Egg freezing in France: information about the process

An oocyte is an egg cell. Egg freezing involves collecting and storing eggs for possible future use. It may preserve an option for a future pregnancy, but it does not guarantee the birth of a baby.

This page is for information. Dr Fabien Krief does not perform egg freezing.

When might egg freezing be considered?

Fertility preservation may be discussed before treatment that could affect fertility, including certain cancer treatments, or when a medical condition may cause fertility to decline prematurely. Suitability depends on the individual circumstances. Egg freezing for non-medical reasons is also available within the relevant French legal framework.

At what age can eggs be frozen in France?

For non-medical reasons, egg collection is permitted from the 29th birthday until before the 37th birthday: ages 29 to 36 inclusive. Age at collection is what matters. Medical fertility preservation follows a different framework and requires assessment by the specialist team.

Dr Fabien Krief’s role: providing information

During a consultation at OVA, Dr Fabien Krief can answer your questions about egg freezing. His role in this area is limited to providing information. Egg collection and storage must be carried out at an authorised centre.

For egg freezing without a medical indication, French law generally restricts these activities to authorised public or eligible non-profit private healthcare establishments. A regulated exemption is available for certain for-profit private establishments.

What does the process involve?

Following the initial assessment, ovarian stimulation involves daily injections for around ten to twelve days, with monitoring tailored to your response. Eggs are then collected under anaesthesia. Mature eggs selected for storage undergo vitrification and are kept at a very low temperature.

How many eggs are needed, and what are the chances of a baby?

The chances depend partly on age at collection and the number of eggs stored. No single number guarantees success. The number of egg collections is discussed individually. Any estimate needs context and must distinguish pregnancy from live birth; a general percentage does not predict your personal outcome.

What risks and practical demands should be considered?

Treatment can cause side effects, including ovarian hyperstimulation. The risks of stimulation, anaesthesia and egg collection are explained before a decision is made. Planning also needs to allow for monitoring appointments and the centre’s waiting times.

How are the eggs used later?

Using frozen eggs requires in vitro fertilisation: the eggs are warmed and fertilised in the laboratory before a possible embryo transfer. In France, they may be used before the 45th birthday of the person who will carry the pregnancy; the other conditions for access to fertility treatment still apply.

What costs should you expect?

For egg freezing without a medical indication, the medical procedures are covered by French health insurance according to your entitlement, but annual storage fees remain payable. Medical fertility preservation has specific coverage arrangements. The centre will explain the procedures and costs that apply to your circumstances.

Keeping in touch with the centre

The centre contacts you each year about continuing storage. If your plans change, discuss the options for your stored eggs with the team, within the applicable legal framework.

Information about egg freezing

Dr Fabien Krief can answer your questions during an information consultation at OVA in Neuilly-sur-Seine. He does not perform this procedure.

Book an information consultation