In Nigeria’s fast-paced professional landscape, more women are making a proactive choice for their reproductive future through egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation). Whether pursuing advanced education, building a career, or awaiting the right partner, this technology offers a powerful form of biological insurance.
Once considered a futuristic concept, egg freezing is now an accessible reality in major Nigerian cities. This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise, providing clear data on costs, clinic options, and the critical importance of timing for Nigerian women.
What is Egg Freezing & How Does It Work?
Egg freezing is the process of stimulating the ovaries, retrieving eggs, and preserving them in liquid nitrogen at -196°C for future use. When you’re ready to conceive, the eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm (via ICSI), and transferred as embryos.
The Nigerian Process Simplified:
1. Consultation & Testing (Ovarian Reserve Assessment via AMH blood test and ultrasound)
2. Ovarian Stimulation (10-12 days of hormone injections)
3. Egg Retrieval (Minor 20-minute procedure under sedation)
4. Vitrification (Rapid freezing using advanced “flash-freeze” technology)
5. Storage (Secure, monitored tanks in the clinic’s laboratory)
The Single Most Important Factor: Your Age
“Age is not just a number when it comes to egg freezing—it’s the most critical determinant of success,” emphasizes Dr. Funmi Akinola of Nordica Fertility Centre. “The quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs decline significantly after 35.”
Optimal Age Brackets for Nigerian Women:
Age Group Egg Quality & Quantity Realistic Outcome Recommendation
< 30 Peak fertility, highest yield of genetically normal eggs Excellent chance of future live birth per egg frozen Ideal time if financially feasible
30-34 Good ovarian reserve, slight decline begins Very good success rates; highly recommended window Prime window for balancing career/family planning
35-37 Noticeable decline in quantity & quality Reasonable success, but may require multiple cycles Last call for optimal results; act now
38-40 Significant decline; higher aneuploidy rates Possible success, but lower eggs per cycle, higher attrition Manage expectations; consider multiple cycles
40+ Drastically reduced ovarian reserve Challenging; often requires donor egg consideration Not generally recommended for elective freezing
The Nigerian Career Reality: “Many of our clients are senior bankers, lawyers, and executives aged 33-37 realizing they need to preserve options,” notes Dr. Richardson Ajayi of The Bridge Clinic. “While we help them, we’re honest that starting at 32 would have been significantly more effective.”
Egg Freezing Costs in Nigeria (2024 Detailed Breakdown)
The total investment involves the freezing cycle plus annual storage. Prices vary between Lagos, Abuja, and other cities.
Typical Cost Structure in Lagos Clinics:
Cost Component Price Range (NGN) What It Includes
Initial Consultation & Testing ₦50,000 – ₦150,000 AMH test, ultrasound, doctor consultation
Medication (Hormone Injections) ₦400,000 – ₦800,000 Most variable cost; depends on body response
Procedure & Laboratory Fees ₦800,000 – ₦1,500,000 Egg retrieval, anesthesia, embryologist, vitrification
First Year Storage ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 Included in some package deals
Annual Storage (Subsequent Years) ₦80,000 – ₦200,000/year Monthly/quarterly payment plans often available
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST ₦1,350,000 – ₦2,700,000 For one freezing cycle + first year storage
Additional Potential Costs:
· Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): ₦500,000+ (for chromosomal screening of embryos if freezing embryos instead)
· Multiple Cycles: Needed if low egg yield; each additional cycle costs ~70-80% of first cycle
· Future Thaw & IVF: ₦1,500,000 – ₦2,500,000+ (when ready to use eggs)
Financial Planning Tip: “Ask clinics about package deals,” suggests Dr. Ibrahim Wada of Nisa Premier Hospital. “Some offer multi-cycle packages or combined freezing-thaw packages that provide cost certainty.”
Top Clinics for Egg Freezing in Nigeria
Choosing the right clinic is crucial. Look for proven experience with vitrification technology and strong laboratory success rates.
1. Nordica Fertility Centre (Lagos, Abuja, Asaba)
Why they stand out: Pioneers in elective egg freezing in Nigeria. They maintain one of the largest cryopreservation banks in West Africa with verified thaw survival rates exceeding 90%. Offer dedicated “Social Freezing” counseling.
