egg storage

Your fertility journey can be both exhilarating and complex and you may be looking for guidance on navigating the process of transporting your frozen eggs or embryos to a storage facility. We get it, and we're here to help.

Here are some important things you need to know about safely shipping your frozen eggs and embryos and what to consider as you weigh your storage options.

First things first—what is an offsite storage facility or  “biorepository”?

A biorepository is a facility that catalogs, stores, and maintains biological specimens – in this case, your eggs and embryos. The purpose of a biorepository is to store and preserve these specimens at extremely low (cryogenic) temperatures. Following a retrieval, you may choose to transport their specimens to a long-term storage facility, particularly if you plan to have them in storage for several years. 

What is the process for shipping frozen eggs and embryos to a biorepository? 

The shipping of frozen eggs and embryos involves the following steps:

1. Decide and indicate storage facility: Choose a long-term storage facility and inform both the clinic and the storage provider of your decision.
2. Clinic coordination and preparation: Notify your clinic that you want to move your specimens and find out what is required by the clinic to make this happen. Typically this includes: paying any outstanding balances, signing medical releases and consents, formally deciding where to ship specimens, and providing a point of contact information. 
3. Choose a courier: There are several shipping providers that specialize in shipping frozen eggs/embryos. Your clinic and/or storage provider may have recommendations or preferred specialized couriers.  
4. Specimens ship: Specimens begin the journey to your indicated storage facility and remain frozen in transit. 
5. Specimen storage confirmation: Receive confirmation from your storage provider that your specimens are safely stored.
   

What should I consider when deciding where to ship and store my specimens? 

Traditional cryostorage systems rely heavily on manual and analog processes. Cofertility has partnered with TMRW Life Sciences to provide our members access to one of the highest standards of care in offsite storage for frozen eggs and embryos in the US. TMRW is modernizing the management and storage of frozen eggs and embryos with cutting-edge technology that helps reduce the risk of specimen mix-up and loss.

Here are a few questions you can ask storage providers when evaluating different storage options:

1. Do you use digital labels and RFID tags to track and identify my frozen eggs/embryos? (Hint: not just handwritten labels)
2. Do you keep specimen storage data in a digital database, with a recorded audit trail of transactions? (Hint: not notecards, binders or Excel datasheets)
3. Do you use proactive monitoring -- thousands of digital daily checks + remote and in-person human monitoring? (Hint: not relying solely on reactive alarms that go off after there is a problem)
4. Do you help facilitate shipping and coordination with my clinic? (Hint: not having patients complete complicated documents without any guidance)

Is it safe to transport my eggs/embryos? Will my eggs or embryos be thawed in the process?

The process of shipping frozen specimens is safe and commonplace in the fertility space. With proper quality controls in place, specimens remain frozen throughout the duration of the shipment process. They are shipped in specialized cryogenic containers designed to maintain optimal cryogenic temperatures during shipping. 

If you choose to store your specimens with TMRW, as added security, both TMRW and its trusted shipping partners require the use of active, continuous temperature and GPS telemetry to monitor specimens during transit. Once specimens arrive at the TMRW Biorepository, all specimen handling is carried out by experienced embryologists who adhere to the highest standards in the US with strict quality control policies.

What are the key components of safely shipping frozen eggs and embryos?

The safe shipping of frozen eggs and embryos involves the following best practices,  which you should look for in a shipping provider:

1. Accurate documentation and labeling: Proper specimen documentation and package labeling is crucial to correct handling and tracking. 
2. Specialized shipping containers: Cryopreserved specimens are transported in a special shipping container called a vapor shipper - ideally suited for the transportation of frozen specimens. Liquid Nitrogen is added and retained in an absorbent material and the cold nitrogen vapor is released to maintain the specimen temperature below -150°C during transport.
3. Secure shipping process: A specialized medical courier service is scheduled to transport the vapor shipper, including monitoring temperature and location in real time.
4. Safe intake and verification: The receiving facility checks the container's integrity and verifies temperature before confirming specimen inventory and transferring the eggs or embryos to their final storage destination inside a specialized storage tank.

If you choose to transport your specimens to TMRW, our care team guides you through every step of the shipping process, helping you coordinate with your fertility center and/or through a trusted third-party shipping provider. TMRW has local delivery options and partners with specialized medical couriers for shipping.

What does it cost to transport my frozen eggs or embryos? 

The cost to transport your specimens is typically based on mileage, weight, and the quantity of eggs or embryos within the shipping container. This cost can vary widely depending on the courier company of your choice, typically ranging from about $600-$1200.  For all Cofertility members who choose to store specimens with TMRW, shipping to TMRW is included in the storage fee. 

Does insurance cover specimen shipping and/or storage costs?

Typically, specimen shipping services and specimen storage fees are out-of-pocket expenses. However, some insurance providers are beginning to include specimen shipping and/or storage in their coverage. It's important to check with your insurance provider to see if these services are covered and/or eligible for reimbursement.

After my eggs and/or embryos are stored in long-term storage, what do I need to do to move them to the clinic of my choosing when I’m ready to use them for treatment?

When you decide to send your frozen eggs or embryos back to a fertility clinic for treatment, you will contact your long-term storage facility to initiate the transfer process. For Cofertility members storing specimens with TMRW, TMRW’s team will collaborate with the fertility clinic of your choice to coordinate the shipment, preparation, transfer, and tracking of the requested specimens.

For more information on TMRW Life Sciences, visit their website at https://tmrwlifesciences.com. For more information about the TMRW Biorepository, please visit their Frequently Asked Questions or complete an inquiry here.  

If you are a Cofertility member ready to transfer your frozen eggs or embryos to TMRW, you can begin the storage intake process here - don’t forget to use your preferred partnership discount code! 

