Fertility Insights | Egg Freezing | Fertility Support

16 September 2026

Egg Freezing for Athletes: Why More Sportswomen Are Choosing to Preserve Their Fertility

An athlete's career often peaks during her most fertile years. This month, England rugby captain Meg Jones called for fertility support in sport, here's what egg freezing involves and how it can support elite athletes.

For elite athletes, the physical demands of their sport can have important implications for both reproductive and general health. Years of intensive training and competition can place significant demands on the body, while the timing of a sporting career may also mean that family planning is postponed until later in life. This can create a particular challenge for athletes, as the period during which they are able to pursue their sport at the highest level may overlap with the years of greatest reproductive potential . That overlap became impossible to ignore this month: on 10 September 2026, England rugby captain Meg Jones told BBC Sport she wants Red Roses players to have access to fertility support and egg freezing, days after it emerged Chelsea Women had set up a fund covering their entire squad's egg-freezing costs.

This guide answers the questions we're asked most by athletes considering it — what the process actually involves, whether it affects training, and what the data says about success.

What's happening in UK sport right now?

Fertility support for sportswomen has moved from a quiet, individual decision into a live policy conversation across UK and international sport in the space of a few weeks.

On 10 September 2026, England women's rugby captain Meg Jones told BBC Sport she wants Red Roses players to have access to fertility support and egg freezing, revealing she had already visited a clinic herself to have her own egg count checked with her fiancée. “Why should my opportunity to have a family be taken away from me because I want to pursue my career?” she said. The Rugby Football Union responded that it already offers comprehensive maternity and parental policies — including a week of paid leave per treatment cycle — and is “open to exploring how that support can evolve,” with discussions understood to be ongoing about a dedicated fertility treatment policy.

Her comments followed news that Chelsea Women had become the first Women's Super League club to fund fertility treatment for its players. Reported by The Observer, the fund is large enough for the entire 27-player squad to freeze their eggs if they choose to, and can also be put towards IVF, smear tests, contraception or menstrual-cycle consultations. The Observer reported that the treatments are deliberately not scheduled during a player's peak season, as they “require a fair bit of effort, concentration and time off work.”

England cricket captain Nat Sciver-Brunt gives a sense of how manageable that timing can be in practice: she missed a single T20 match against Pakistan in 2024 to freeze her eggs, and was back playing the following week.

The trend isn't limited to England. The Royal Spanish Football Federation is expected to announce a similar fund for its World Cup-winning squad, and both the WNBA (reimbursing players up to $20,000 a year, capped at $60,000 across a career) and the WTA (which now protects a player's ranking during fertility leave) have introduced comparable policies. Not everyone is convinced it's the right fix, though: Spanish Olympic triple jumper Ana Peleteiro-Compaoré Brión has questioned whether institutional funding for egg freezing risks becoming an expectation rather than a genuine choice, arguing sport should adapt its structures to motherhood rather than asking women to adapt their fertility timing to sport.

It's a useful tension to hold in mind. Egg freezing “is not fertility insurance” — age remains the biggest single factor, and governing bodies need to help players understand their options rather than treat freezing as a guarantee.

What is egg freezing?

Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a medical procedure that involves collecting and freezing a woman or person with ovaries’ eggs for potential use at a later stage, when they are ready to try to conceive. Freezing eggs at a younger age, when eggs generally have greater fertility potential, provides an opportunity to preserve reproductive options for the future. Unlike a natural cycle, where typically only one egg is ovulated and the remaining follicles undergo atresia, egg freezing allows a cohort of eggs to mature. These eggs are then collected and frozen using a technique called vitrification. It is important to note that freezing eggs from one cycle does not use up eggs from future cycles, nor does it affect natural fertility — it simply optimises the opportunities with the eggs that would have otherwise been lost that cycle.

Why are female athletes choosing to freeze their eggs?

For athletes, freezing their eggs is often about the same thing it is for any woman - buying more time and keeping their options open. But elite sport brings its own pressures. Training and competition schedules don’t stop for biology, and the physical demands of an Olympic or World Championship cycle can make starting a family feel even harder to navigate. For some athletes, egg freezing may offer a way to preserve their fertility while allowing them to focus on their sporting careers in the present. It doesn’t guarantee a future pregnancy or remove the uncertainties around fertility, but for some, it can help take away some of the pressure of having to make career and family decisions at the same time.

