In recent years, egg freezing has emerged as a viable and increasingly popular option for women wishing to preserve their fertility.
Whether due to career planning, medical reasons, or personal choice, many women are considering this technology to take control of their reproductive timeline. But one of the first questions that arises is: How much does it cost to freeze your eggs?
In this article, we explore the cost of egg freezing in the UK, what factors influence pricing, and what to consider before embarking on the process.
Understanding Egg Freezing
Egg freezing, medically known as oocyte cryopreservation, involves harvesting a woman's eggs, freezing them unfertilised, and storing them for future use. When a woman decides she is ready to conceive, the eggs can be thawed, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory to create a viable embryo for transplant, and implant this into the uterus via IVF (in vitro fertilisation).
This process has gained popularity not only among women who wish to delay motherhood, but also those undergoing medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, that could affect future fertility. It is seen as a proactive step, offering greater flexibility and peace of mind.
The Average Cost of Egg Freezing in the UK
The cost of egg freezing in the UK can vary significantly depending on the clinic, the location, and the individual treatment plan.
On average, a single egg freezing cycle costs between £3,500 and £4,500. However, this is just the beginning.
In addition to the base cost, there are several associated expenses that need to be considered:
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Consultation fees: Initial consultations typically range from £200 to £500.
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Hormonal medications: These are essential to stimulate the ovaries and typically cost between £800 and £1,500 per cycle.
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Egg storage fees: Most clinics charge an annual storage fee, usually ranging from £250 to £400.
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Future thawing and IVF costs: When you decide to use the frozen eggs, the thawing and IVF process can add another £3,000 to £5,000.
Therefore, the total egg freezing cost from start to finish can easily exceed £10,000, especially if more than one cycle is needed to collect a sufficient number of viable eggs.
Why Multiple Cycles May Be Necessary
One egg freezing cycle typically yields 8-10 eggs, but not all eggs survive the freezing and thawing process, and not all will lead to successful pregnancies. Depending on age and individual fertility health, some women may be advised to undergo two or more cycles to maximise the chances of a future pregnancy. This naturally increases the overall cost of egg freezing.
Factors That Affect Egg Freezing Costs
Several variables can influence the overall egg freezing cost:
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Age: Women under 35 tend to have better quality eggs, which may reduce the need for multiple cycles.
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Clinic location: London clinics, for example, may charge higher rates than those in smaller cities.
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Package deals: Some clinics offer multi-cycle packages or financing plans, which can help manage costs.
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Medical requirements: Women with certain health conditions may require additional monitoring or medication.
Is Egg Freezing Covered by the NHS?
In general, egg freezing is not routinely covered by the NHS unless it is for medical reasons, such as cancer treatment. Even then, availability and eligibility can vary by region. Women who pursue egg freezing for social or elective reasons typically must pay privately.
Financial Planning and Support
Given the substantial egg freezing cost, it's advisable to plan. Some employers in the UK, particularly those in the tech and finance sectors, have begun offering egg freezing as part of their employee benefits packages. Additionally, some women choose to finance the procedure through savings, loans, or dedicated fertility finance providers.
Is Egg Freezing Worth the Investment?
Whether or not egg freezing is worth the investment is a profoundly personal decision. While it offers the possibility of future parenthood, it does not guarantee a successful pregnancy. Success rates vary, and emotional, physical, and financial considerations should all be taken into account.
That said, many women report feeling empowered by the choice and reassured knowing they have taken proactive steps to preserve their fertility.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to freeze your eggs? The short answer is: it can cost upwards of £10,000, depending on the number of cycles, medications, and storage duration. The decision to freeze eggs involves both financial and emotional considerations, and it's important to do thorough research, consult medical professionals, and explore all available options.
Egg freezing is not just a medical procedure; it's a step towards reproductive autonomy. Understanding the cost of egg freezing is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your personal goals and circumstances.
Need more information about Egg Freezing Costs?
IVF Matters Egg Freezing Treatment costs can be found on the Treatment Prices page on our website.
If you are considering egg freezing, why not book a FREE Advisory Consultation, here at IVF Matters to discuss the process and understand your options for a clearer outline of your tailored treatment and associated costs. We also offer a choice of Fertility Finance packages that will help to spread the cost of treatment, so this may be something you would like to look into.
How do Fertility Finance Packages Support Egg Freezing?
Fertility finance packages offer a crucial benefit for individuals considering egg freezing treatment by alleviating the often significant financial burden associated with the process. Egg freezing can be a costly endeavour, and for many, the upfront expense can be a major barrier to pursuing fertility preservation. By spreading the cost over manageable monthly payments, finance options provide a sense of stability and accessibility. This financial flexibility enables individuals to move forward with treatment at a time that aligns with their biological clock, rather than delaying due to monetary constraints.
Moreover, the availability of tailored finance packages can help reduce the emotional stress that often accompanies fertility decisions. Knowing that there is a structured and supportive payment plan in place allows individuals to focus on the medical and personal aspects of egg freezing, rather than being overwhelmed by financial concerns. This reassurance can be particularly empowering for those planning for their future fertility while balancing careers, education, or other life goals. In this way, fertility finance packages not only support reproductive autonomy but also promote peace of mind during what can be a complex and deeply personal journey.
IVF Matters is passionate about providing women with the choice to secure their future fertility without concerns about achieving financial stability as a barrier to treatment. IVF Matters offers egg freezing treatments through a couple of payment plan options from 12 months to 7 years, making it easier for women to feel empowered and take control of their fertility without the burden of upfront fees.