La congelación de óvulos, también conocida como criopreservación de ovocitos, es un proceso donde se extraen, congelan y almacenan los óvulos de una mujer para su uso posterior. Esto permite a las mujeres preservar sus óvulos a su edad actual, potencialmente aumentando sus posibilidades de tener un hijo biológico en el futuro.

¡La congelación de óvulos es cada vez más común, con un aumento del 30% en los ciclos de congelación de óvulos solo de 2021 a 2022!

Soy la Dra. Meera Shah, certificada en Obstetricia y Ginecología y en Endocrinología Reproductiva (REI). He ayudado a innumerables mujeres a congelar sus óvulos como médica especialista en fertilidad y como Asesora Médica de Cofertility. Este artículo es una guía con todo lo que necesitas saber para tomar una decisión informada y segura sobre la congelación de óvulos.

Por qué las mujeres eligen congelar sus óvulos

Hay muchas razones por las que las mujeres optan por la congelación de óvulos. Estas son algunas de las razones más comunes que escuchamos:

• Enfoque en otras prioridades: Las mujeres que se centran en su carrera u objetivos personales pueden congelar sus óvulos hasta que estén listas para formar una familia.
• Esperar a la pareja adecuada: A medida que aumenta la edad promedio del primer matrimonio, algunas mujeres eligen congelar sus óvulos en lugar de apresurarse a casarse.
• Razones médicas: Las mujeres que enfrentan condiciones médicas o tratamientos que podrían afectar la fertilidad, como la quimioterapia o la radiación, pueden congelar sus óvulos antes de someterse a estos tratamientos.
• Predisposición genética: Las mujeres con antecedentes familiares de menopausia precoz pueden optar por congelar sus óvulos para asegurarse de tener óvulos viables para uso futuro.
• Tranquilidad mental: Algunas mujeres simplemente quieren la tranquilidad de saber que tienen un plan de respaldo para su fertilidad.

¿A qué edad deberías congelar tus óvulos?

No existe una edad perfecta para congelar tus óvulos. Sin embargo, cuanto más joven puedas hacerlo, mejor. Según la American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), el momento óptimo para congelar tus óvulos es en tus 20 y principios de los 30, mientras tienes una mayor reserva ovárica y los óvulos son más saludables.

Un extenso estudio de 2020 en una clínica de fertilidad especializada en esta área analizó los ciclos de congelación de óvulos de más de 1,200 personas. Comparó el número promedio de óvulos que las personas de diferentes edades pudieron congelar versus el número "óptimo" o meta de óvulos que deberían congelar. Este número meta se basó en cuántos óvulos les darían una tasa de nacimientos vivos del 70% después de hacer 1 o 2 ciclos de congelación de óvulos (esta tasa se calcula usando otros números y típicamente aumenta con la edad para compensar el menor número de óvulos saludables).

El estudio encontró que las personas más jóvenes, como era de esperar, tienen más facilidad para congelar el número meta de óvulos en un ciclo. A medida que las personas envejecían, necesitaban múltiples ciclos de congelación de óvulos para alcanzar ese número meta.

Lee más en What’s the Best Age to Freeze My Eggs?

Tasas de éxito de la congelación de óvulos por edad

Las tasas de éxito con la congelación de óvulos dependen de muchos factores: tu salud, tu reserva ovárica, tu respuesta a la medicación para la congelación de óvulos y la calidad de la clínica. Dicho esto, generalmente, las mujeres más jóvenes tienen tasas de éxito más altas debido a una mejor cantidad y calidad de óvulos.

Un estudio de 1,241 mujeres encontró que el número promedio de óvulos maduros recuperados en la primera ronda de congelación de óvulos fue: 

• 15 óvulos para mujeres menores de 35 años 
• 12 óvulos para mujeres de 35-37 años 
• 10 óvulos para mujeres de 38-40 años

‍Debido a que las mujeres en sus 30 tienden a producir menos óvulos, a esta edad es posible que tengas que conformarte con menos óvulos para congelar o someterte a múltiples rondas para recolectar suficientes óvulos para tener a mano para una implantación posterior. Como puedes imaginar, esos costos pueden aumentar cada vez más cuantas más rondas soportes.

Ahora, podrías estar pensando: ¿no son 14 óvulos muchos? Es cierto que los óvulos extraídos de mujeres menores de 36 años tendrán una tasa de supervivencia del 95 por ciento después de ser descongelados. Pero no todos los óvulos descongelados se convertirán en embriones viables y llevarán a un nacimiento vivo. La probabilidad de un nacimiento vivo varía con la edad de la mujer que intenta concebir y el número de óvulos maduros disponibles. En resumen, cuanto mayor sea la mujer, más óvulos se requieren para lograr una alta probabilidad de un nacimiento vivo.

Un estudio en el Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics respalda aún más este punto. Por ejemplo, una mujer menor de 35 años necesitará nueve óvulos para lograr una probabilidad del 70% de tener al menos un nacimiento vivo. Si estás tratando de concebir a mediados o finales de los 30, es posible que necesites el doble de óvulos para lograr esa misma tasa de éxito del 70%.

El óptimo numero de óvulos para congelar según tu edad

Diferentes personas tienen diferentes razones para congelar sus óvulos. Algunas pueden estar pensando en prolongar su fertilidad hacia el futuro. Otras pueden estar congelando algunos óvulos pero también esperando donar algunos óvulos para ayudar a otras familias a crecer, algo que se hace a través de nuestro programa Split, donde congelas gratis cuando donas la mitad de los óvulos a una familia que no puede concebir de otra manera.

De cualquier manera, los estudios han encontrado que el número óptimo de óvulos para congelar realmente depende de tu edad. Esto se debe a que el número de óvulos en el cuerpo no es lo único que disminuye a medida que envejeces: la calidad de los óvulos también disminuye, y la calidad de los óvulos es el factor número uno para determinar si un óvulo puede eventualmente resultar en un nacimiento vivo.

