Embarking on the journey of embryo freezing can feel like a big step, especially when you’re faced with the costs involved. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the process and provide a clear picture of what to expect financially.
What is Embryo Freezing?
Embryo freezing is a way for couples or co-parents to preserve their fertility, allowing you to focus on important aspects of life while keeping the option of starting a family open for the future. The process involves undergoing an IVF cycle where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized in a lab, and developed into embryos that are then frozen for later use.
Why Freeze Embryos?
As time passes, fertility tends to decline for both men and women. For women, the quality and quantity of eggs decrease, making it harder to conceive. Men may experience lower sperm motility, which can affect fertilization. If you’re in a committed relationship or planning to co-parent, freezing embryos can provide peace of mind, giving you the flexibility to start a family when the time is right.
The Embryo Freezing Process
To help you understand the costs involved, let’s break down the steps in the embryo freezing process:
- Fertility Assessment: Your journey starts with a fertility assessment. This includes tests like the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) blood test and an antral follicle count (AFC) trans-vaginal scan for women, and a semen analysis for men. These tests gauge your fertility health and readiness for treatment.
- Ovarian Stimulation: Next, you’ll undergo ovarian stimulation — the most hands-on part of the process. You’ll be prescribed medication to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs over a span of 10 to 14 days.
- Monitoring Scans: Regular scans will track the growth of your follicles, helping us determine the optimal time for egg retrieval.
- Egg Retrieval: Once your eggs are ready, you’ll receive a trigger injection and come in for a minor 15-20 minute procedure where the eggs are collected under mild sedation.
- Fertilization: On retrieval day, your partner or co-parent will provide a fresh sperm sample. The sperm is either mixed with the eggs or, in cases of male infertility, a single sperm may be injected directly into an egg.
- Embryo Development: The fertilized eggs, now embryos, will be monitored in a special incubator until they reach the blastocyst stage after about 5-6 days.
- Freezing: Healthy embryos are then frozen using a rapid freezing method called vitrification, preserving their quality for future use.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s a typical breakdown of costs for an embryo freezing cycle:
- Fertility Assessment: £590 (includes tests for both partners)
- Embryo Freezing Cycle: £5,195 (covers retrieval, fertilization, and freezing)
- Storage Fee: £370 (annual fee for embryo storage)
Keep in mind that medication costs will vary based on individual needs. Your fertility specialist will provide a detailed overview during your consultation.
Factors Influencing Costs
Various elements, such as your age, the type of medications required, and the number of cycles needed, can affect the overall cost. It’s essential to discuss these factors with your specialist to understand your specific situation.
Payment Options for Embryo Freezing
We strive to make our services accessible. You can consider different funding options, including self-funding or NHS funding, typically available only for specific medical conditions.
If you’re interested in more information about fertility, check out this other blog post about skincare routines for different skin types, which can be a nice distraction during your fertility journey. Additionally, if you’re looking for at-home options, this resource is a great option. For further insights on fertility treatments, visit March of Dimes.
Summary
Embryo freezing is a significant decision that involves several steps and costs. A fertility assessment typically costs £590, while the freezing cycle can reach around £5,195, plus an annual storage fee of £370. Various factors can influence these costs, so discussing your specific situation with a specialist is crucial.