Does ovarian stimulation affect training or performance?

This is the question every athlete asks first, and it deserves an honest answer: individual response varies, and it should be discussed directly with both your clinical team and your coach before you start. Stimulation involves 10–12 days of hormone injections, which some women tolerate with minimal noticeable effects, while others may experience bloating, fatigue or mood changes. Modifications to training may be recommended during the egg freezing cycle, and for a short period after the egg collection. These recommendations are individualised to your particular circumstances.

When considering egg freezing, the practical answer for most athletes is timing. This may mean planning a cycle around a lower-intensity block, the off-season, or a rehab period, with a treatment coordinator who understands a competition calendar and can flex appointments around it. England cricket captain Nat Sciver-Brunt's experience is a useful real-world data point here: she missed one T20 match to freeze her eggs in 2024 and was back playing the following week — evidence that, planned well, a cycle doesn't have to mean a long absence from competition.

What does the egg freezing process involve?

The process runs in five stages, typically over one menstrual cycle:

Fertility Health Assessment — an AMH blood test and transvaginal ultrasound (sometimes called a Fertility MOT) to assess ovarian reserve and give a personalised expectation of egg yield.
Doctor Consultation — a review of your medical history and test results, followed by a personalised treatment plan designed around your training and competition schedule, with a dedicated treatment coordinator to support you throughout.
Monitoring — 10–12 days of ovarian stimulation with regular scans to track your response to treatment. Once the follicles have developed to a size where they are likely to contain mature eggs, a final trigger injection is given to help the eggs complete their final stage of maturation
Retrieval day — Approximately 36 hours after the trigger injection, the eggs are collected under ultrasound guidance, using light sedation. The procedure typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
Vitrification — the eggs are frozen by embryologists and stored in liquid nitrogen, in a facility with continuous monitoring, until needed.

What's the best age to freeze your eggs?

Generally, the younger you are, the better the chances of freezing a good number of healthy eggs, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your age is just one part of the picture. An AMH test and an ultrasound scan can give you a better understanding of your ovarian reserve and help you decide whether egg freezing is right for you. Women are born with all the eggs they'll ever have (1–2 million at birth, down to around 500,000 by puberty), and both egg quantity and quality decline with age, more sharply after 35. By the late 20s, roughly three-quarters of a woman's eggs are chromosomally normal; by the early 40s, that figure falls to under 10%. Freezing earlier generally means more eggs collected per cycle and a higher proportion that are chromosomally normal,but plenty of women freeze successfully in their late 30s and early 40s, particularly across more than one cycle.

How many frozen eggs do you actually need?

As a general guide, of 10 eggs frozen, around 8–9 survive the thaw, 3–4 go on to fertilise and reach cleavage stage, and 1–2 reach blastocyst stage — the point at which an embryo can be transferred for a chance at pregnancy. This is why clinics often talk about “number of eggs” rather than “one cycle”: more than one round of stimulation may be needed to bank enough eggs for a realistic chance of a future family, and your clinical team should give you a personalised estimate based on your own personal circumstances. .

What do the success rates actually look like?

At London Women’s Clinic we have supported thousands of patients since 2008. Our own published data from 2020 to 2025 shows that success rates from frozen eggs are equivalent to those of fresh eggs in IVF treatment. We’ve completed 6,557 elective egg freezing cycles, freezing more than 58,480 mature eggs for future use.

What changed with UK storage law?

Since 1 July 2022, UK law allows eggs, sperm and embryos to be stored for up to 55 years for your own treatment, provided you reconsent every 10 years. In practice, this means freezing your eggs in your twenties or early thirties gives you more time to use your frozen eggs later in life.

How does LWC support athletes through treatment?

Every patient starts with a free introduction consultation with a trained treatment coordinator, who supports you throughout treatment. . Your coordinator will help you to arrange your tests and appointments around your specific needs. Each cycle includes a complimentary counselling session, while the patient phone App makes it easy to stay on top of your treatment, with a personalised calendar, medication reminders and direct messaging with your clinic team.

