How much does egg freezing cost?

Egg freezing is an increasingly popular among people who want to preserve their fertility and keep their options open for the future. Whether due to personal circumstances or medical reasons, choosing to freeze your eggs is a proactive step in family planning. 

Before you decide to go ahead, it’s important to know how much egg freezing is going to cost so you can make an informed decision and plan for your future with confidence. Below, we break down the costs associated with egg freezing, from initial consultations and medications to the freezing and long-term storage of your eggs. 

The egg freezing process

The egg freezing process involves many of the same steps you’d follow for IVF treatment. Each step is designed to ensure the highest quality of eggs are preserved.  

1. Initial consultation and fertility assessment 

You’ll speak to one of our fertility specialists and discuss your goals with them. You’ll have a fertility assessment,  AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) blood test and AFC (antral follicle count) vaginal ultrasound scan.  

You’ll also be tested for any infectious diseases like hepatitis C or HIV. This won’t affect your ability to freeze your eggs, just how your egg samples are stored to avoid contamination. 

2. Ovarian stimulation  

You’ll begin a partial IVF cycle, known as ovarian stimulation. This is the most ‘hands-on’ part of the process. You’ll be given medication to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Over the course of 10 to 14 days, you’ll self-administer hormone injections to stimulate egg production. We’ll invite you for regular scans to check your progress. 

3. Egg retrieval 

Once your scans show your eggs are ready, you’ll be given a trigger injection to take at home. This contains human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which encourages the eggs to mature.   

Around 36 hours later, you’ll visit the clinic for your egg retrieval appointment. They’re retrieved through a minor surgical procedure known as transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The procedure is performed under mild sedation, ensuring your comfort throughout.  

The retrieved eggs are then assessed for quality and immediately frozen using a process called vitrification.  

4. Vitrification 

The eggs are frozen using a rapid freezing method that prevents ice crystals from forming. This maintains the quality of the eggs and improves the chances of surviving when thawed. Your eggs are safely stored in a cryopreservation chamber at your chosen fertility clinic, where they can remain viable for years until you’re ready to use them. 

The costs of freezing your eggs

Egg freezing involves several steps, each adding to the total cost. Below is a breakdown of the typical expenses associated with the egg freezing process: 

Consultation and testing fees 

The initial consultation with your fertility specialist, along with necessary fertility testing, typically incurs a fee. These initial assessments help determine your suitability for egg freezing and provide a personalised plan to suit your reproductive goals. 

Typically, a fertility assessment, including tests and scans is around £460. 

Medication costs 

The cost of the medications needed for egg freezing can vary depending on the dosage needed and the duration of stimulation. Your fertility specialist will be able to give you a clear breakdown of medication costs during your consultation. 

Freezing fees 

Once your eggs are retrieved, they are frozen using vitrification. The cost for this procedure covers the: 

• Egg retrieval process 

• Vitrification technique 

• Initial freezing 

This is an important step in the egg freezing journey and typically costs around £4,300. 

Storage fees 

After your eggs are frozen, they need to be stored in a specialist facility. Storage fees are usually charged annually and cover the safe and secure preservation of your eggs until you’re ready to use them.  

The cost for annual storage is around £350. 

Additional costs 

There may be additional costs related to anaesthesia for the egg retrieval procedure, as well as any follow-up consultations or extra testing required. You may need multiple cycles to retrieve enough healthy eggs, which can also increase the overall cost. 

People with a history of fertility issues

If you have a condition such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or early menopause, you might find it harder to conceive naturally. This can also be the case if you have a family history of fertility challenges, giving you an inherited risk that could reduce your ability to conceive in the future. 

Fertility preservation can safeguard your ability to build a family despite known or suspected fertility challenges. This approach helps ensure that you have viable options available when you’re ready to pursue parenthood, providing both reassurance and flexibility.