More than half of Gen Z women in Brighton have considered freezing their eggs

As egg and embryo freezing figures soar across the UK, so the age of potential candidates is dropping, says TFP Fertility.

The move was once seen as a decision for women in their 30s, but the clinic’s research shows it is now firmly on the radar of Gen Z women aged between 18 and 28.

Their study found more than half (56%) of women in this age group have considered freezing their eggs, demonstrating a shift in attitudes towards fertility and future planning.

56% of women aged 18 to 28 have considered freezing their eggs to protect their fertility

This change in outlook is mirrored by wider national trends, data shows.

According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) figures, egg and embryo freezing are the fastest growing fertility treatments in Britain, with a 121% increase in egg freezing cycles from 2018 to 2022.

The uptake has soared even further among the Gen Z demographic, with a 153% increase over the same period. For them, egg freezing is not just a backup plan, it’s part of a proactive approach to protect future options and take control through long-term life planning, say TFP experts.

Their research revealed fear of infertility in later life (59%) was the number one reason for the upward trend, while wanting to be more financially prepared (49%) and desire to be more emotionally ready for parenthood (35%) were also among the top motivators.

Social media – in particular TikTok – has helped normalise conversations around fertility, experts say, with hashtags like #eggfreezing and #fertilityjourney racking up millions of views.

Dr Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Fertility, said: “We’re seeing a generational shift in egg freezing. Gen Z women are increasingly aware of their fertility window, but also of the social, financial and environmental pressures they face.

“While fertility education is improving, stigma is also decreasing, and young women are becoming more empowered to explore their fertility options.

“The data from HFEA shows that since 2008, the number of people freezing their eggs has increased by 1600%, allowing women the chance to focus on what matters in the moment, without sacrificing the opportunity to have a family later in life.”