Rita Ora has revealed she had her eggs frozen in her early 20s, a move that doctors say is a positive step for fertility preservation. The British singer, now 26, said her doctor recommended the procedure as she had 'always wanted a big family.'
Dr Helen O'Neill of University College London said: 'The earlier you freeze your eggs the better.' However, she cautioned that it is not an 'absolute guarantee' for pregnancy and many young people cannot afford the cost of £5,000 per cycle. Dr O'Neill noted a huge decline in egg quality after age 30, but said the prime age for freezing is often 35, which is 'a little bit too late.'
In the UK, the number of women storing eggs has increased substantially. In 2014, 816 women froze eggs for later IVF, up 25% on 2013, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. The London Women's Clinic reported a tripling of attendees in three years. The birth rate for frozen eggs was about 14% in 2013, lower for women over 38.
Dr O'Neill said success rates between fresh and frozen eggs are comparable, adding: 'Our most recent freezing really is excellent. It should be promoted a lot more.' Prof Adam Balen of the British Fertility Society stressed that not all eggs survive freezing, so it is not a guarantee. Ms Ora acknowledged this, saying: 'I know people might say, wow, that's so young. I just wanted to really be safe.'