Aquí está el número de óvulos que querrás congelar según tu edad para obtener una tasa óptima de nacimientos vivos:

‍

¿Debería hacer múltiples extracciones de óvulos?

Si te has sometido a una ronda de congelación de óvulos y el número de óvulos que tu endocrinólogo reproductivo extrajo de tus ovarios no fue tan alto como esperabas, es posible que quieras hablar con ellos sobre intentarlo nuevamente. Un especialista en fertilidad puede ayudarte a hablar sobre todas tus opciones.

Técnicamente no hay límite en el número de rondas de congelación de óvulos que una persona puede someterse, pero no se recomienda que las donantes de óvulos se sometan a más de seis ciclos. Si esperas dividir tus óvulos con padres intencionales (donando la mitad de los óvulos extraídos) como parte de nuestro Programa Split, puedes encontrar que extracciones adicionales te ayudan a proporcionar la cantidad óptima de óvulos para un nacimiento vivo tanto para ti como para los padres intencionales también.

El número correcto de óvulos para congelar para tener múltiples hijos

Si estás planeando tener una familia numerosa algún día, es posible que quieras considerar el número de óvulos que se recomienda congelar para lograr un nacimiento vivo y hablar con tu REI sobre congelar más óvulos.

Como compartimos anteriormente, una mujer menor de 35 años necesitará congelar aproximadamente nueve óvulos para lograr una probabilidad del 70% de un embarazo exitoso y un nacimiento vivo. Si tienes menos de 35 años ahora y piensas que podrías querer usar óvulos congelados para concebir dos veces en tu futuro, querrás congelar cerca de 18 óvulos.

El número de óvulos necesarios aumentará con tu edad al momento de la extracción y el número de hijos que esperas tener a través de esos óvulos.

¿Los óvulos congelados garantizan un embarazo exitoso en el futuro?

Cuando intentas decidir si debes congelar tus óvulos, es importante saber que la congelación de óvulos no es una "póliza de seguro" para tu fertilidad. Si bien la congelación de óvulos puede quitarte algo del estrés de tener un bebé ahora mismo, no es una garantía de que tendrás un bebé en el futuro.

¿Por qué no? No todos los óvulos que se congelan serán realmente viables. Se espera que algunos óvulos no sobrevivan al proceso de calentamiento cuando llegue el momento de usar los óvulos. Además, las probabilidades de que los óvulos sean fertilizados exitosamente dependen de varios factores, incluida tu edad cuando los congelaste.

Esto no es para influir en tu decisión de una manera u otra. En última instancia, solo tú y tu médico pueden decidir si la congelación de óvulos es la decisión correcta para ti. Pero es importante saber que no está destinado a ser un trato hecho. A medida que la congelación de óvulos se ha vuelto más popular, muchas empresas pasarán por alto este hecho. No creemos que eso sea correcto y queremos ser directos contigo desde el principio.

Congelar tus óvulos cuando no estás segura si quieres tener hijos

Quizás el mayor beneficio de la congelación de óvulos es que pone el poder de decisión completamente en tus manos. Ya sea que estés congelando tus óvulos porque quieres centrarte en tu carrera o estás a punto de someterte a un tratamiento médico que puede afectar tu fertilidad más adelante, o estás esperando encontrar a la pareja adecuada, congelar tus óvulos te permite preservar parte de tu fertilidad de forma independiente.

Si bien es posible que no estés segura acerca de tener hijos hoy, si decides que quieres tener hijos más adelante, especialmente si estás a mediados o finales de los treinta, tener óvulos congelados aumentará las posibilidades de que puedas hacerlo.

Debes saber esto: la mayoría de las personas no se arrepienten de su procedimiento de extracción de óvulos. Analizamos cinco estudios sobre la congelación de óvulos. Las tasas de arrepentimiento reportadas en estos estudios variaron, probablemente debido al tamaño de la muestra, el diseño del estudio y el período de seguimiento. Sin embargo, tomados en conjunto, estos estudios sugieren que la gran mayoría de quienes congelan sus óvulos no tienen ningún arrepentimiento.

También parece haber factores que reducen las posibilidades de arrepentimiento, incluido sentirse completamente informada de antemano y recibir el apoyo adecuado durante el proceso de congelación de óvulos. En otras palabras, si te tomas el tiempo para pensar bien las cosas y te sientes apoyada durante todo el proceso, es menos probable que te arrepientas de tomar esta decisión por ti misma.

El proceso de congelación de óvulos: paso a paso

El proceso de congelación de óvulos es un viaje de aproximadamente dos semanas. Trabajarás estrechamente con un REI y el equipo de la clínica durante todo el proceso.

Aquí hay un desglose detallado de lo que puedes esperar de principio a fin y más allá:

1. Estimulación ovárica: Tomarás medicamentos hormonales para estimular tus ovarios para que produzcan múltiples óvulos, y tendrás múltiples citas de monitoreo y análisis de sangre para ver cómo están madurando los óvulos. 
2. Extracción de óvulos: Tus óvulos serán extraídos a través de un procedimiento quirúrgico menor usando guía por ultrasonido. 
3. Vitrificación: Tus óvulos serán congelados rápidamente usando una técnica llamada vitrificación, que ayuda a preservar su calidad. 
4. Almacenamiento: Tus óvulos congelados serán almacenados en una instalación segura hasta que estés lista para usarlos. 
5. Descongelación y fertilización: Cuando estés lista para concebir, tus óvulos serán descongelados, fertilizados con esperma (ya sea de tu pareja o de un donante) y transferidos a tu útero.

Directorio de Médicos de Fertilidad Hispanohablantes en los Estados Unidos

¿La congelación de óvulos dañará mi fertilidad futura?

