification. Often, the cycle price includes first-year storage; subsequent years are billed annually. See storage fees.

After the retrieval

Stimulation leaves ovaries enlarged. Strenuous exercise is typically restricted for one to two weeks to lower ovarian torsion risk. After retrieval, most patients experience 1 to 2 days of mild bloating and cramping, which over-the-counter pain relievers can manage. Normal activity usually resumes by day 3 to 5.

When a cycle stops early

Before retrieval, a small number of cycles are canceled. Poor response (insufficient follicles), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk, or uneven follicle growth are common reasons. Most clinics charge for monitoring and medications used up to that point but waive retrieval and vitrification fees. Obtain your clinic’s cancellation policy in writing before paying any deposit.

Danger of ovarian hyperstimulation

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the key acute complication of egg freezing. In well under 1% of properly managed antagonist-protocol cycles, severe OHSS arises that requires hospitalization, IV fluids, or abdominal fluid drainage.[29] Mild OHSS, which causes bloating and abdominal discomfort, occurs in about 10 to 30% of cycles, depending on protocol and patient factors. Even when elective egg freezing is not covered, complication treatment is generally covered by insurance.

Associated procedures

• Medication cost in detail
• Lifecycle (use-side) cost
• Cost breakdown

1. [4] ASRM Practice Committee, Fertility and Sterility, 2021, “Evidence-based outcomes after oocyte cryopreservation for donor oocyte in vitro fertilization and planned oocyte cryopreservation: a guideline”. https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/evidence-based-outcomes-after-oocyte-cryopreservation-for-donor-oocyte-in-vitro-fertilization-and-planned-oocyte-cryopreservation-a-guideline/
2. [1] FertilityIQ, “The Costs of Egg Freezing” (checked April 2026). https://www.fertilityiq.com/fertilityiq/articles/the-costs-of-egg-freezing
3. [29] ASRM, Fertility and Sterility, 2016 (reviewed 2020), “Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: ASRM Practice Committee Document”. https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/ohss/
4. [17] Extend Fertility, “Egg Freezing Success by Age: Outcomes Data” (checked April 2026). https://extendfertility.com/your-fertility/egg-freezing-success-rates/