2. The Bridge Clinic (Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja)
Why they stand out: UK-affiliated with stringent laboratory protocols. Provide transparent data on their egg survival and fertilization rates. Offer comprehensive fertility preservation packages for career women.
3. Medical Art Centre (MART) (Lagos, Abuja)
Why they stand out: Holistic approach combining advanced vitrification with nutritional and wellness optimization pre-cycle. Strong track record with older patients (38+).
4. Avon Medical Practice (Lagos, Ikoyi)
Why they stand out: Focus on personalized stimulation protocols to maximize egg yield while prioritizing patient safety. Excellent patient education process.
5. Prime Medical Centre (Lagos, Ikeja)
Why they stand out: Competitive pricing with modern laboratory. Offer flexible payment plans specifically for egg freezing patients.
Key Questions to Ask Potential Clinics
1. “What is your clinic’s egg thaw survival rate?” (Aim for >85%)
2. “How many elective egg freezing cycles do you perform monthly?” (Indicates experience)
3. “What is your laboratory’s accreditation status?” (Look for international standards)
4. “Can you share anonymous data on live birth rates from frozen eggs by patient age at freezing?”
5. “What happens if there’s a power failure or storage tank malfunction?” (Ask about backup systems)
6. “What are my options if I relocate abroad or to another city in Nigeria?”
The Reality Check: Success Rates & Realistic Expectations
It’s crucial to understand what egg freezing can and cannot promise:
· Not a Guarantee: A cycle doesn’t guarantee future children
· Numbers Game: The more eggs frozen at a younger age, the better the odds
· Recommended Numbers: For a 70-80% chance of one live birth:
· Age 35: Freeze 20+ eggs
· Age 37: Freeze 30+ eggs
· Age 40: Freeze 40+ eggs (often requiring 3+ cycles)
The Nigerian Success Data: “Our data shows women who freeze before 35 and retrieve 15+ eggs have approximately 60-70% chance of at least one live birth later,” shares Dr. Akinola. “After 38, that drops significantly unless multiple cycles are done.”
Cultural & Social Considerations in Nigeria
Navigating Family Expectations
“Many single professional women freeze eggs without telling traditional parents who may not understand,” notes Amara Nwosu, a fertility counselor in Lagos. “We help clients develop a communication strategy that works for their family dynamics.”
Religious Perspectives
· Christian (Mainstream): Generally accepted as it preserves life for marriage
· Islamic: Permitted within marriage context; timing considerations for single Muslim women
· Discuss with trusted religious leaders for personal guidance
Alternative Options: Embryo Freezing vs. Egg Freezing
For women in committed relationships, embryo freezing (freezing fertilized eggs) may be considered:
Factor Egg Freezing Embryo Freezing
Best For Single women, women without partner Married/committed couples
Success Rates Slightly lower (egg must survive thaw & fertilize) Higher (embryo proven viable)
Legal Simplicity Less complex (only woman’s genetic material) More complex (both partners have rights)
Cost in Nigeria ₦1.3M – ₦2.7M ₦1.5M – ₦3M+ (includes fertilization)
Your Action Plan: Is Now the Right Time?
Take These Steps in the Next 30 Days:
1. Get Your AMH Tested: This simple blood test (₦15,000-₦25,000) reveals your ovarian reserve.
2. Schedule 2-3 Consultations: Compare clinics, costs, and doctor rapport.
3. Financial Audit: Review savings, explore clinic payment plans, or consider medical financing.
4. Lifestyle Optimization: If proceeding, improve diet, reduce stress, and take preconception supplements (CoQ10, Vitamin D) for 3 months before cycling.
The Bottom Line for Nigerian Women
Egg freezing is a significant but valuable investment in your reproductive autonomy. The technology in Nigeria’s top clinics is world-class, but biology remains unforgiving. The best age is before 35, the good age is before 38, and after 40 requires realistic expectations.
“Think of it as the most important career investment you might make,” advises Dr. Ajayi. “Unlike business ventures that can be restarted, your egg reserve has a non-negotiable timeline.”
