By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
What is egg freezing?
According to IVF Canada, egg freezing, which is also known as (oocyte cryopreservation) is a fertility preservation method that allows you to store healthy eggs at a younger age. It’s also used as an infertility treatment backup. When you’re ready to start your family (up until age 50 as per Canadian guidelines) your eggs can be thawed, fertilized, and implanted through IVF (in vitro fertilization).
Why freeze your eggs?
Egg freezing is done for a variety of reasons, for instance: if you want to postpone your parenthood journey for professional or personal reasons. For health purposes, such as infertility as a result of endometriosis, or Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), early menopause, illness, or surgical necessity; i.e. chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy, etc. It’s also used by female-to-male transgender patients who would like top reserve their fertility.
When is the best time to freeze your eggs?
Per the Canadian Medical Association Journal(CMAJ), patients who are younger than 35 years of age with normal ovarian reserve have the highest chance of later success. As a result of a woman’s eggs declining over her lifespan in both quality and quantity, the recommended age to freeze one’s eggs is between your late 20s to early 30s. However, keep in mind that results may vary as future live birth(s) cannot be guaranteed. There have also been some women who have chosen to freeze their eggs later on in their life and still had excellent results.
Where do you go to freeze your eggs?
In Canada, there are various egg-freezing clinics across the country. To see a list of clinics in your province, visit here. In addition, search for “egg-freezing clinics” (in your city).
How much does egg freezing cost?
The cost varies depending on where you live and your unique situation, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 -$15,000 for one cycle (as of 2025). Budget for storage costs which can range between $300 - $1,000 per year and for multiple cycles (if necessary).
It’s important to note that if egg freezing is being done for non-medical reasons, and you reside in British Columbia, Alberta, PEI, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nunavut, [or] the Northwest Territories funding won’t be provided. So what qualifies egg freezing for medical reasons? The Canada Revenue Agency(CRA) states: that in order for egg freezing to be deemed as a medical necessity, your doctor must provide a letter stating that egg freezing is required due to a diagnosed health condition and the procedure must be tied to a condition that could affect your fertility. As an example, your doctor may advise that you freeze your eggs if you’re going to begin chemotherapy or radiation. Likewise, if you have a health condition adversely impacting your fertility such as endometriosis, premature ovarian failure, or a genetic disorder. On the contrary, if you desire to freeze your eggs for non-medical reasons; i.e. you’re seeking more reproductive flexibility in the future without a current medical diagnosis you wouldn’t be eligible for tax deductions.
In terms of financial support to help pay for egg freezing, there is an increasing number of companies in Canada offering egg freezing as an employee health benefit to help with the costs. Confirm if your employer offers any benefits that will cover related expenses. Consult with your tax advisor or accountant to confirm your eligibility for tax benefits; such as the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) and the Ontario Fertility Tax Credit. Read more here. Contact your nearest clinic for payment plan options and also research any grants that may be available to you.
What is the egg freezing process?
Step 1: Schedule a consultation at the egg freezing clinic of your choice where they’ll give you an overall health assessment. They’ll also address your medical history, lifestyle, and expectations. Anticipate an ultrasound and blood tests as well.
Step 2: Occurs over a period of 10 - 14 days where hormones are injected daily to stimulate egg production. Your progress will be monitored during this time by the doctors with ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure the best possible outcome.
Step 3: The egg retrieval process takes place for 20 - 35 minutes. You’ll be given a (mild) anesthesia prior and the doctor will use a thin needle to collect the mature eggs from your ovaries.
Step 4: Once your eggs are retrieved, they will be frozen via vitrification, a fast-freezing technique that helps preserve their quality and then stored at ultra-low temperatures (ranging from -180°C to -196°C(-292°F to -320.8°F)) in a specialized facility until you’re ready to use them for IVF.
What social support for delayed motherhood are available?
Visit this resource from the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) community-based supports for parents. Contact your local public health unit or family resource centre, where they can connect you to (virtual or in-person) community health programs, counsellors or therapists that can support you along your journey. Additionally, look up online networks and forums to find like-minded mothers who can relate to your delayed motherhood journey. Finally, there are advocacy groups dedicated to raising awareness around (in)fertility to check out: Canadian Fertility Awareness Week, Fertility Matters Canada, and Fertility Benefits Matter.
Stay informed, breathe deeply, and be well, mama.
Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Certified Transformational Health and Life Coach | Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher | Certified Emotional Emancipation Facilitator | Certified Reiki Practitioner | Founder, Wholesome Mind Health Coaching