Understanding the Cost of Egg Freezing: What You Need to Know
What is Egg Freezing and Why Consider It?
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation technique that involves extracting a woman’s eggs, freezing them at an optimal fertility age, and storing them for potential future pregnancy.
Programs that allow individuals to egg freeze for future use are becoming increasingly popular. Benefits of elective egg freezing include the ability to postpone parenthood for career, personal, or medical reasons. Certain health conditions, such as cancer treatments, may affect fertility, making fertility preservation an important option.
As a rule of thumb, the younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the more likely you are to collect a large number of high-quality eggs, increasing your chances of a successful pregnancy later.
Female fertility declines with age with a more prominent drop after 35.
Egg Freezing Treatment in the Netherlands
The egg freezing process follows several key steps:
Pre-treatment tests, including blood tests and ovarian reserve assessment.
Ovarian stimulation using fertility drugs to increase egg production. The number of egg freezing cycles required to obtain a sufficient number of viable eggs can vary based on age and personal factors.
Egg collection through a minimally invasive egg freezing procedure. The process of having eggs collected involves financial implications and additional fees for storage and usage later on.
Eggs are rapidly frozen using a technique called vitrification, preventing ice crystal formation.
The eggs are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks for future fertility use.
One complete egg freezing cycle typically takes 2-3 weeks. Some women may require more than one cycle to obtain enough eggs for a high chance of live birth.
Egg Freezing Cost in the Netherlands
The cost of egg freezing treatment in the Netherlands varies depending on the clinic and package inclusions. How much does egg freezing cost? On average, the prices for different components of the treatment can add up significantly. Some clinics offer egg freezing packages, but hidden costs can arise. Here’s a breakdown:
One egg freezing cycle: €3,000 - €6,000
Medication costs: €1,000 - €2,500
Annual egg storage: €300 - €600
Embryo freezing (if applicable): €1,500 - €3,000
Embryo transfer: €2,000 - €4,000
Additional costs, such as pre-treatment tests, consultations, and donor sperm (if needed)
The total cost for one cycle including egg storage and embryo freezing can range from €7,000 - €12,000. It’s important to ask about hidden costs before committing to a treatment cycle.
Insurance Coverage in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, egg freezing for non-medical reasons (such as delaying motherhood) is generally not covered by basic health insurance. However, if egg freezing is part of a medical treatment, such as preserving fertility before undergoing chemotherapy or other medical treatments that may affect fertility, it might be covered by insurance. In these cases, prior approval from the insurance company is required. It's essential to check with your health insurer to confirm the specifics of your coverage.
The frequent finance options available are:
Self-funding or saving in advance.
Pay-as-you-go plans.
Multi-cycle packages offering discounted rates.
Loan or financing options from fertility clinics or third-party providers.
Medication Costs and Fertility Specialist Guidance
Medication costs for egg freezing can vary depending on individual needs and clinic protocols. On average, the cost of medication for one egg freezing cycle ranges from €1,000 to €2,500. These medications are crucial for stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which can then be collected and frozen.
Fertility specialists play a pivotal role in guiding patients through the egg freezing process. Their expertise can significantly impact the success of the treatment. They provide personalized guidance throughout the egg freezing cycle, ensuring that you receive the most effective and tailored care possible.
Success Rates and Factors Affecting Egg Freezing
Success rates depend on age, egg quality, and the number of mature eggs collected. IVF treatment success with frozen eggs is comparable to that with fresh eggs, provided the vitrified eggs are of good quality.
Women under 35 may need one cycle to retrieve enough eggs.
Women over 35 often require more than one cycle due to the quality and quantity of their eggs drops. The impact of age on egg quality highlights the benefits of storing eggs at a younger age to enhance future pregnancy success.
Experts recommend freezing at least 15-20 eggs for a good chance of a live birth. This recommendation is based on the fact that not all eggs will survive the thawing process, fertilize successfully, or develop into healthy embryos.
According to different studies the percentage of having a successful pregnancy after egg freezing through IVF can range from 2-33%.
In a NYU study, the success rate rose to 51 percent for patients who froze their eggs when they were under 38.
Age and Egg Quality
“A woman’s age is a significant factor in determining the quality and quantity of her eggs. As women age, the number and quality of their eggs decline, making it more challenging to conceive.”