La congelación de óvulos en realidad rescata todos los otros óvulos que tu cuerpo de otro modo permitiría morir durante un ciclo menstrual normal. Por lo tanto, el proceso de congelación de óvulos no quita nada de tu reserva de óvulos, ¡en realidad te ayuda a conservar algunos óvulos adicionales! Y dado que durante cada ciclo, tu cuerpo pasa por el proceso de ovulación nuevamente con un nuevo conjunto de óvulos compitiendo, tus posibilidades de quedar embarazada sin asistencia en el futuro tampoco se ven afectadas por la congelación de óvulos.

Lo que sí hace la congelación de óvulos es darte opciones adicionales para cuando estés lista para comenzar a formar tu familia.

¿Es segura la congelación de óvulos?

Como cualquier otro procedimiento, existen riesgos y efectos secundarios al congelar óvulos, incluidos los riesgos de la anestesia, sangrado, dolor e infección. Afortunadamente, la mayoría de las personas que lo atraviesan lidian con efectos secundarios durante unos pocos días como máximo. Cuando se trata de los ovarios mismos, generalmente se recuperan rápidamente. Los datos generales indican que los riesgos potenciales de complicaciones quirúrgicas por la extracción de óvulos son generalmente muy pequeños. Sin embargo, en personas con antecedentes de endometriosis, enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica, adherencias pélvicas o cirugía pélvica previa, los riesgos aumentan ligeramente, así que asegúrate de hablar con tu médico sobre tu historial médico si te encuentras en alguna de estas categorías.

Congelación de óvulos frente a congelación de embriones

Hay una diferencia importante entre congelar óvulos y congelar embriones. Cuando congelas tus óvulos, permanecen sin fertilizar. Todos sabemos que para tener un bebé, necesitas un óvulo y un espermatozoide porque cada uno proporciona la mitad del material necesario. Por sí solo, un óvulo no puede funcionar (y tampoco un espermatozoide).

Un embrión, por otro lado, es un óvulo que ya ha sido fertilizado por un espermatozoide. Una vez que se combinan, el óvulo y el espermatozoide se convierten en una sola célula. Durante los siguientes tres a cuatro días, el embrión se divide varias veces, pasando de una a dos a cuatro a ocho células, y así sucesivamente hasta que alcanza la etapa de blastocisto y está listo para ser congelado. Una vez que un embrión se ha desarrollado, no hay vuelta atrás, es decir, no hay forma de convertir ese embrión nuevamente en un óvulo y espermatozoide separados.

Si no sabes con quién quieres tener hijos, entonces congelar tus óvulos puede ser el mejor enfoque. Esta opción te da la libertad de posponer pensar en tener un bebé hasta que hayas conocido a alguien o estés lista para elegir un donante de esperma.

Por otro lado, si actualmente estás con una pareja con quien sabes que te gustaría tener hijos pero ahora no es el momento adecuado, entonces los embriones congelados podrían ser el camino a seguir con el objetivo de una futura transferencia de embriones. La advertencia aquí es estar 100% segura; estrellas como Sofia Vergara y más recientemente, Anna Kendrick, han tenido problemas después de congelar embriones con parejas con las que no terminaron.

Lee más en Should I Freeze Eggs or Embryos?

Aprende más sobre “Egg Sharing”

Los programas de compartir óvulos existen en todo el mundo para ayudar a hacer más accesible la atención de la fertilidad. Compartir óvulos es cuando una mujer se somete a una extracción de óvulos, y algunos de los óvulos resultantes se donan a una familia que no puede concebir de otra manera.

En el programa Split de Cofertility, las mujeres pueden congelar sus óvulos gratis cuando donan la mitad de los óvulos extraídos a una familia que no puede concebir de otra manera.

Pregúntanos lo que sea

Si deseas ayuda para determinar cuándo congelar tus óvulos, puedes contactarnos para obtener más información. Si bien el camino de preservación de la fertilidad de cada mujer es diferente, podemos conectarte con clínicas de buena reputación que pueden ofrecerte orientación básica sobre cuándo es el momento adecuado para que congeles tus óvulos durante una consulta o profundizar en detalles mediante un examen preliminar en el consultorio de un proveedor.

Entendemos que el momento puede no ser el adecuado para que comiences una familia ahora, pero eso no significa que sea demasiado temprano para comenzar a pensar en qué opciones estarán disponibles para ti cuando llegue ese momento. Como puedes ver, hay mucho que considerar al prepararse para un proceso de extracción de óvulos. Cuanto antes consideres tu fertilidad, más opciones tendrás.

Ya sea que decidas congelar o no, estamos aquí para ti para responder cualquier pregunta o discutir cualquier inquietud.

Directorio de Médicos de Fertilidad Hispanohablantes en los Estados Unidos

Written by Dr. Meera Shah
Translated by Member Advocate Xilo Vasquez

Egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to preserve their fertility, whether for medical reasons, personal timing, or future family planning. The process, known as oocyte cryopreservation, offers hope and flexibility, but it’s not without its uncertainties. One common question we hear is: Why do some frozen eggs not survive the thaw? It’s a great question, and understanding the answer requires a look at the science behind egg freezing, the challenges of the process, and the factors that influence success rates.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why some eggs don’t make it through the thawing process, what happens during freezing and thawing, and how advancements in technology are improving outcomes. We’ll also discuss what you can do to set yourself up for the best possible results. While egg freezing is a powerful tool, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the process.

The basics of egg freezing and thawing

Egg freezing involves carefully extracting eggs from the ovaries, cooling them to sub-zero temperatures, and storing them for future use. The goal is to preserve the eggs in their current state, effectively hitting the “pause” button on those specific eggs. When you’re ready to use them, the eggs are thawed, fertilized, and transferred as embryos in the hopes of achieving a pregnancy.

