Egg freezing is a fertility preservation method that allows women to delay having children for personal or medical reasons. But what does it actually cost to freeze eggs?
This article provides a detailed overview of the costs associated with egg freezing. The total cost can vary widely depending on the clinic you choose, your individual needs, and the options you select.
We’ll cover the initial costs, ongoing storage fees, medication expenses, and potential financing options that can help make egg freezing more accessible.
What costs are involved in egg freezing?
The first step is a consultation with a fertility specialist. This typically costs between $225 and $500.
The doctor will also want to do ovarian reserve testing to assess the number and quality of your eggs. These tests help determine the right treatment plan for you. Every woman’s fertility needs are different, and that influences the overall cost.
The egg freezing cycle: procedure and medications
The egg freezing process involves stimulating your ovaries with medication, retrieving the eggs, and then freezing them.
Egg retrieval and freezing
First, you’ll take medication to stimulate your ovaries so they’ll produce multiple eggs. Then, the eggs are retrieved in a procedure performed under anesthesia, which can add $475 to $1,400 to the total cost. After retrieval, the eggs are frozen using a flash freezing technique called vitrification.
Medication costs
Fertility medications can be a major expense, ranging from $4,000 to $10,800 per cycle. Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) estimates medication costs between $4,500 and $8,500 per cycle.
You may be able to find discounts on medications like MENOPUR, but the type and dosage of medication you’ll need depend on your individual health factors and how your body responds to treatment.
Understanding package options and associated costs
As you explore the cost of freezing your eggs, you’ll likely run across different package options. Let’s take a look at what those are.
Single-cycle vs. multi-cycle packages
With a single egg freezing cycle, you pay for one round of egg retrieval. CCRM Fertility estimates that a single cycle can cost between $9,215 and $11,925.
Some clinics offer multi-cycle packages. Shady Grove Fertility, for instance, has “Assure” packages that guarantee a certain number of eggs or cycles. Their Assure 20 package gives you up to 4 cycles or 20 mature eggs, while their Assure 30 package offers up to 5 cycles or 30 mature eggs.
Storage fees
Don’t forget to factor in storage fees. These are ongoing expenses that you’ll pay either annually or monthly to keep your eggs safely frozen.
What are the costs when you’re ready to use your frozen eggs?
It’s important to remember that the egg freezing cost is separate from the cost to actually use those eggs down the road. When you decide to try to conceive using your frozen eggs, you’ll have some additional expenses.
These typically include thawing the eggs, fertilizing them with sperm through IVF (in vitro fertilization), and then transferring the resulting embryo to your uterus. You may also need some additional diagnostic testing before your doctor can proceed.
In many cases, doctors will use a technique called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) to fertilize the eggs. Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) does offer some financial programs specifically for people using frozen eggs.
How to pay for egg freezing
Egg freezing can be expensive, but there are financing options that may help. For example, CCRM Fertility works with Future Family to provide financing options. They might offer monthly payment plans.
Some clinics also have refund programs. Shady Grove Fertility (SGF), for example, has a Shared Risk 100% Refund Program for people who have been patients before.
Key Takeaways
Freezing your eggs can be a great option, but it’s important to understand all the costs involved. The total expense will depend on your individual situation, the clinic you choose, and the specific options you select.
To get an accurate estimate, talk with a fertility specialist. You can discuss your fertility goals and get a personalized breakdown of the costs. Also, ask about financing options and any refund programs that could make egg freezing more affordable for you.