Lady’s reproductive system. Credit score: SewCreamStudio, Shutterstock
New Barcelona-based analysis launched on July 17, 2025, reveals why feminine reproductive cells final so lengthy. This text discusses whether or not spending hundreds on freezing eggs is admittedly price it.
A examine revealed in The EMBO Journal and reported by ScienceDaily on July 17, 2025, has revealed that human eggs intentionally decelerate their inner “waste disposal” techniques to remain wholesome for many years. This energy-saving trick seems to guard them from ageing and will change how we method fertility remedies like IVF.
“By taking a look at greater than 100 freshly donated eggs, the most important dataset of its type, we discovered a surprisingly minimalist technique that helps the cells keep pristine for a few years,” stated Dr Elvan Böke, Group Chief on the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona and lead writer of the examine.
The examine collected over 100 eggs from 21 wholesome donors aged 19-34 at Dexeus Mujer, a Barcelona fertility clinic, 70 of which had been fertilisation-ready eggs and 30 still-immature oocytes. The analysis is the largest-scale examine of wholesome human eggs collected instantly from girls.
Utilizing reside imaging and fluorescent probes, researchers found that mitochondria, proteasomes and lysosomes – the cells’ “housekeeping” equipment – work at 50 per cent of their regular fee. This lowered metabolic exercise doubtless lowers the manufacturing of reactive oxygen species (ROS), that are identified to wreck DNA over time.
This “standby mode” not solely conserves vitality however seems to be a pure longevity hack. Eggs even eject lysosomes into the encircling fluid simply earlier than ovulation, like a “spring cleansing” to remain recent, stated first writer Dr Gabriele Zaffagnini.
What about egg freezing?
Some egg freezing cycles can price hundreds of euros. However is it price it?
A separate report from the Progress Academic Belief (PET), revealed in 2022, asks precisely that. Egg freezing has been closely marketed in recent times as an “insurance coverage coverage” for girls desirous to delay being pregnant. However even distinguished fertility consultants warn towards over-promising outcomes.
Within the report, Professor Robert Winston is cited slamming some fertility clinics as being “extremely exploitative,” warning that the concept of freezing eggs “is a rip-off” as a result of it “virtually by no means results in a profitable start.”
The report highlights these considerations, particularly provided that freezing typically occurs later in life when egg high quality is already compromised. Some UK clinics have even launched “freeze and share” schemes the place girls can get discounted freezing in alternate for donating eggs to others – a transfer seen by some as unethical.
Whereas success charges have improved because the American Society for Reproductive Medication (ASRM) eliminated the “experimental” label in 2012, they nonetheless stay comparatively low, particularly for girls over 35.
In 2015, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology determined to not suggest egg freezing for wholesome girls as a result of well being dangers and low being pregnant charges.
IVF dietary supplements
The brand new Barcelona examine might also problem one among IVF’s commonest practices – the pushing of dietary supplements to enhance egg well being.
“Fertility sufferers are routinely suggested to take random dietary supplements to enhance egg metabolism, however proof for any profit for pregnant outcomes is patchy,” stated Dr Böke. “By taking a look at freshly-donated eggs we’ve discovered proof to counsel the alternative method – sustaining the egg’s naturally quiet metabolism – could possibly be a greater concept for preserving high quality.”
The researchers now plan to look at eggs from older donors and failed IVF cycles to see if these mobile energy-saving procedures weaken with age.
This discovery opens new prospects in reproductive science, but it surely additionally raises uncomfortable questions: If eggs can keep viable on their very own, are girls being bought false hope via expensive egg freezing? Ought to clinics be legally required to publish their success charges clearly? And are girls actually being empowered, or simply emotionally marketed to?
A rising variety of girls are turning to egg freezing over 40, when success charges are identified to be lowest.
View all well being and sweetness information.
View all articles by Letara Draghia.