The freezing process itself has come a long way. In the past, a method called slow freezing was used, but it often led to the formation of ice crystals, which could damage the eggs. Today, most clinics use a technique called vitrification, which flash-freezes the eggs so quickly that ice crystals don’t have time to form. This method has significantly improved survival rates, but it’s not foolproof.

What percent of eggs make it through the thaw?

What what are the chances your eggs will survive the thaw? The answer isn’t straightforward, as survival rates can vary based on several factors, including the clinic’s expertise, the age of the eggs, and the freezing method used. 

Overall, the survival rate when thawing frozen eggs using vitrification is 95%. This is a significant improvement over older methods like slow freezing, which had survival rates closer to 75%. Vitrification’s rapid cooling process minimizes the risk of ice crystal formation, which is a major cause of egg damage during freezing and thawing.

Why some eggs don’t survive the thaw

In general, thaw rates are very good these days. However, they aren’t the same for everyone. Even with the advancements in vitrification, not all eggs make it through the thawing process. Here are some of the key reasons why:

• The fragility of eggs: Human eggs are among the largest cells in the body and contain a high amount of water. This makes them particularly sensitive to temperature changes. During freezing and thawing, the egg’s structure can be compromised, leading to damage that prevents it from surviving.
• Age and quality of the eggs: The quality of the eggs at the time of freezing plays a significant role in their survival. Younger eggs, typically from women in their 20s and early 30s, tend to have better survival rates than those from older individuals. This is because younger eggs are more likely to have intact DNA and cellular structures, which are better able to withstand the stresses of freezing and thawing.
• Laboratory quality: The process of freezing and thawing eggs is highly technical and requires precision. Even small errors in the timing, temperature, or handling of the eggs can impact their viability. Clinics with experienced embryologists and state-of-the-art equipment tend to have higher success rates.

Survival rates can and do vary between clinics. Clinics with highly skilled embryologists and advanced technology often report higher success rates. Some top-tier fertility clinics report near perfect survival rates for eggs frozen using vitrification. This is why it’s so important to choose a clinic with a strong track record and transparent data.

What happens after the eggs are thawed

Surviving the thaw is just the first step. After thawing, the eggs must be fertilized, develop into healthy embryos, and successfully implant in the uterus. Estimates vary, but according to UCLA Health the overall chance of a pregnancy is between 4-12% per oocyte per thawed egg, depending on factors like age, sperm quality, and clinic expertise. This means that while most eggs survive the thaw, not all will result in a successful pregnancy.

To put this into perspective, if you freeze 10 eggs, you might expect 8-9 to survive the thaw. Of those, only a portion may fertilize and develop into viable embryos. Your fertility doctor can work with you to determine the ideal number of eggs to freeze to increase the likelihood of achieving a pregnancy in the future.

While these numbers might feel daunting, it’s important to remember that egg freezing is still one of the most effective ways to preserve fertility, especially for those who freeze their eggs at a younger age. Advances in technology and clinic expertise continue to improve outcomes, offering hope and options for those planning for their future families.

What you can do to improve your chances

While some factors, like age, are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of success:

• Choose the right clinic: Research clinics thoroughly and choose one with a strong track record in egg freezing and thawing.
• Freeze your eggs sooner rather than later: The younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the better their quality and survival rate.
• Follow your clinic’s instructions: During the egg retrieval process, follow your clinic’s guidelines for medications, diet, and lifestyle to ensure the best possible egg quality.
• Consider undergoing multiple cycles: The more eggs you freeze, the higher your chances of having viable eggs after thawing. 

Read more in How to Increase Egg Freezing Chances of Success

The future of egg freezing technology

While egg freezing has come a long way, there’s still room for improvement. Researchers are continually working on new techniques to improve survival rates and make the process more reliable. For example, some studies are exploring the use of different cryoprotectants or modified freezing protocols to further reduce the risk of damage.

Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are also being applied to fertility treatments. These technologies could help embryologists better predict which eggs are most likely to survive freezing and thawing, leading to more personalized and effective treatments.

Final thoughts

Egg freezing offers hope and flexibility for those looking to preserve their fertility, but it’s not without its challenges. Understanding why some eggs don’t survive the thaw can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations. By choosing a reputable clinic, freezing your eggs at a younger age, and staying informed about the process, you can improve your chances of success.

While the science of egg freezing continues to evolve, it’s important to remember that every individual’s experience is unique. If you’re considering egg freezing, take the time to consult with a fertility specialist, ask questions, and weigh your options carefully. With the right information and support, you can make the best choice for your future.

Freeze your eggs with Cofertility

We’d love the opportunity to support you on your egg freezing journey.

Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.

Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.

By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.

Thanks to developments in medical technology, a growing emphasis on reproductive autonomy (thank goodness), and opportunities like our Split program, egg freezing is now more accessible than ever. However, the financial commitment doesn’t stop with the initial freezing process. A key consideration is the long-term cost of storing frozen eggs, an important component of financial planning for those pursuing egg freezing.

Understanding frozen egg storage costs can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive future. Whether you're considering freezing your eggs now or managing storage costs from a previous cycle, knowing the financial breakdown can ensure better long-term planning. After all, these days, frozen eggs can be stored indefinitely. 

Below, we explore the typical expenses associated with frozen egg storage and the factors that can affect these costs. One note: this article contains figures provided at the time of writing, and they may all be subject to change over time. 

Average costs of egg storage

Retrieving and freezing your eggs is just the beginning. Once frozen, your eggs will need to be stored, and the cost of egg storage can vary widely depending on the facility, location, and other factors. Here's a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay for storing your frozen eggs:

Annual egg storage fees

On average, storage fees for frozen eggs can range from $500 to $1,000 per year. These fees cover the ongoing maintenance of your eggs at sub-zero temperatures in a cryobank or fertility clinic. Some clinics in major metropolitan areas may charge upwards of $1,200 per year, while smaller clinics or cryobanks in less populated regions may offer more affordable rates.

