Pros and Cons of Going Abroad for Egg Freezing

If you're considering egg freezing as a fertility preservation option, you may have heard about the option of going abroad for the procedure. Traveling abroad for any medical treatment has its benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we'll explore everything about egg freezing abroad.

First off, why should you freeze your eggs in the first place?

Being proactive about your future is something I recommend to all young women I meet. Egg freezing is one decision that can give you greater control over your reproductive health and help you achieve your long-term life goals.

There are many reasons to choose to freeze your eggs. Maybe you want to preserve your fertility and focus on your career or personal growth, or maybe you have a health condition that can impact your ability to conceive later in life. Or, like many egg freezers, perhaps you want to give yourself more time to meet the right life partner before having kids. Whatever your reason, freezing your eggs can be a smart way to protect your options and give yourself a better chance of starting a family when you're ready. 

Which country is best for egg freezing?

While there are many countries that offer egg freezing services, the United States is often considered the best country to freeze your eggs. The United States is home to the best fertility clinics in the world, that pioneer and utilize the latest and most advanced technology for egg freezing. This ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care and the best possible chance of success.

The United States also has strict regulations and standards for fertility clinics, ensuring that patients receive safe and effective care. Clinics in the United States are required to adhere to strict guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and report their outcomes data to Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).

However, the United States is also number one in cost, making medical procedures like egg freezing out of reach for many. Other countries that have well respected clinics include Spain, Israel, and Canada. 

Cofertility is in the “family” business, striving to make egg freezing and third-party reproduction more human-centered and accessible for all. Our Freeze by Co program allows you to freeze your eggs for free, when you give half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can't otherwise conceive.

Can I freeze my eggs in another country?

Yes, it is possible to freeze your eggs in another country. Clinics around the world offer egg freezing services, and some people choose to travel to another country to undergo the procedure. For Americans, that reason is usually lower costs.  

However, before embarking on this journey, it's essential to conduct thorough research to ensure you receive quality treatment. This includes considering the country and clinic you plan to visit and understanding their regulations, standards of care, and cultural practices surrounding fertility treatment.

Traveling abroad for egg freezing also involves logistical considerations such as the cost of travel, accommodations, and follow-up care. It's important to factor in these costs to ensure the procedure remains within your budget.

Pros of going abroad for egg freezing

One of the most significant advantages of going abroad for egg freezing is the cost. Many countries offer egg freezing procedures at a much lower cost than in the United States. This can be especially appealing for those who don't have insurance coverage for the procedure. If you’d like to remain in the United States for your egg freezing experience, our Split program provides a free opportunity to do so when you give half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive. You can apply for our Split program here. 

Going abroad for egg freezing can also provide an opportunity to combine the procedure with a vacation or travel experience. 

Cons of going abroad for egg freezing

When going abroad for medical treatment, it can be challenging to ensure that the clinic you choose meets the same standards of care and safety as those in the United States. You may need to do extra research to find a reputable clinic.

Communication can also be a significant challenge when going abroad for medical treatment. You may need to navigate language barriers and cultural differences, which can make the process more stressful and confusing.

Plus, after the egg freezing procedure, it's important to receive follow-up care and monitoring. This can be difficult to do when you're in another country, especially if complications arise.

What is the average cost of egg freezing abroad?

The cost of egg freezing abroad varies significantly depending on the country, the clinic, and the specific treatment plan. We’ve seen international clinic pricing range from $3,000 to $10,000 plus the cost of medication. This cost difference is primarily due to differences in healthcare systems, regulations, and overall cost of living.

While the cost of egg freezing abroad may be lower, there may be additional costs associated with travel, accommodations, follow-up care, and shipping the eggs back to the United States safely. 

How does international egg freezing work?

International egg freezing is when patients travel to another country to undergo the egg freezing procedure.  The process involves several steps:

• First, the patient will research and select a reputable clinic in their desired country. Once a clinic is selected, the patient will schedule a virtual initial consultation to discuss their medical history and determine their eligibility for the procedure.
• After the initial consultation, the patient will begin the egg freezing process, which involves a series of hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The patient travels to the clinic and is monitored closely throughout this process, which typically lasts 10-14 days.
• When the eggs are ready to be retrieved, the patient will undergo a minor surgical procedure to collect the eggs. The eggs are then frozen and stored at the clinic or shipped to a storage facility in the United States until the patient is ready to use them.

International egg freezing requires careful planning and research to ensure quality care and a successful outcome. 

Can you ship frozen eggs internationally?

Even if you freeze your eggs abroad, you’ll likely want to safely store them in the United States which requires them to be transferred from the clinic to a long-term storage facility. 

It is possible to transfer frozen eggs to another country, but the process can be complex and may involve legal, logistical, and medical considerations. 

Transporting frozen eggs requires specialized equipment and techniques to maintain the correct temperature and ensure the safety of the eggs. You should only work with a specialized, insured courier or shipping company that has experience in transporting frozen biological samples.

While it’s relatively safe to have frozen eggs transported, there have been heartbreaking cases of hiccups and mistakes from carriers.

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Should I go abroad for egg freezing?

As we mentioned above, If the main reason to go abroad for egg freezing is cost, you should know there’s another option closer to home. At Cofertility, we’re striving to make egg freezing more human-centered and accessible for all. Our Freeze by Co program allows you to freeze your eggs for free, when you give half to a family who can't otherwise conceive. Or, if you want to freeze and keep all your eggs, we can help you get discounts at top clinics in the United States. Either way, we can make the entire egg freezing process more affordable and less overwhelming. 

Affordable egg freezing at home

Going abroad for egg freezing can be a cost-effective and accessible option for some people. However, it's important to weigh the potential drawbacks, such as quality control and post-procedure care, before making a decision. Also remember that there is a more affordable option right here in the United States. Let us know how we can help you on your journey!

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