Welcome to another episode of Pod-ology.

What if biology had a “pause” button?

In this episode, we explore the science—and cultural implications—of egg freezing. From career planning to cancer treatment, fertility preservation is reshaping how and when people think about family-building.

With our own reproductive endocrinologist Jeff Deaton taking the lead, we unpack what egg freezing actually involves, who it’s for, and the emotional and ethical questions that come with putting reproduction “on ice.”

Episode Highlights:

• Egg freezing isn’t a guarantee—it’s a strategic option. Success depends heavily on age and egg quality, not just the number frozen.
• Timing matters more than most people think. Early-to-mid 30s is often the optimal window, while outcomes decline significantly after 40.
• The process is intensive but short-term. About two weeks of hormone injections, monitoring, and a brief outpatient retrieval procedure.
• Fertility preservation reflects modern life choices. From cancer patients to career-focused individuals, egg freezing is reshaping how people plan families.

Dr. Jeff Deaton is a well known fertility expert who currently directs the Wake Forest University Center for Fertility and Reproductive Surgery in Winston Salem, NC.

A respected voice in the field of infertility, he has published multiple scientific papers and helped countless women and couples achieve their goal of having a family.

To find a clinic near you go to Society for Assisted Reproduction: https://www.sart.org/