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What to do with your embryos when your family is complete
Going through IVF treatment can be a rewarding experience, especially when you build the family you have always longed for. However, once your family is complete or you are unable to undergo further treatment, you may find yourself questioning what to do with your remaining embryos.
We understand that nothing really prepares you for this, and this decision can be both emotional and challenging. However, it’s important to recognise that you are not alone in facing it. There are various options available to help you make the right choice for you.
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What are my options for my remaining embryos?
When starting IVF, understandably your main focus is on getting pregnant. So, it’s natural not to have given much thought to what happens to your remaining embryos once your family is complete. It can be a difficult decision to make, but we’re here to guide you as you navigate this next step in your fertility journey.
Save embryos for future use – If you’re uncertain about wanting to have more children in the future, you can place your embryos in storage. There is an annual storage fee and you will need to renew your consent every ten years, with a maximum storage period of 55 years. This allows you more time to make your decision, so you don’t feel rushed.
Donate to training – You may choose to donate your embryos for training purposes, helping embryologists improve their techniques. Whether they are new to the clinic, already trained, or looking to refine their skills, your embryos can play an essential role in their development. Techniques such as practising moving embryos between dishes or conducting biopsy procedures benefit from this training.
Donate to another family - For many couples facing fertility challenges, receiving donated embryos can be a lifeline. If you choose to donate your embryos to a family in need, we will check our waiting list to find an appropriate recipient. There are eligibility criteria you must meet, for example, the male must be under 46 years old at the time of embryo creation, and the female must be under 36 at the time of embryo creation.
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Humane discarding – If you don't wish to keep the embryos and are unsure how to proceed, you can leave them in storage until they naturally time out. Alternatively, you may consciously choose to humanely discard them at your fertility clinic. This process involves removing the embryos from cryopreservation storage, where they are brought up to room temperature and left to perish naturally.
There is also an option to discard the embryos at home. In this case, the embryos are first brought to room temperature and then placed in a vial of water to ensure they are no longer viable. After this process, they can be taken home.
We understand that this can be overwhelming. However, whatever option you choose, it’s important to take your time and consider the best option for you.
What if I can’t decide?
If you’re still struggling to make a decision or aren’t ready yet, you can keep your embryo samples in storage, as long as the law permits. This will give you extra time to come to a resolution that works for you. It’s essential to understand that, in addition to meeting the consent requirements to remain in storage, the financial costs must also be maintained.
At TFP Fertility, we will stay in touch before your consent expires to remind you of your options. If you do not resubmit your consent or have not paid for the yearly storage, the fertility clinic will need to make a decision about your samples.
What support is available?
For many families, this can be a challenging decision to make, which is why support is available to you.
At TFP Fertility, we contact patients annually to check in and provide any necessary support. During these discussions, we discuss your options and offer counselling with various members of our team, including the doctor, embryologist or clinical counsellor.
If the embryos were created using your partner’s egg or sperm, it’s important to discuss your remaining embryos together and reach a mutual decision that works for both of you. If you find it difficult to agree, you can seek guidance from the fertility clinic or a counsellor. Alternatively, if the embryos are created with donor gametes, the donor's consent to storage will also help determine the maximum time the embryos can remain in storage.
Remember, no matter what you decide, we are here to provide the guidance and support you need every step of the way.
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