In the United States, reproductive health education is largely centered around contraception and pregnancy prevention. Multiple studies have shown that comprehensive sex education programs are effective at reducing teen pregnancy rates. While these topics are undoubtedly important, they represent only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to women’s health and family planning. The other side of the contraception coin is conception. Fertility preservation options, such as egg freezing, can also empower women to make informed choices about their reproductive futures—choices that align with their personal and professional goals. Yet these options are often misunderstood or stigmatized, leading to an education gap that leaves many women unaware of their choices.
We now live in a world where over 12 million babies have been born using IVF technology and we have access to data that can help women make informed decisions about their family planning decisions. It is vital that we begin to take steps to provide comprehensive education around fertility preservation to women at an earlier age and normalize it as part of a healthy, informed approach to family planning.
Early Education on Fertility Preservation is Crucial
While we focus extensively on avoiding pregnancy, we’re missing an opportunity to educate young people on the complete picture of reproductive health, including family planning and fertility preservation. Extend Fertility’s recent 8-year study on egg freezing, involving over 3,100 patients and 4,600 cycles, shows a trend toward women opting to freeze their eggs earlier, with the average freezing age decreasing from 37 years in 2016 to around 35 years in 2023. This shift suggests a growing awareness of proactive approaches that help to plan for the future.
When we delay sharing information on fertility preservation until later in life, women may feel blindsided when they encounter challenges with conception. This lack of early education can lead to feelings of regret, with women wishing they’d known their options sooner.
As the Chief Scientific Officer at a leading fertility clinic in New York City, so often I see women who are in their late thirties to early forties who voice that they would have made different choices had they had this information sooner. We are missing the mark for the education piece that’s really needed earlier in women’s lives.
Addressing the Anxiety Around Fertility Data
One of the most significant challenges in implementing comprehensive fertility education is the fear that it will create undue anxiety. Some people worry that encouraging women to learn about their egg reserve by s measuring blood levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), will lead women to feel anxious if their results aren’t what they expected. People will ask, “Why is my level so low?” and fear that their results could restrict their family planning options.
The truth is, the average age of first-time parents has been increasing worldwide and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 17.5% of the adult population worldwide, or roughly 1 in 6 people, experience infertility. To mitigate anxiety around fertility data, education must be paired with guidance from healthcare providers who can explain individual results in context. Fertility information can be presented similarly to financial planning. Just as we consider bank account balances when deciding whether we can afford a major purchase, understanding one’s fertility health is part of a broader plan, not an immediate decision or cause for worry. With sufficient education, fertility preservation could become part of life planning—not something that induces stress, but rather information that offers clarity and choices.
Ensuring that comprehensive education is available, supported by knowledgeable healthcare providers and, when appropriate, mental health professionals, can eliminate much of the anxiety surrounding these discussions. Fertility is part of life’s trajectory, and when presented with compassion and understanding, fertility preservation can become a proactive, empowering part of planning for the future.
Debunking Myths Around Egg Freezing
Misconceptions about egg freezing also contribute to women’s reluctance to consider fertility preservation. A common myth is that egg freezing is only effective when women are younger than 35 when they freeze their eggs. While it’s true that younger eggs are associated with higher success rates, our data illustrates that successful outcomes are not exclusive to younger women. Among the 4,000 thawed eggs analyzed in our recent study at Extend Fertility, 90% survived the thawing process, with an average freezing age of 36 years and a range of 27 – 45 years. The study further shows a pregnancy success rate—defined by live births or pregnancies past 12 weeks—of over 55% for all women who underwent embryo transfer. The median age at the time of embryo transfer was 40, demonstrating that frozen eggs can be a viable option for family building years after they were collected and frozen.
This research debunks myths about specific age limitations and also highlights the potential for women to consider egg freezing as part of a strategic life plan because of its success rates. When women have access to accurate data, they can approach family planning with greater freedom and less pressure, knowing that options are available across different life stages.
Empowerment Through Scientific Data
Data provides women with more than just statistics—it offers a foundation for empowerment. Our recent study found that 50% of embryos created from frozen eggs were genetically normal, which is comparable to the rate seen in embryos created from fresh eggs. These findings underscore that frozen eggs can offer the same potential for successful pregnancies as fresh eggs, adding another viable option to women’s family planning toolkits.
The knowledge that fertility preservation is backed by science allows women to make decisions based on facts rather than fear or social pressures. When we replace misconceptions with evidence-based information, fertility preservation becomes less of a last resort and more of a strategic choice for women who want flexibility in their reproductive journey.
Rethinking Educational Curriculum for a Comprehensive Approach
To make fertility education truly effective, it’s time to revise our high school health curriculum. A more balanced approach should include a comprehensive view of reproductive health, covering topics such as fertility timelines, preservation options, and the reality of reproductive aging. Fertility is a central component of family planning, yet it is largely absent from standard health education. By incorporating fertility education, we can normalize discussions about family planning and provide young people with the knowledge they need to make decisions based on their values and goals.
Healthcare providers, educational institutions, and policymakers can work together to ensure that conversations around fertility preservation are positive, science-backed, and supported by access to compassionate mental health care when needed. Extend Fertility’s approach—prioritizing patient education over service promotion—sets a precedent. By offering free fertility assessments, including bloodwork and ultrasound evaluations, our clinic provides patients with a complete view of their reproductive health, empowering them to make informed choices with confidence.
A Call to Action for Expanded Fertility ResourcesEducation
Fertility preservation, when presented with clarity and sensitivity, is empowering, not frightening. This shift in perspective calls on healthcare providers, insurance companies, employers, educators, and policymakers to recognize fertility preservation as a proactive component of family planning. Each has a role to play in expanding access to the resources needed to truly make fertility preservation a viable option for women.
Joshua U. Klein, MD, Chief Clinical Officer and Co-Founder added “Women face numerous barriers to fertility preservation—lack of awareness, understanding, finances, and lingering stigmas. At Extend Fertility, we’re committed to making fertility options accessible and understandable. By focusing on clear communication and early education, we’re empowering women to consider their choices earlier in life, helping them feel informed and confident about their reproductive futures. It’s time for educators, healthcare providers, and policymakers—to also prioritize early fertility education, so all women have the information they need to make informed decisions when it matters most.”
The findings from our 8-year study show that fertility preservation can be a life-changing option for women. If we can normalize these conversations, and integrate them into our educational framework, and expand access through insurance plans or employer support, we’ll be giving the next generation the tools they need to approach their futures with autonomy and optimism. By talking openly about fertility preservation, we’re creating a culture where women can make informed choices and navigate their reproductive lives with clarity and confidence.
Nataki Douglas
Nataki Douglas, MD, PhD, is Chief Scientific Officer of Extend Fertility.