Egg Freezing & Sport FAQs

Does egg freezing guarantee a baby later? No — it improves future options, but doesn't guarantee a live birth. As Jo Perkins of the Well HQ consultancy, which advises the Women's Super League on women's health, has put it, egg freezing “is not fertility insurance” — age at freezing, number of eggs collected and individual factors all matter, which is why an AMH test and consultation come before any treatment plan.
Will egg freezing affect my next competition or training block? It shouldn't need to, with the right planning. The stimulation and monitoring phase runs for 10–12 days, with a short easier-training period after retrieval. Most athletes plan a cycle around a lower-intensity block or the off-season.
Is egg freezing painful? Most women describe mild discomfort rather than pain — some bloating during stimulation, and mild cramping after retrieval. Side effects and risks (including OHSS and, rarely, ovarian torsion) are discussed and monitored throughout by the clinical team.
How much does egg freezing cost? Costs vary by clinic and treatment plan — speak to our team for current pricing and any package options.

Discover our egg freezing costs

Ready to find out where you stand?

A Fertility Health Assessment — an AMH blood test, ultrasound scan, and consultation with one of our fertility specialists — is the fastest way to understand your own ovarian reserve before deciding whether, or when, to freeze. Book a free introduction consultation with a London Women's Clinic treatment coordinator to talk through what it would look like around your training and competition schedule.

Book your free consultation →

All of our blog posts are written, edited, or produced by the London Women's Clinic Content Team. This is a collaboration between our expert writers, health editors, and the leading researchers and senior doctors at our Harley Street clinic.

‘We started our IVF process with LWC around a year ago. It felt very daunting and a long road ahead, and the entire team were so supportive and explained everything so clearly. When we were undergoing the egg retreival and transfer, the team were so kind and we felt really looked after. We have now welcomed our little girl and after years of trying, we wouldn't have gotten here without the support and guidance given by LWC. Thank you all!’

Alice Maker

22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Dr Suraya made our appointment a really enjoyable experience. She made us both feel at ease and was so knowledgeable throughout the scan. Dr Suraya is a real asset to LWC’

Liz Troup

22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘I received excellent care from all the staff at London Women's Clinic, we felt very welcomed as a same sex couple. We are so grateful to have been able to have our wonderful daughter. I would definitely recommend the clinic to anyone starting fertility treatment!’

Megan Knox

21 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘I've recently completed a round of egg freezing with London Women's Clinic harrow and I couldn't recommend them as a clinic more. Carla and Ana-Maria quite literally held my hand throughout the entire process, making me feel really relaxed and supported. It's made such a stressful experience super positive and if anyone is thinking of using them, I'd absolutely recommend them!’

Brooke Day

19 January 2026, LWC Harrow

‘I undertook Kind IVF, which even though is nurse led as opposed to consultant led, the care, professionalism and knowledge is there. The nurses consult with consultants during your protocol, so the difference really is you see the nurses instead. The medication doses are less and less medication, but this doesn't mean it will be less effective, it is an option worth exploring, as the cost is less and can open the door when more traditional ivf is out of reach. I am currently pregnant having gone through the kind ivf protocol one time.’

APINTOF MEGAN

19 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Exceptional service from start to finish. Highly recommend Harley street team for looking after us. Absolutely loved your service and care. Thank you London woman's clinic :)’

Anh Nguyen

19 January 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘The team at the Cambridge LWC branch have been incredibly supportive, encouraging and helpful throughout our journey, and have been with us through the ups and downs. It's a very safe and inclusive space, and we feel very well cared for. We can't recommend them enough! Sarah and Jacqui’