Egg freezing is most effective when done at a younger age, typically under 35, when egg quality and quantity are at their peak. However, it’s essential to note that egg freezing is still a viable option for women over 35. Your fertility specialist will work with you to determine the best approach for your individual situation, ensuring that you have the best chance of preserving your fertility.
Egg Storage and Using Your Frozen Eggs
Stored eggs frozen using the vitrification technique, a fast-freezing process that prevents ice crystal formation, can be kept for many years without damage. Vitrification has largely replaced the older slow-freezing method due to its higher success rates. When you’re ready to use your eggs, they are thawed, fertilized (using either partner or donor sperm), and implanted through embryo transfer.
The survival rate of eggs after thawing is approximately 90%–95% when vitrification is used, although this percentage can vary based on the woman’s age and the clinic's expertise. Once thawed, the fertilization rate per surviving egg is usually around 70%–80%.
It’s also important to note that not all egg freezing packages include long-term storage beyond the first year. Some clinics offer bundled packages that may cover storage for several years, while others require annual payments. Be sure to ask about ongoing storage costs if you intend to keep your eggs frozen for an extended period.
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is a crucial step in the egg freezing process. After the eggs are thawed, they are fertilized using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus. This process typically takes place 3-5 days after fertilization, allowing the embryos to develop to an optimal stage for implantation.
The embryo transfer process is usually completed within 1-2 weeks and involves careful monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome. The success rate of embryo transfer depends on various factors, including the woman’s age at the time of egg freezing, the quality of the eggs, and the expertise of the fertility clinic.
Egg Freezing Abroad vs. the Netherlands
Many women consider egg freezing abroad due to cost differences. Popular destinations include Spain, Greece, and the Czech Republic, where fertility clinics are known for their advanced technologies and experienced specialists.
However, while the initial procedure may be more affordable, shipping and transporting frozen eggs internationally can introduce additional expenses and logistical challenges. The process requires specialized cryogenic shipping, strict adherence to international fertility regulations, and coordination between clinics in both the country of freezing and the destination for future use. It is crucial to verify that both clinics follow compatible freezing and thawing protocols to ensure the eggs' viability. Additionally, completing all required consent forms, understanding legal considerations, and confirming the acceptance of shipped eggs by the receiving clinic are essential steps before transferring stored eggs abroad. Proper planning and consultation with fertility specialists can help ensure a smooth and successful process.
Shipping and Transporting Frozen Eggs
Shipping and transporting frozen eggs require specialized handling to maintain their viability. Cryopreserved eggs must be stored at ultra-low temperatures, typically in liquid nitrogen at -196°C (-320°F), using secure cryogenic tanks designed for stable temperature control. During transport, these tanks are carefully monitored to prevent temperature fluctuations that could compromise the eggs. Professional medical courier services with expertise in handling biological materials ensure safe and compliant transportation, whether domestically or internationally. Proper documentation, adherence to regulatory guidelines, and coordination with fertility clinics are essential to guarantee that the frozen eggs arrive in optimal condition for future use. Usually this is handled by the fertility clinic of choice however it’s important to check beforehand.
Egg Freezing FAQs
How many eggs should I freeze?
Experts recommend freezing at least 15-20 eggs for a strong chance of successful pregnancy.
Does egg freezing affect fertility?
No, freezing eggs does not harm ovarian reserve or ability to conceive naturally later.
How long can eggs be stored?
Eggs remain viable for years thanks to vitrification and liquid nitrogen preservation.
Can I join an egg-sharing programme?
Some clinics offer egg sharing programmes, where women donate some of their own eggs in exchange for discounted egg freezing treatment.
How are frozen eggs used in fertility treatments?
Frozen eggs are used in fertility treatments by thawing and fertilizing them with sperm to create embryos. The success rates of these treatments depend on the age at which the eggs were frozen and the timing of the fertility treatment. Egg freezing is increasingly relevant for non-medical reasons, reflecting a societal trend of delaying family planning.
A cheatsheet of major factors influencing the success of egg freezing.
Summary
Egg freezing in the Netherlands is an effective way to preserve fertility, but it involves medical history evaluations, multiple steps, and financial planning.
It’s important to research fertility clinics, understand hidden costs, and consider factors like success rates, high-quality eggs, and whether one cycle is enough. With the right guidance, you can make informed decisions about your future pregnancy and your fertility journey.
