Swiss women increasingly turn to egg freezing as family plans shift later

Egg freezing is becoming far more common in Switzerland as women delay starting families. New figures show a sharp rise in procedures, with numbers tripling in just four years. The trend reflects broader shifts in career priorities and later-life parenting.

In 2019, 841 women froze their eggs in Switzerland. By 2023, that number had climbed to 2,551. Clinics report growing demand, particularly among older professionals seeking to preserve fertility options.

The procedure involves hormonal stimulation to produce eggs, which are then retrieved under anaesthesia. Medical experts confirm that the process carries no known short- or long-term risks. Many women choose freezing to improve their chances of pregnancy after 40, as fertility naturally declines with age.

Data from the Swiss Society for Reproductive Medicine (SGF) also shows a rising median age for those undergoing the treatment. In 2019, the typical patient was around 35. By 2025, that figure had shifted to 37–38. This aligns with broader societal trends, including the average age of first-time mothers now exceeding 31.

The surge in egg freezing highlights changing attitudes toward family planning. With more women prioritising careers or personal circumstances, clinics expect demand to keep growing. The procedure remains a key option for those delaying motherhood into their late 30s and beyond.