How to Compare Egg Freezing Clinics (Beyond Cost)

Choosing where to freeze your eggs is one of the most important decisions in the egg freezing process. While cost is often a major factor, there are other important elements to consider when selecting a clinic. From success rates to lab quality to the patient experience, this article will help you learn how to evaluate different clinics to find the right fit for your needs. Let’s dive in!

Getting started with research 

Before you start screening for specific metrics, it's helpful to create a list of clinics within your geographical area. Most egg freezers prefer a clinic within an hour's drive since you'll need to visit frequently during the stimulation phase. Start by:

• Doing a quick search on Google maps
• Asking your OBGYN for recommendations
• Exploring your insurance provider's network
• Researching clinics through SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology)
• Reading reviews on FertilityIQ and other patient forums
• Joining local fertility support groups or online communities
• Getting recommendations from friends who have frozen their eggs

If you choose to freeze your eggs with Cofertility, we’ll provide you with a list of our partner clinics and, depending on your program, pricing information if necessary.

Once you have a preliminary list, here's what we recommend evaluating:

Success rates matter - but look closely

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Success rates are important, but comparing clinic data is not always apples-to-apples. And, the data is not always up-to-date. When reviewing clinic statistics, consider:

• Laboratory competency: Ask about the clinic's egg survival rate after thawing. With modern vitrification techniques, survival rates should be 95% or higher. A lower rate might indicate issues with the lab's freezing protocols.
• Age-specific success rates: Look for success rates specific to your age group. Some clinics may have great overall numbers but less experience with patients in your demographic.
• Reporting transparency: Do clinics accept all patients, or do they cherry-pick patients that will have the best outcomes? Remember that success rates can vary based on patient population and case complexity. A clinic that takes on more challenging cases might have lower overall success rates but could still be excellent.
• Timing of data: Published success rates often reflect data from 2-3 years ago. Look to see if the doctors who achieved those results are still practicing there and whether the clinic has changed locations, protocols, or lab directors since the data was collected. Success rates can change significantly with staff turnover or protocol updates.

Clinic size 

The size of a fertility clinic can significantly impact your treatment experience. Smaller clinics typically offer more personalized attention and consistency in your care team. You'll likely see the same doctor and nurses throughout your journey, and scheduling tends to be more flexible to accommodate individual needs. However, smaller clinics may have limited resources or access to the latest technology, and they might face challenges with coverage during staff vacations or emergencies.

Larger clinics, on the other hand, often have more extensive resources and access to cutting-edge technology. They frequently offer multiple locations and broader scheduling options, which can be particularly convenient for monitoring appointments. Their larger support staff means more availability for patient questions and concerns. However, the experience might feel less personal, and you may see different doctors at each visit. Larger clinics also tend to have more standardized protocols, which can mean less individualization in your treatment plan.

Neither size is inherently better - the choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Some patients prefer the intimate setting and personalized attention of a smaller clinic, while others value the resources and convenience that larger clinics can offer. Consider asking for more information about a clinic’s scheduling practices to better understand how soon you can start treatment, how often appointments are available, and how long wait times might be during peak periods.

Clinic culture, perks, and approach

Every clinic has its own philosophy and approach. Consider:

• Patient volume: Some clinics take a high-volume approach while others focus on fewer patients with more personalized care. Neither is inherently better, but one style might suit you better.
• Treatment philosophy: Ask about their approach to medication protocols - do they customize for each patient or use standard protocols? Do they use their intuition or do they use software and AI to determine the best protocol?
• Communication policies: Understand how the clinic handles patient communications. Who will you contact with questions? What is the expected response times? What about after-hours support?
• Patient portal: Is there a patient portal or does communication happen via email, phone, or text?
• Perks: Some clinics offer additional resources like support groups, mental health support, nutrition counseling, and even acupuncture services.

The medical team

The quality of your medical team significantly impacts your experience. Consider:

• Experience and credentials: Look for board-certified reproductive endocrinologists with specific experience in egg freezing. Ask how many cycles they perform annually. As with most medical procedures, more volume correlates with better outcomes.‍
• Communication style: Does the doctor take time to answer questions? Are they accessible between appointments? You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident in their responses.‍
• Support staff: Your primary contact may often be with nurses and coordinators. Ask about their experience and availability.‍
• Team approach: Understanding how the clinic handles patient care is important. Will you always see your doctor, or do they rotate? How are weekend appointments handled?

Monitoring and flexibility

The egg freezing process requires frequent monitoring appointments, making a clinic's scheduling flexibility core to your experience. During the stimulation phase, you'll need early morning monitoring appointments every few days, so consider how the clinic's hours align with your schedule. Many clinics offer early morning monitoring before work hours, but availability varies significantly between facilities. Weekend monitoring options are especially important since your body doesn't follow a Monday-to-Friday schedule during treatment.

Some larger clinics offer multiple locations for monitoring appointments, which can provide valuable flexibility if you live or work in different areas. Wait times for appointments can vary dramatically between clinics - while some run efficiently with minimal waiting, others may have significant delays that could impact your work schedule. Additionally, some clinics now offer remote monitoring options for certain appointments, which could save you travel time during your cycle.

When evaluating a clinic's flexibility, ask specific questions about their monitoring process: How early do they open? What happens if you're running late? How do they handle weekend and holiday monitoring? Understanding these logistics upfront can help you gauge whether a clinic's scheduling approach will work with your lifestyle.

Laboratory quality and technology

The laboratory is the heart of any fertility clinic. Key factors to evaluate include:

• CLIA certification and CAP accreditation
• Whether the clinic has an in-house lab or outsources its services
• The experience level of embryologists
• Updates to equipment and protocols
• Clean room air filtration systems
• Backup power systems
• Security measures for stored eggs

Ask about the clinic's experience specifically with egg freezing, not just general IVF. Some clinics may have extensive experience with embryo freezing but less with egg freezing, which requires different expertise.

Insurance and financing 

Egg freezing can be a significant financial investment so, if you are self-funding your journey, it’s important to explore all your payment options. Consider the following:

• Verify if the clinic accepts your insurance plan and which parts of the process are covered (e.g., initial consultation, medication, or storage fees)
• Check whether your employer offers fertility benefits that can be used at the clinic
• Inquire about the clinic’s financing options or available payment assistance programs 

Support for LGBTQ+ 

If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, finding a clinic that understands and supports your unique journey is essential. Here’s what to look for:

• Ensure the clinic has a proven track record of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals
• Ask whether they offer additional resources, like LGBTQ+-focused support groups
• Look for signs that the clinic fosters a welcoming, affirming space where diversity and inclusion are prioritized.

The bottom line

While cost is an important factor, choosing an egg freezing clinic should involve evaluating multiple aspects of care and service. Focus on finding a clinic that combines strong success rates, high laboratory standards, and a care approach that matches your needs. Take time to visit your top choices, meet with the medical team, and trust your instincts about where you feel most comfortable.

At Cofertility, we partner with leading fertility clinics nationwide that meet rigorous quality standards. Whether you're interested in our Keep or Split program (where you freeze your eggs for free when donating half), we can help connect you with top clinics in your area that align with your priorities and preferences.