Many facilities offer discounts for pre-paying for several years of storage upfront. These long-term storage plans may reduce the yearly cost to around $400 to $700 per year, depending on the contract length. Typically, clinics offer 3-to 10-year prepaid storage options, with deeper discounts for more extended commitments.

You also have the option of working directly with a long-term storage facility. Cofertility partners with TMRW Life Sciences, which offer our members – regardless of where they froze their eggs – discounted long-term storage rates (more on that below!).

Transportation costs 

In addition to the annual fees, there may be other costs to consider, such as the cost to transport your eggs to a different facility or clinic. Moving frozen eggs between storage facilities, either across town or internationally, can cost up to $1,500, depending on the logistics involved.

Factors affecting egg storage costs

Several factors influence the total cost of storing your eggs. Here's a look at the most common elements that determine frozen egg storage pricing:

Geographic location

Like most medical or cryopreservation services, egg storage costs vary significantly depending on the location of the cryobank or fertility clinic. Facilities in major cities tend to charge more due to higher operational costs. In contrast, clinics in smaller towns or rural areas may offer more affordable rates. Women freezing their eggs in cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles may see storage fees at the higher end of the spectrum, while facilities in less densely populated areas might provide more budget-friendly options.

Type of egg storage facility

‍The type of facility storing your eggs also plays a role in the cost. Fertility clinics, dedicated cryobanks, and hospital-affiliated storage facilities all have different pricing structures. Fertility clinics often charge more for egg storage, as they may outsource the service to third-party cryobanks and tack on additional fees. Dedicated cryobanks, such as TMRW Life Sciences, may offer better deals, especially if they specialize in long-term storage. Hospitals with fertility departments may provide storage, but the costs can vary significantly depending on their resources and expertise in fertility preservation.

Storage duration

The length of time you store your eggs also impacts the total cost. As mentioned earlier, many facilities offer discounts for long-term storage commitments, with prepaid plans that can save you money over time. If you expect to store your eggs for five years or more, opting for a multi-year plan may be a smart financial decision.

Additional services

Some clinics or cryobanks charge extra fees for services like annual maintenance, insurance, or egg retrieval for future use. These services can add hundreds of dollars to your overall storage costs, so it's essential to ask about all potential fees upfront when choosing a storage facility.

One note: check with your clinic to see if the number of eggs stored (or number of cycles) will impact your annual storage fees. It generally doesn’t, but worth confirming directly. 

Tips for managing egg storage costs

While egg storage costs can add up over time, there are several strategies you can use to manage these expenses more effectively:

Shop around

Don’t assume you must store your eggs at the same fertility clinic where they were frozen. In fact, many fertility clinics send eggs to third-party cryobanks for storage and may charge an additional fee for this service. It's worth researching local cryobanks and comparing their rates directly, as this could save you money. If you’re interested in learning more about storage with TMRW, Cofertilty’s team can get you connected directly. 

Consider bundled packages

Some clinics offer bundled packages that include both the egg freezing process and a certain number of years of storage at a discounted rate. If you're just beginning the egg freezing process, ask about package deals that could save you money on storage costs in the long run.

Explore financial assistance options

There are several grants, financing programs, and payment plans designed to help women cover the costs of egg freezing and storage. For example, organizations like Baby Quest and the Cade Foundation offer grants for fertility preservation, while some clinics may provide in-house financing options. We’ve actually got a whole article about various ways to pay for egg freezing, which you can find here. 

Our programs

We offer our members ways to help reduce or eliminate storage costs altogether. With our Split program, where you freeze your eggs for free when donating half of the mature eggs retrieved, storage is entirely free for 10 years. Alternatively, the Keep program allows you to freeze all of your eggs for your own future use, while still accessing discounted rates for storage through Cofertility’s partnership with TMRW Life Sciences. 

Cofertility’s partnership with TMRW Life Sciences

We’ve partnered with TMRW Life Sciences to offer our community exclusive storage rates, helping to save thousands on frozen egg storage costs. TMRW’s state-of-the-art facility provides unparalleled transparency, safety, and accountability, using advanced digital labeling and RFID tracking technology to monitor the storage of your frozen eggs continuously. 

With TMRW, you also have constant access to data about your eggs, so you can feel confident that they are being stored securely and safely.

Summing it up

Egg storage costs are an often overlooked part of the overall financial planning process when considering egg freezing. From annual storage fees to potential transportation costs, it's important to understand all the factors that contribute to the total cost of egg freezing. 

By exploring different storage options, taking advantage of bundled packages, and considering innovative opportunities like our Split and Keep programs, you can manage your egg storage costs more effectively while safeguarding your reproductive future.

To learn more about our Split program and see if you qualify, click here!

Read More:

• Egg Freezing: How Long Can My Eggs Be Stored?
• What Happens to My Eggs After Egg Freezing?
• What Happens to My Frozen Eggs if I Never Use Them?
• How to Pay for Egg Freezing

As women, we are often tasked with making complex decisions about our bodies, our health, and our future. Among the myriad of choices, one of the most significant is the decision of whether or not to freeze our eggs. But once you've made the decision and plan to go through the process, you now may be wondering, "What exactly happens to my eggs after I freeze them? Where do they go? How long can they remain frozen?"

Egg freezing, also called oocyte cryopreservation, offers a chance to focus on other stuff now while planning for your future family. But how does it work, and what happens to your precious eggs once they are safely frozen? Let's delve into this fascinating, sometimes bewildering world of fertility preservation.

The egg freezing process: a quick recap

Before we venture further, let's refresh our understanding of the egg freezing process. It starts with hormone injections that stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure, and once retrieved, they are immediately frozen in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Following the retrieval and freezing process, your eggs are stored in a secure and carefully monitored cryo-storage facility. 

