19 March 2024

Egg freezing: the consistent results of scientific studies are reliable and give the true indication of treatment success

But for many patients who choose to defer their pregnancy for another day egg freezing can provide reproducible and reassuring results.

A BBC television documentary about egg freezing prompted a flurry of media reports that the ‘true’ rate of success from this increasingly popular treatment lay hidden behind a smokescreen of misleading numbers and false claims. While the BBC conclusions were the result of a small survey and scrutiny of clinic websites, the reality is that scientific studies of egg freezing are quite transparent in their results, indicating that success rates are quite similar to other fertility treatments, such as IVF, and subject to the same factors in determining success in the delivery of a healthy baby.

One such study has just been completed at the London Women’s Clinic, where an ever-escalating number of women are opting for egg freezing and whose results suggest that the latest official figures released by the UK’s regulator the HFEA (for 2021) are running behind the reality of everyday progress. While the HFEA described egg freezing as ‘one of the fastest growing fertility treatments in the UK’, its caveat that ‘very few patients come back to use their eggs’, or that success is unusual, is not reflected in the latest study data. Indeed, our latest results, based on analysis of egg freezing outcomes over the past 15 years, appear to support other important international studies showing that the viability of frozen eggs is comparable to that found with fresh eggs, and that freezing and thawing have negligible impact on outcome. Pooling these latest LWC results with those from the international studies indicates, first, a consistency in outcome from treatment, and that the likelihood of a live birth from egg freezing is dependent on the same predictive factors evident in routine IVF. There is no smokescreen surrounding these results, no lack of transparency; these are non-biased results subject to rigorous scientific analysis, not the unsubstantiated claims of a survey or ill-informed individuals.

The first conclusion drawn from the LWC study - which involved the treatment outcomes of 299 patients returning to thaw and use their eggs for pregnancy - is that only a relatively small proportion of egg freezers do actually return to use their eggs. In our study, following up patients who froze their eggs between 2008 and 2022, the return rate was just 14%, a proportion similar to that found in other studies. To this extent, the HFEA was correct to warn that relatively few patients do actually return to use their eggs for pregnancy, but was incorrect to say that live birth success is ‘unusual’. Over the 15 years of the LWC analysis a total of 93 clinical pregnancies, resulting in 77 healthy births, were recorded from the cohort of 299 women returning to thaw their eggs. These are results comparable with routine IVF and dependent on the same predictive factors, notably female age at the time of freezing. Thus, according to freeze age, live birth rate per embryo transferred was 26% in women 35 and under, 20% among 35-39s, and 5% in those 40 and over.

Yet MP Miriam Cates, jumping on the BBC bandwagon, told the Mail on Sunday that women who freeze their eggs are relying on false promises, that egg freezing ‘doesn’t work’ and that only a ‘tiny percentage’ of people freezing their eggs will ever become pregnant. Such claims have no basis in scientific fact and seem as ‘false’ as the very accusations she is making. Indeed, results from our own and the large population studies recorded officially in the USA, Belgium and Australia are consistent and reproducible, giving them a stamp of reliability and accuracy for all to see.

So where are the ‘false promises’? What these studies first indicate is that the predictors of success in egg freezing are no different from those of other fertility treatments - and thus dependent on the age of the egg, the reproductive history of the patient, her ovarian reserve, and the number of eggs collected. So depending on these (and other) factors, it is reasonable for clinics to make efforts to predict the clinical outcome for their individual egg freezers.

At the LWC such predictions may also be more accurately made after analysis of its own substantial patient data. Patient numbers at LWC, which is Britain’s leading centre for egg freezing services, are sufficiently large for the application of sophisticated data analytics in calculating the outcome of treatment via a statistical model which incorporates individual patient characteristics and diagnoses. For example, certain clinical factors such as body mass index may have a profound effect on these estimates of success. Similarly, outcome may be affected by the number of eggs collected, which in most studies tends to peak at around 15 eggs. These are considerations evident in all fertility treatments, where ultimate ‘success’ (live birth) will depend on each step of the treatment cycle: fertilisation, embryo development, blastocyst formation, embryo transfer and implantation in the uterus. Analysis of all these factors may increase the reliability of forecasting outcome and calculate the personal probability of having a baby for each egg freezing patient at the LWC.

Of course, egg freezing offers no greater guarantee of a baby than any other fertility treatment. Overall and irrespective of age, around one three first treatment cycles will conclude successfully; estimates of probability tend to increase with additional treatments. And the latest LWC study of egg freezing adds one further boost to the odds, especially in that most challenging patient group of ‘older’ women. Results in this age group were improved when the fertilised eggs of women who froze their eggs at the age of 40 and over were genetically tested for any chromosome abnormality, a technique known as PGT-A. PGT-A for embryo selection appeared to double the birth rate in a first attempt when compared to results with an untested embryo (40% against 21%).

What we can say with certainty is that not everyone who returns to thaw and use their eggs will have a baby, nor will everyone who freezes eggs return to use them. Indeed, most women will freeze in the hope of not needing to use them. But for many patients who choose to defer their pregnancy for another day egg freezing can provide reproducible and reassuring results. And these are results which are based on scientific fact, not on small surveys and unsubstantiated claims.

Contact the London Women's Clinic

Contact the London Women's Clinic on 020 7563 4309 to find out more on elective egg freezing or by completing the contact form on our website.

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