Embryo freezing, also known as cryopreservation, offers individuals and couples a pathway to preserve their reproductive potential. This process involves carefully freezing fertilized eggs, or embryos, for future use in fertility treatments. It has become a widely adopted option for family planning, allowing people to delay parenthood or safeguard fertility before medical treatments that might affect it.
Duration of Embryo Freezing
Embryos can remain viable for extended periods when stored correctly through cryopreservation. The cryopreservation process effectively pauses biological activity, meaning embryos can be stored indefinitely. Successful pregnancies have been reported with embryos frozen for over 20 years, with one notable case in 2020 involving an embryo frozen for 27 years.
The most common method, vitrification, involves rapidly cooling embryos in liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees Celsius, preventing damaging ice crystal formation. This process replaces water within the embryo cells with a protective fluid. While there is no known biological expiration date, some regions have regulatory frameworks that may impose legal limits on storage duration, such as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act in the UK.
Financial Considerations for Embryo Storage
Keeping embryos frozen involves several financial considerations beyond the initial fertility treatment. Annual storage fees are a primary ongoing cost, varying significantly based on the clinic’s location and reputation. These fees typically range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per year. Some clinics may offer discounted rates for multi-year storage packages.
Additional costs arise if individuals decide to use the embryos, including thawing and transfer procedures. Thawing an embryo generally has a high survival rate, but the subsequent transfer procedure incurs separate fees for associated medical and laboratory work. Initial freezing costs, if not part of a broader IVF cycle package, also contribute to the overall expense. Insurance coverage for embryo storage and subsequent procedures is often limited, requiring individuals to bear these costs out-of-pocket.
Deciding on Continued Embryo Storage
The decision to continue storing embryos involves a complex interplay of personal, medical, and ethical considerations. Family planning goals often evolve, and what seemed like a clear path initially may change over time, prompting a reevaluation of embryo storage. The age of the intended parent(s) can also influence this decision, as success rates for frozen embryo transfers are generally higher with embryos created from younger eggs.
Success rates with frozen embryos, which can be comparable to fresh embryo transfers, are a practical consideration, influencing the perceived value of continued storage. The emotional impact of having embryos in storage, whether it brings peace of mind or a sense of burden, plays a significant role in the decision-making process. Clinics often require periodic reviews to confirm storage intentions and discuss future plans, facilitating an informed decision.
Options for Stored Embryos
Once a decision about the future of stored embryos is made, several pathways are available. One option is to use them for future reproductive cycles, undergoing a frozen embryo transfer procedure to attempt pregnancy. This is a common choice for individuals and couples still pursuing biological children.
Another possibility is to donate the embryos to other individuals or couples, offering them a chance to build their families. This altruistic option requires careful consideration and often involves legal and psychological counseling. Embryos can also be donated for scientific research, contributing to advancements in reproductive medicine and understanding human development. The final option is to discard the embryos, often chosen when family building is complete or no longer desired.