Sarah Peace

16 January 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘We will be forever grateful to London Women's Clinic Bromley for helping us achieve what once felt impossible -- welcoming our beautiful, healthy baby boy in November 2025. Our IVF journey was emotional, overwhelming at times, and deeply personal, but from the very first appointment we were met with nothing but kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. Every step was clearly explained, we were kept fully informed throughout, and there was always someone available to answer our questions or simply reassure us when we needed it most. We never once felt like just another patient -- we felt truly cared for. Dr Malini, Sarah, Nicky (Nikita) and Dom were exceptional and will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Their warmth, patience, and genuine kindness made the process so much easier to cope with. They made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported during some of the most vulnerable moments of our lives. Every nurse, embryologist, and member of staff we encountered was wonderful. We honestly cannot recommend London Women's Clinic Bromley enough to anyone struggling with fertility or facing similar challenges. The dedication, empathy, and expertise of this team has changed our lives forever. We hope to take the clinic up on their offer to visit with our little miracle, who we are endlessly thankful they helped bring into this world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Lucy & Sayed ’

Lucy morgan

16 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘My journey with egg freezing in the LWC has been amazing. I had started consultations with another provider before but didn't feel comfortable there, and I'm SO GLAD I listened to my instinct and went to this clinic! The whole team was so knowledgeable and supportive throughout, but also just lovely. I would recommend the clinic, ESPECIALLY if you are worried about the process and feel emotional, the understanding and support here is way beyond what I was hoping for!!!’

Charlotte M

15 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘My journey with the LWC in London Bridge + Harley Street has been outstanding. The team is so lovely, I felt welcomed and understood from the first to the last call and through every appointment in between. I would recommend it to every friend!’

Charlotte M

15 January 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘Nicki has a beautiful and excellent personality, she was so kind, polite and sweet. I felt so happy after the scan . Bless her. Right woman for the job.’

Steave Oyinloye

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Nikita was fab - really put me at ease with my scan and able to relax. Feel very supported’

S S

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Just had my scan with Nikki and she was very informative and made me feel very comfortable.’

Lisa

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Nikita was excellent and mindful during our initial scan/consultation explained everything well.’

james harris

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Myself and partner have had a lovely experience with LWC Canterbury they are thoughtful and caring. Always made us feel comfort and welcome even through the difficulties that we have faced on our journey, however we will be forever grateful for all they have done and are contiuing to do.’

Natasha Elliott

14 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘This was my first fertility treatment, and I cannot express enough how thankful I am to have chosen LWC and to have been treated at the Harrow clinic. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering starting their fertility journey! From the start, I appreciated how transparent the admin team was about all the costs involved at every stage, giving clear ranges when the decision depended on how the treatment would go. I am also extremely grateful for their support in helping with securing financing, even when I decided to move forward at short notice. They took the time to schedule calls to answer my questions, and I truly felt listened to and cared for as a patient. At the Harrow clinic, I experienced an exceptionally caring and positive environment. All the nurses were highly professional while also being incredibly comforting and supportive. I would especially like to thank Ana Maria, who was there throughout the process, offering practical advice based on her own experience, a hug when needed, and making the entire journey feel much more like home. I would also like to thank Carla for her positivity, high energy, and encouragement during difficult moments, and Laura for her empowering and reassuring approach to the injections. Dr Goswami was also outstanding--extremely professional and clear in her advice. She carefully adjusted the treatment to aim for the best possible outcome while prioritising safety and minimising risks. I am also very grateful for the support groups organised by the clinic. Through these, I met incredibly brave and empowered women and couples. Sharing this journey with some of them made the experience far more bearable and positive. Thank you to everyone at the Harrow clinic and LWC for your incredible support!!’

Marina Riabiz

14 January 2026, LWC Harrow

‘We had a very positive experience at this IVF clinic and would highly recommend it. From the very beginning, we felt well supported and looked after throughout the entire journey. A special thank you to Safak, our patient coordinator, who was incredibly helpful and always very quick to respond. We would also like to thank Princess, the receptionist, as well as the Italian receptionist whose name we unfortunately don't remember, for always being kind and welcoming. We are extremely grateful to Dr Suraya, who performed many of our scans and was exceptional throughout the process, and to Dr Rao, who followed our journey step by step with great care, professionalism and attention. Finally, a big thank you to all the nurses, especially Hannah,Ella and Paige, for their support, kindness and professionalism. Overall, we felt very well cared for and supported, and we truly recommend this clinic to anyone considering IVF!’