Egg freezing and preservation

Vitrification is a newer and more effective method of freezing eggs that has largely replaced older methods such as slow freezing. With vitrification, eggs are quickly frozen using a high concentration of cryoprotectants and then plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. This process creates a glass-like state that preserves the eggs in a nearly perfect condition. In fact, vitrification ensures a very high rate of survival of the eggs, typically 95% or above.

Compared to slow freezing, which can damage the eggs and reduce their viability, vitrification has a higher success rate of producing healthy embryos for later use. It has become the preferred method of egg freezing for most fertility clinics and has allowed more patients to successfully preserve their fertility.

If you have any doubts about your clinic, you can ask them what type of method they use for egg freezing. It's important to do your research and choose a reputable fertility clinic with experience in vitrification if you're considering egg freezing.

Long-term storage and monitoring

Once the eggs are frozen, they are stored in liquid nitrogen. Some clinics keep those frozen eggs stored at an onsite lab, but in most cases they are shipped to an offsite facility. As soon as you’re ready to use them, they can be safely shipped back. 

In either case, the frozen eggs' care doesn't end at storage. They are monitored regularly to ensure the liquid nitrogen levels remain constant, and the facility's temperature control and security systems are working correctly. A well-maintained facility prioritizes meticulous record-keeping, tracking the storage duration and any other pertinent details about each egg. 

Cofertility members can take advantage of our partnership with TMRW Life Sciences, a fertility technology company that has developed the world's first automated solution for storing and managing frozen eggs and embryos. 

TMRW's technology platform digitally identifies, tracks, monitors and stores patients' frozen eggs and embryos with safety, accuracy, efficiency and transparency. TMRW's platform sets a new standard of care by reducing potential points of failure by 94% compared with manual systems.

So what is TMRW doing differently? 

• Digital labeling - instead of handwritten labels, TMRW uses digital labeling and RFID tracking. With this tracking system, clinics always know exactly where your eggs and embryos are and can easily find them when you’re ready to use them.
• Automated management - instead of relying on manual processes, TMRW has a new fully-automated digital system that helps eliminate 94% of potential failure points
• Real-time inventory - TMRW has gone the extra mile by creating a 24/7 cloud-based monitoring system with real-time inventory updates to provide new levels of safety, transparency, and peace of mind. 
• Active monitoring - TMRW provides 24/7 digital monitoring (thousands of daily checks!) and expert human oversight to identify potential issues before they become a problem.

Will my eggs survive the thaw?

Several factors can impact the success of egg thawing, including your age when the eggs are frozen, the number and quality of the eggs, the technique used to freeze the eggs, and the quality of the clinic’s laboratory. 

The quality of the eggs is also a crucial factor in egg thawing. Good quality eggs have a higher chance of survival and fertilization. However, even with good quality eggs, there is no guarantee of success, and the process may need to be repeated to achieve pregnancy.

If and when you decide to use them

When you decide the time is right to use your frozen eggs, they are thawed in the lab using a warming solution. 

But keep in mind that thawing is just the first part. The eggs will then need to be fertilized with sperm and grown into embryos. The surviving eggs are then fertilized using a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.

After fertilization, the resulting embryos are monitored for a few days as they begin to develop. The most viable embryos are then transferred to your uterus in a procedure similar to a pap smear. If successful, the embryo implants in your uterus and grows, leading to pregnancy.

Generally, the younger you are when freezing your eggs, the better the chances of success. Eggs frozen in your late 20s or early 30s have a higher chance of survival and successful fertilization compared to those frozen in your late 30s or 40s.

If you decide NOT to use them

What if, down the line, you decide not to use your eggs, or you have more than you need? 

One study of egg freezing patients at UCSF found that 89% believed they would be glad they froze their eggs, even if they never used them to conceive a child. So if you don't end up needing your frozen eggs down the line, there are a few options for what to do with them.

• Keep them in storage. Most storage facilities offer long-term storage options (our partnership with TMRW includes plans up to 10-years long), allowing you to keep your eggs frozen for as many years as  necessary. This may be a good option if you're not yet ready to use the eggs but want to keep them as a backup plan.
• Donate the eggs to someone else who may need them. Egg donation is a process of donating eggs to another person or couple who needs them, such as LGBTQ+ families or those suffering from infertility. This can be a wonderful gift for those who may not be able to have a child otherwise. If you go through our Split program, you will have already been cleared as a donor and can easily donate these additional eggs. If you’re not part of the Split program but think you may be interested in this down the line, talk to your doctor as they may be able to do some additional donor-related screening during your egg freezing process. 
• Dispose of them.  If you decide that you no longer need your frozen eggs and don't want to continue storing them or donate them, simply request that they are disposed of by the clinic or storage facility.
• Donate to science. Many research studies rely on donated eggs to investigate new techniques and treatments for infertility. Ask your clinic if this is an option.

Emotional considerations

Aside from the practical aspects, it's important to acknowledge the emotional journey involved in egg freezing. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions – relief, hope, anxiety, or even sadness. Know that these feelings are common and valid. Don't hesitate to seek support, be it from a trusted friend, family member, a professional counselor, or the Cofertility community.

Summing it up

The journey of your eggs from freezing to potential future use is complex and exciting, underscored by sophisticated science and meticulous care. Deciding to freeze your eggs can be an empowering choice, giving you autonomy over your fertility and future family planning. Knowing what happens to your eggs after freezing them can provide comfort and clarity as you navigate your fertility journey.

In the end, egg freezing is an investment in your future, offering an opportunity to expand your family when the time is right for you. It's a testament to the advancements in reproductive science and a tool for you to take control of your fertility. Trust in the process, seek support when needed, and above all, know that your choices are valid, and your feelings are heard. After all, the journey to parenthood, in whatever form it takes, is a voyage of hope, love, and extraordinary potential.

