Every year, thousands of women undergo the procedure.
The number of women in the United Kingdom undergoing egg storage has increased by a factor of ten in the last decade.
The procedure, which involves the collection, freezing, and subsequent thawing of a woman’s eggs, has gained popularity as an increasing number of women delay having children until later in life.
However, embryologist Cynthia Hudson has cautioned that women must be completely informed before proceeding with fertility treatment.
She listed six factors, from the age to freeze ovaries to cost.
At what age should eggs be frozen?
Ms. Hudson, vice president of clinical strategy at the IVF and cell management company TMRW Life Sciences, asserts that there is no definitive answer to the question of when a woman should preserve her eggs, as each situation and woman is unique.
She stated, “We know for certain that the quality of eggs declines with age, so it only makes sense to freeze them as soon as possible.”
If you are under 35 years old when you freeze your eggs, you will have the greatest chance of conceiving.
However, if you are over 35, you will likely need to freeze more.
Egg freezing is most prevalent at 38, but some women wait until their 40s, according to the HFEA.
Reasons for pursuing egg storage can vary significantly.
For instance, a person may be concerned that their fertility will decline with age, but they are not yet ready to have a child or are receiving life-saving but sterilizing medical treatment.
Regardless of the cause, Ms. Hudson recommends consulting a physician immediately to discuss your treatment options.
How long can preserved eggs be stored?
Women in the United Kingdom can now freeze their embryos for up to 55 years.
Since July 2022, when the 10-year limit was raised, this rule applies to sperm and embryos.
As a result, women in the United Kingdom are now in a better position to contemplate freezing their eggs at a younger age, when they have the best chance of success because there are no restrictions on how long they can store their eggs.
However, women will be required to renew their consent for embryo storage every decade.
Before July 2022, those who froze their eggs must contact their clinic to see if they can store them for more than ten years.
Ms. Hudson says storage is one of the most important but often overlooked considerations before freezing eggs.
The purpose of egg freezing is to have your eggs “safely stored for future use,” so she encourages women to inquire with their clinic about how their eggs will be stored until they are required.
Achievement rates
According to the embryologist, egg freezing should be regarded as an insurance policy rather than a guarantee.
Ms. Hudson claims that it can help preserve fecundity, but cannot guarantee success.
Experts also consider the woman’s age at egg freezing and the number of eggs accessible.
As with fresh eggs, not all fertilised eggs will produce viable embryos, and not all viable embryos will give birth.
Success rates are highest for persons under 35 and drop sharply after 40.
One U.S. study found that the overall probability of live birth for women using their frozen eggs was 39%, rising to 51% for women younger than 38 at the time of egg freezing.
Those actively pursuing parenthood with fresh eggs can endure additional egg collection cycles to increase their chances of becoming pregnant.
Ms. Hudson asserts that it is crucial to comprehend all of the available information and treatment options, as treatment decisions made now may determine future fertility.
Fertility specialists can respond to inquiries and provide pertinent advice.
The cost of preserving eggs
The entire procedure of freezing and thawing eggs in the United Kingdom costs between £7,000 and £8,000 on average.
Having your eggs collected and frozen will cost approximately £3,350, but this is only one step in the process.
In addition, the hormonal medication required to stimulate egg production before the procedure costs between £500 and £1,500.
According to the HFEA, storage costs are additional and differ between £125 and £350 per year, depending on the clinic.
The cost of thawing embryos and transferring them to the womb averages £2,500.
Some women who store their eggs before cancer treatment can receive NHS-funded treatment.
There is currently no NHS funding for patients who wish to freeze their eggs for purposes other than fertility preservation. But there are other options available.