Alicia Gioia

12 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘The reception staff are amazing nothing is to much trouble. Always answered any queries we had. The whole team were brilliant from our first initial appointment too our very last. They made us feel so comfortable.’

Rachel Powell

12 January 2026, LWC Bristol

‘We don't know where to begin, this place truly is wonderful. So so comforting and welcoming. Every single staff member went above and beyond and really felt like family. We couldn't be more appreciative of everyone who helped us on our way to creat our little one, who is cooking away nicely at 20 weeks. From choosing a sperm donor to my egg collection and then to getting my wife pregnant with the embryos a few months later, it was so stress free and we felt supported every single step of the way. We can't thank all the lovely wonderful ladies at the Brentwood clinic enough for what they have helped us achieve- and of course the amazing people at the Harley street clinic for doing the procedures who were just as welcoming! Thank you all so so much, we can't wait to bring our little man to meet you all when we are ready to try for baby number 2 xxxxx’

molly bannister

9 January 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Following a seminar I attended at LWC, I arranged a consultation with Dr. Naware who specialises in fertility for women over 40. It was a refreshing experience. Dr. Naware is empathetic, kind and thorough. The follow up from the clinic was excellent, with Safak, Patient Coordinator, providing regular updates.’

A Patel

9 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘We are incredibly grateful to London Women's Clinic - Canterbury for their outstanding care and support throughout our IVF journey. Both the Canterbury and Bromley teams surrounded us with genuine kindness, understanding, and constant attention. We always felt listened to and truly cared for, and the level of professionalism was exceptional at every stage. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, we had the chance to welcome our beautiful little daughter into the world. We cannot recommend this clinic highly enough.’

Natalia Twardochleb

8 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘We can't recommend the London Women's Clinic enough. My partner and I are a same-sex female couple and are currently pregnant with our baby due in July -- after only two attempts. From the moment we chose the London Women's Clinic, the experience was incredible. The Harrow branch in particular felt so welcoming and supportive. Carla Lang, Ana-Maria, Laura Adagbon, and Dr Gill were absolutely amazing -- accommodating, kind, friendly, and genuinely caring. They went above and beyond throughout our entire journey, even responding to emails outside of working hours, which meant so much to us. We had previously completed blood tests and scans at another clinic but didn't feel it was the right fit. The London Women's Clinic didn't push us to repeat everything unnecessarily -- they accepted our previous tests, which really showed that they are not money-driven. On that note, their pricing is also very affordable compared to other clinics. Dr Gill is incredibly thorough and precise, taking so many factors into account when planning treatment, which gave us complete confidence. Our insemination was carried out at the Harley Street London Women's Clinic by Dr Yogita Date, who was equally wonderful. She made us feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely wished us luck during the procedure. Overall, this clinic felt more like family than a medical service. Even now, they continue to check in on us and our pregnancy, which says everything about the level of care they provide. We are beyond grateful and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the London Women's Clinic to anyone starting their fertility journey.’

Maisie Thomas

8 January 2026, LWC Harrow

‘The team at LWC Harley Street have been outstanding. They have supported my wife and I through our IVF journey at every step, keeping us informed and making the entire journey feel seamless. A special thanks to Dr Serra, Nurse Mimi, Vita and the rest of the LWC team that have helped us along the way. We are now 20 weeks into our pregnancy and LWC have continued to follow up to ensure all is well. A big thank you once again and we highly recommend LWC Harley Street to anyone considering IVF.’

Keyur Nakum

29 December 2025, LWC Harley Street

‘Cannot fault the ladies here at all. I felt so so welcome and looked after during the visit and consultation. The nurses were so compassionate and lovely, and I really felt like I was being listened to and understood. Would recommend to anyone looking to start a fertility journey/make some enquiries into their fertility healthxx’

Ellie Brown

19 December 2025, LWC Canterbury

‘Myself and my partners experience with LWC in Canterbury has been AMAZING! They have been so supportive and friendly throughout our whole IVF journey and gave us no stress throughout any part of it. Would very highly recommend as our first round of ISCI IVF worked ’

Mia Summers

19 December 2025, LWC Canterbury