If you’re ready to freeze your eggs, we’re here to help. Reach out or learn more about our Freeze program.

Read more:

• Egg Freezing: How Long Can My Eggs Be Stored?
• Egg Freezing Thaw Rates
• When Should I Freeze My Eggs?

The ability to freeze human eggs has been a major breakthrough in reproductive technology. It has provided egg freezers with the option to delay childbearing, preserve their fertility in the face of medical conditions or treatments, and allow them to focus on their careers or personal goals without feeling the pressure of the "biological clock." However, many people wonder how long they can actually keep their frozen eggs in storage. In this article, we'll explore this question in more detail.

First off, what even is egg freezing?

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process where a patient’s eggs are extracted from the ovaries, frozen, and stored for later use. This procedure is typically done for those who want to preserve their fertility but are not yet ready to have children. It may also be recommended for patients who are facing medical treatments that could affect their fertility, such as chemotherapy.

The process of egg freezing typically involves hormone treatments to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in one cycle. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved using a needle that is inserted through the vaginal wall under ultrasound guidance. The eggs are then frozen and stored in a special solution until they are ready to be used.

When you’re ready to use the frozen eggs, they are thawed and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory using a technique called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The resulting embryos are then implanted into the uterus (either yours, your partner’s, or the uterus of a gestational carrier) in the hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy.

What is vitrification?

Vitrification is a newer and more effective method of freezing eggs that has largely replaced older methods such as slow freezing. With vitrification, eggs are quickly frozen using a high concentration of cryoprotectants and then plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. This process creates a glass-like state that preserves the eggs in a nearly perfect condition. In fact, vitrification ensures a very high rate of survival of the eggs, typically 95% or above.

Compared to slow freezing, which can damage the eggs and reduce their viability, vitrification has a higher success rate of producing healthy embryos for later use. It has become the preferred method of egg freezing for most fertility clinics and has allowed more patients to successfully preserve their fertility.

If you have any doubts about your clinic, you can ask them what type of method they use for egg freezing. It's important to do your research and choose a reputable fertility clinic with experience in vitrification if you're considering egg freezing.

So, how long can I keep my eggs in storage?

The length of time that frozen human eggs can be stored depends on several factors, including the quality of the eggs, the storage method used, and the regulations of the country or state where the eggs are being stored.

Scientifically, if you work with a good clinic in the United States using vitrification, you can keep them stored indefinitely. However, some countries, such as the United Kingdom have a cap on the number of years you can store eggs (for the UK, it’s now 55 years). Currently there is no limit in the United States.

Typically, I see patients that store their eggs for two to five years. With newer freezing methods, such as vitrification (described above), the chances of damage during storage are usually quite low.

How much will it cost to store my eggs?

The cost of storing frozen eggs varies based on the location of the storage facility, the amount of time you pay for (you can often get discounts for paying for more years upfront), and the transportation fees between the storage facility and your clinic. Egg storage is usually an out-of-pocket expense, ranging from $500 to $1,500 per year.

If you become a Split member at Cofertility, you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. In this program, the cost of egg storage is completely covered for up to 10 years.

When should I plan on freezing my eggs?

The ideal time to freeze your eggs depends on a lot of things… including your age now, your overall health, and your personal goals.

Generally, I advise patients to consider freezing their eggs before the age of 35. This is because fertility declines as you get older, as the quality and quantity of eggs decrease. By freezing your eggs at a younger age, you may be able to preserve a greater number of healthy eggs for future use. It’s a bigger bang for your buck. 

However, every situation is unique, and there may be individual factors that influence your decision to freeze eggs at an earlier or later age. For example, if you have a medical condition or are undergoing a treatment that may affect your fertility, your doctor may recommend freezing your eggs earlier than age 35.

It's also important to consider your personal goals and timeline for starting a family. If you're not yet ready to have children but know that you want to in the future, freezing your eggs at an earlier age may give you more flexibility and options down the road.

Read more in When Should I Freeze My Eggs?

What happens if I don’t need the eggs down the line?

One study of egg freezing patients at UCSF found that 89% believed they would be glad they froze their eggs, even if they never used them to conceive a child. If you don't end up needing your frozen eggs down the line, there are a few options for what to do with them.

• Keep them in storage. Most storage facilities offer long-term storage options, allowing you to keep your eggs frozen for many years if necessary. This may be a good option if you're not yet ready to use the eggs but want to keep them as a backup plan.
• Donate the eggs to someone else who may need them. Egg donation is a process of donating eggs to another person or couple who needs them, such as LGBTQ+ families or those suffering from infertility. This can be a wonderful gift for those who may not be able to have a child otherwise.
• Dispose of them.  If you decide that you no longer need your frozen eggs and don't want to continue storing them or donate them, simply request that they are disposed of by the clinic or storage facility.
• Donate to science. Many research studies rely on donated eggs to investigate new techniques and treatments for infertility. Ask your clinic if this is an option.

What happens to my frozen eggs if I die?

This is something you will determine with the clinic before your egg retrieval procedure as part of your egg freezing agreement. If you have frozen eggs and pass away, the fate of your eggs will depend on this agreement. The options are generally that they are designated a beneficiary (such as your partner if you are married at the time), or discarded. 

If for some reason you didn’t state your preference up front, your eggs will likely become part of your estate and subject to the same rules and regulations as other assets you may leave behind. 

Summing it up

Newer egg freezing technology allows human eggs to be frozen indefinitely, although some countries like the UK have a limit of 55 years. Vitrification preserves the eggs in a nearly perfect condition, with a very high rate of survival of 95% or above.

While you can technically store eggs for your entire lifetime, it may get expensive. At some point, you may decide that you don’t want to use those eggs for yourself and instead donate them to another family, donate them to science, or have them discarded. Ultimately, the decision of how long to store your frozen eggs should be based on your personal goals and circumstances.