One in Three Women Would Consider Freezing Their Eggs, Survey Reveals — But What Does the Process Involve?

The Irish Examiner National Women’s Health Survey 2025, conducted by Ipsos B&A, reveals a significant shift in reproductive planning: 33% of women would consider freezing their eggs to preserve future fertility.

Once limited to women facing medical challenges such as cancer or premature menopause, egg freezing is increasingly being chosen for social and personal reasons — including single women, those delaying motherhood for career or financial reasons, and others who simply want more reproductive autonomy. This practice, technically known as elective oocyte cryopreservation, is on the rise. Data from the Health Products Regulatory Authority show a fivefold increase in egg freezing since 2019, with 12,890 eggs frozen in 2024 alone.

Why Freeze Eggs?

Fertility declines significantly after age 30, and while no number of frozen eggs guarantees a future pregnancy, retrieving 10–20 eggs is considered optimal. Achieving this may require multiple cycles, especially in older women.

Lauren Murphy, Senior Fertility Midwife at Thérapie Clinic in Limerick, explains:

“There’s a definite increase in interest around fertility preservation — and also single motherhood by choice. Even couples often freeze both embryos and eggs, as embryos require both partners’ consent to use, whereas frozen eggs remain the woman’s sole legal property.”

The process begins with a consultation and involves blood tests and an ultrasound scan to assess ovarian reserve — often measured by Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels and a follicle count. While quantity can be estimated, egg quality cannot be tested, which makes timing crucial — ideally before age 35.

One Woman’s Experience

Dr. Tara Logan Buckley, a 34-year-old clinical psychologist, froze her eggs after realising how little she had been taught about fertility.

“I didn’t know egg count plummets after 30. There’s a huge gap in education. Every woman should have this knowledge in their 20s.”

She cites a combination of factors for her decision: a relationship that lacked long-term potential, career goals, and financial insecurity. The process took three months due to an ovarian cyst, and while the medications had no side effects, the days leading up to the retrieval were physically uncomfortable.

“By the final 48 hours, I just wanted them out. It’s regimented, and support is essential.”

She appreciated her clinic’s 24/7 online support portal, calling it “reassuring and responsive.”

Fertility Treatment Costs and Access

Egg freezing is not currently covered under the Irish Government’s IVF funding scheme, which subsidises one IVF cycle per qualifying couple. However, some health insurers (Irish Life, Laya, VHI) may offer partial coverage — typically up to €1,000. The average cost is €3,000 per cycle, plus €300 annually for storage, which is allowed in Ireland until a woman turns 49.

Karen, a Dublin mother of three, underwent IVF in 2003 and credits the process with giving her two children via frozen embryos.

“It was a financial burden. We had to scrape together the money — but when you’re desperate, you’ll do anything. Luckily, both transfers worked first time.”

The Call for Regulation

Despite rising demand, Ireland lacks a national regulatory authority for fertility services. Experts have repeatedly called for oversight, similar to the UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, to ensure safety and consistency as the sector grows.

About the Survey

The Irish Examiner Women’s Health Survey 2025, conducted by Ipsos B&A, surveyed 1,078 women aged 16+ between April 30 and May 15, 2025. The sample reflects national demographics and carries a margin of error of +/- 2.8%. Topics included fertility, menopause, mental health, and health behaviours.