This article sheds light on the ins and outs of egg storage, offering information on international storage regulations, potential costs, and critical considerations. Whether you’re thinking of the longevity of frozen eggs, gauging the feasibility of shipping them back to the US, or weighing up storage costs across borders, we’ve got you covered with insights and guidelines from reputable studies and authorities in reproductive health.
Once your eggs have been harvested, they will undergo the process of cryopreservation. The process of freezing eggs, which are also called oocytes, involves taking precautions to prevent any harm during cooling. The harvested eggs are then stored in a protective container and submerged in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C or -320F. This container is kept in a specialized tank that is maintained at an extremely low temperature, and the tank is equipped with an alarm system to ensure that the temperature stays at the ideal level at all times.
There have been many reports in the literature where eggs that have been frozen for 10 years resulted in successful pregnancies. Indeed, some babies have been born from frozen eggs stored longer than 13 years! However, it is worth mentioning that although literature beyond 10 years is scant, studies show no increase in congenital disabilities or genetic defects from frozen eggs.
Sources: PubMed, PubMed, PubMed
One important consideration is that storage rules vary from country to country.
Under the current law, you are allowed to store eggs, sperm, or embryos for use in treatment for a maximum duration of 55 years from the initial date of storage. However, it is important to note that in order to continue storage lawfully, a renewal of consent is required every 10 years.
If you do not renew your consent to storage, your eggs will be removed from storage and disposed of when they can no longer be lawfully stored.
Source: Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority
Assisted reproduction in Spain is regulated by the Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) Law. This law currently has no restrictions on the length of storage.
Source: Freeze Health
There are no laws around how long eggs and embryos can be stored in Mexico.
Source: Clinic partner
Storage is permissible for a duration of five years, with an option to extend it by another five years, granted through a special permit from the National Authority of Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART). If you do not intend to utilize or transport your eggs out of Greece, you have three options: request their destruction, donate them to someone looking to conceive, or donate them for research purposes.
Source: Freeze Health
According to Danish legislation, unfertilized eggs can only be stored for 5 years after freezing.
Source: TFP Fertility Denmark
In the US, the annual cost of egg freezing can vary from $750-1,000.
On average, one year of egg storage costs $500.
On average, one year of egg storage costs $400.
On average, one year of egg storage costs $300.
On average, one year of egg storage costs $300.
On average, one year of egg storage costs $400.
Although shipping eggs back to the US is possible, it is not always the best option.
There are several reasons for this:
If you do wish to ship your eggs back to the US, there are several companies that provide this service. On average, shipping eggs back into the US can cost around $3,500-4,000.
It depends on what you plan on doing with the eggs. If you wish to undergo IVF using your frozen eggs in the near future at a clinic in the US, please discuss with your clinic directly whether they could accommodate your egg storage.
If you wish to store eggs for the future without any imminent need for them, consider signing up for a long-term storage plan with a cryobank.
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