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 have two beautiful children - our family wouldn't exist without LWC Brentwood. Can't recommend them highly enough; IVF is an emotional rollercoaster regardless of your journey and we were supported at every step. Pricing is transparent and easy to understand, with payment plans available that made accessing any treatment and medication very flexible and affordable. The clinic became such a part of our lives for that short time, the care and support is so important and LWC Brentwood were brilliant. Maybe we will see them again for number 3!’

Victoria Hayman

10 November 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire team for supporting me throughout my IVF journey. I am delighted to share that I had a positive pregnancy test following my very first IVF cycle fresh embryo transfer, and I am now 9 weeks pregnant! The staff at the LWC Colchester satellite clinic are very supportive, approachable and always do their best to help you at every stage of the journey. I would definitely recommend LWC Colchester to anyone considering fertility treatment. A special thank you to Dr Timea Kovats, a highly experienced, knowledgeable and to the wonderful staff Jackie, Annette, Tracey. Their excellent guidance, expertise, care and supportive approach played a significant role in making my first IVF cycle successful. I am truly grateful for their dedication, encouragement and support throughout this journey. I am equally grateful to all the staff at Colchester satellite clinic and the London main clinic for their care and support throughout the entire process. Thank you once again for helping us achieve such a special milestone in our lives. We will always be grateful for your support! ❤️’

jigu

10 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘Friendly, experienced and professional team. Supported throughout the entire process and would highly recommend.’

Mizzee West

10 November 2026, LWC Brighton

‘The nursing team are so friendly and so supportive. Made everything so much better and easier to go through egg freezing.’

Megan Godber

10 November 2026, LWC Brighton

‘We had a great experience as the team here are very knowledgeable and caring and they made us feel taken care of throughout! Big shout out to Rute & Trianni for their care and support 😊’

Chiamaka Nelson

9 November 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘The team here are very kind and helpful and made the journey completely painless! They kept us informed throughout the process and were always responsive when we had questioned’

Aruna Nelson

9 November 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘They've given us wonderful service very easy to be around. Very good communication, and very good at helping us out with everything they've done so far.’

Jessica Norman

9 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘We had a fantastic experience with LWC, Dr Rimington’s passion and expertise were second to none and we strongly believe that he is the reason for our success. All the staff were lovely, helpful and kind - we will definitely use LWC again’

Hannah Hale

9 November 2026, LWC Brighton

‘I honestly cannot recommend this fertility clinic highly enough. From the very beginning, the care, compassion and support we received were absolutely exceptional. Going through fertility treatment is an incredibly emotional journey, with so many ups and downs, but the team made us feel supported, listened to and genuinely cared for every step of the way. Nothing ever felt like too much trouble, and every member of staff we encountered was kind, understanding, professional and reassuring. What really stood out was how personal the experience felt. We never felt like just another number. The team took the time to answer our questions, put our minds at ease and guide us through what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process. We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done for us and will never forget the part they have played in helping us grow our family. We now have our little miracles, and we couldn't be more thankful. If you're considering fertility treatment, I would wholeheartedly recommend LWC. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping make our dream come true! ❤️’

Emma Hayman

8 November 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Had a really positive experience visiting the Oxford Clinic. Nurse Manager Liv, took time to make me us feel at ease and explained how the appointment will go. Thank you!’

Kinga Arcana-Jones

7 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘Everyone my partner and I have interacted with at the Oxford clinic has been warm, friendly and knowledgeable. They’ve really helped make a very daunting process easier to go through and I’m very glad we chose this clinic!’

Jess Palmer

5 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘Very friendly staff and a lovely inclusive environment, had a wonderful experience here. Highly recommend for anyone looking at fertility preservation.’

T Ilagan

5 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘As an LGBTQ couple we found LWC Colchester incredibly supportive, no question was too much. They were friendly and welcoming, with modern facilities, and made your journey feel very personalised. We would highly recommend them for your fertility journey.’

Jasmine Colman

5 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘A massive thank you to Dom and Dr Vasquez for all of their help throughout the process!’

