Frozen Egg Banks have become synonymous with egg donation offerings at leading fertility clinics globally. Frozen eggs are the result of an egg donor having already produced eggs that have been frozen for choice by recipients at a later stage. The eggs retrieved are quickly flash frozen in a process called vitrification.
There are considerations to be understood where the option of fresh or frozen egg selection is being considered. The first being the success rate that the number of frozen eggs selected may deliver. Frozen eggs are sometimes supplied as options in “batches” which are linked to success rates and financial outlay. Fewer eggs may produce lower success rates and the converse may apply. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association recently, the live birth rate from frozen eggs was 47.1% whilst the rate from fresh eggs was 56.1%. Success rates do vary from clinic to clinic and claims should be quantified and your specialist should guide you accordingly.
The advantages of frozen egg selection, “a frozen egg donation cycle,” are attractive. You know how many eggs you are receiving; the timing of your embryo transfer is expedited and flexible. Frozen donor cycles are also often more affordable. The lead-time from donor selection to embryo transfer varies but can be predicted at about 4 weeks.
Conversely when a fresh donation cycle is selected the number of eggs can be predicted but not guaranteed. A fresh cycle requires the assessment of the donor (who may not pass her screenings) and synchronisation of the recipient and donor cycles (discussed later in this book), which is usually a six to 12 week process from donor selection to embryo transfer. The timing of your treatment can be planned but is open to variations in timing of the embryo transfer depending on how the donor responds to the medication in cycle. Fresh cycles come at a premium price, however success rates are mostly higher with greater experience and quantified data in this type of cycle.
A loftier view should be considered when weighing up your options. The overall considerations are paramount.
Understand these options before committing to one or the other. Fresh donation cycles may take more time and have a loftier financial outlay but Frozen eggs may be better suited to your budget and time frame or flexibility. Doing your research is key with the fertility clinic of choice.