James Purcell

5 November 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘Me and my husband can’t thank everyone at London Women’s Clinic enough for all the care and support throughout our recent treatment. Everything went really well, and we are so grateful to all the doctors and the entire team for looking after me. A special thank you to Mimi, Dr Barbara, Caroline, Trina and Elena from Embryology team and the Theatre Team - Rose, Martin and Amy F. Everyone was so kind, helpful and reassuring, and it really made a difference. Thank you all for everything. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️’

IsadelandCyril

4 November 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire team who supported us throughout our IVF treatment. ❤️ A special thank you to Ana-Maria,our nurse, for her kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism. She was always so caring, understanding and supportive, making us feel reassured and comfortable during such an emotional and challenging journey. We would also like to thank Dr Gill from the bottom of our hearts for his professionalism, dedication, expertise and the confidence he gave us throughout the entire process. IVF is not just a medical treatment; it is an emotional journey filled with hope, challenges and many feelings. Having such wonderful people by our side made everything so much easier. Thank you for your care, support and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone beginning their IVF journey. Thank you for being part of our journey! ❤️’

Alexandru Predescu

3 November 2026, LWC Harrow

‘I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire team who supported us throughout our IVF treatment. ❤️ A special thank you to Ana-Maria,our nurse, for her kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism. She was always so caring, understanding and supportive, making us feel reassured and comfortable during such an emotional and challenging journey. We would also like to thank Dr Gill from the bottom of our hearts for his professionalism, dedication, expertise and the confidence he gave us throughout the entire process. IVF is not just a medical treatment; it is an emotional journey filled with hope, challenges and many feelings. Having such wonderful people by our side made everything so much easier. Thank you for your care, support and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone beginning their IVF journey. Thank you for being part of our journey! ❤️’

Mihaela-Clemansa Predescu

3 November 2026, LWC Harrow

‘Simply Brilliant .’

Ramachandran Jeyamohan

3 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘I feel so blessed and grateful to have been under the lovely nurse Katie and Dr Kovats’s care. Everyone I encountered in the clinic on or off line was friendly, reassuring, thoughtful, and patient with me. I could feel the genuine care from Katie and Dr Kovats. I feel very reassured knowing they'd be there with me every step of the way; it is a great relief to have medical professionals like them on my side. They listened attentively, were reassuring, explained what I need to know thoroughly and were very approachable. Thank you to Carina, the friendly clinic coordinator, for always answering my emails promptly and being so helpful with all the questions I threw at her. Also, to the lovely staff member with blonde hair (I’m so sorry I forgot your name!) who did the ultrasound scan, thank you for being so attentive and making me feel relaxed. The clinic has a calm, relaxing vibe and is very clean. I have had a wonderful experience with the clinic and would highly recommend the team to anyone on their fertility journey!’

T Yang

3 November 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘We have used London Women's Clinic twice in the last two years for successful egg retrieval and two subsequent frozen embryo transfers. We have always been met with care, compassion and a personal approach. Every step from the initial consultation right through to the 7 week scan has been professional and polite, always accommodating our needs and timings. We can't thank the team enough for giving us such support towards creating our family.’

Lucy Richards

2 November 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘Myself and my husband owe it all to london womens clinic, they were amazing from start to finish. We previously were under another clinic and decided to make the change due to many reasons and we are so glad we did. They treat everyone as individuals, not everyones fertility journeys are the same. The small team at Colchester make it so personable not to mention how amazing all 4 women are that work here, their knowledge empathy and listening skills simply cannot be found at any other clinic. The list goes on as to why I would recommend LWC but everyone likes a to the point review. They genuinely care they dont treat you like a number and they help you through every hurdle that occurs. Our little boy wouldn't be possible without these 4, each of them play a bigger part than they realise. 💙’

Ellen Turrell

2 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘Wonderful punch of people, caring, competent, and efficient in all they do. It feels we are all in a mission together and they are invested in the success of our pregnancy. Thank k you 🙏’

Yasmine Mora

30 October 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘I couldn’t speak more highly of the London Women’s Clinic Oxford! From the moment you walk in you are greeted with such a warm welcome. The reception area is bright and welcoming and the receptionist is lovely. All of the staff are so friendly, helpful and polite. Going through this journey can be emotional, so having such a wonderful supportive, caring clinic to visit makes all the difference. Everyone goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and looked after. I feel so lucky to have such a lovely team supporting me along the way. Thank you all! 🍀💗’

Louise

30 October 2026, LWC Oxford

‘Incredible service and professionals. They made me feel comfortable and safe the entire journey. Thank you!’

Luciana Lombardi

30 October 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘I had an absolutely amazing experience at LWC from start to finish! There are literally no wait times so we were able to get started pretty much straight away after consultation. The process was seamless, with a lot of flexibility if you need to change appt time. Nurses are amazing and so supportive. Special shout out to Kate and Chris who were so kind and made the whole experience so much better. Also the nurses on the ward were absolutely amazing but I can’t remember their names. I’m now discharged as I’m pregnant from my first try! However I will look forward to returning in the future for my second embryo which is currently frozen 😊’

Kathryn Jessica

27 October 2026, LWC Bromley