Frozen embryo storage is a form of fertility preservation. It allows you to preserve fertilized eggs for later use, whether through in vitro fertilization (IVF) alone or gestational surrogacy.
By preserving embryos through cryopreservation, you increase your opportunities for future IVF cycles without undergoing another round of egg retrieval. This can save time and reduce costs associated with the IVF process.
Knowing the costs of storing these embryos is crucial if you are considering this option, as expenses can vary widely between embryo banks and cryopreservation facilities.
Learn more about the other costs associated with freezing embryos. If you’re considering surrogacy, IVF and embryo storage are just a few of the costs that will make up the total cost of your journey. For more information about the costs of IVF and surrogacy, contact us today or call 1-800-875-BABY.
How Does Frozen Embryo Storage Work?
Once the embryos are created, a reproductive endocrinologist or IVF specialist will preserve them through vitrification. During vitrification, the embryos are placed in a solution containing cryoprotectants. These compounds draw water out of the embryo. After, the embryos are quickly immersed in liquid nitrogen, turning them into a glass-like substance.
Frozen embryos are stored in a labeled “straw” and placed into a storage tank filled with liquid nitrogen. The temperature of these tanks is kept at -321 degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re ready for the embryo transfer, your selected embryos will be thawed on the day of the procedure.
You must pay an embryo bank or cryopreservation facility to store your frozen embryos. They don’t take up much room, but they must be monitored to ensure they remain viable for transfer. Generally, you will pay to “rent” storage space on a yearly basis.
How Much Does It Cost to Store Frozen Embryos?
The cost of storing frozen embryos depends on the embryo bank or cryopreservation facility. However, you can expect to pay between $350 and $1,500 annually. This wide range is due to a variety of factors, including:
If you plan to store your embryos for multiple years, you could enter into a long-term agreement with significant cost savings. A local embryo bank may charge you more than a large cryopreservation facility because it has less room for storage. You will want to account for how long it will take to get your embryos when preparing for a transfer. Many facilities have increased the cost of storing frozen embryos due to rising liquid nitrogen prices and staffing expenses. Facilities have enhanced electronic monitoring and alarm systems to keep your embryos safe.
Does Insurance Cover Embryo Storage?
Yes, insurance can cover frozen embryo storage costs, but the exact details and requirements for coverage depend on your or your employer’s plan and state law.
It is essential to review the specifics of your insurance plan. Some providers may cover initial frozen embryo storage costs but not long-term storage, or they may require certain conditions to be met, such as an infertility diagnosis. Reach out to your insurance provider or company representative for more information about what’s covered.
As of 2024, 18 states have laws addressing fertility preservation insurance coverage. For instance, some states mandate coverage for fertility preservation for individuals undergoing medical treatments, like chemotherapy, that may affect their fertility. You’ll want to review your state’s regulations to understand what you might be entitled to.
How Long Do Embryos Last in Storage?
Frozen embryos can be safely preserved for decades. A set of twins was born in 2022 whose embryos were frozen for 30 years. However, most people use, donate or discard their embryos within 10 years. Your decision on how long to store embryos might depend on personal circumstances, such as family planning, health and financial considerations.
Individual facilities have their own specific amounts of time that embryos can be stored. So, you will want to inquire about your chosen facility’s policies before signing a contract. Here are a few questions you can ask:
-
How long do you allow embryos to be stored?
-
Are there options to extend the storage period?
-
What happens when the storage agreement expires?
Dig deeper for more information about how frozen embryos are stored.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Embryos?
When you are ready to try growing your family, an embryologist can thaw your embryos. This involves a series of steps that usually take less than an hour to complete.
Remove the embryos from storage. Warm them to room temperature. Rehydrate the embryos until they return to normal size. Warm them to body temperature. Rinse the embryos in culture media. Place the embryos in an incubator until they’re ready to transfer.
After the thawing process, the embryos can be transferred to your uterus or a surrogate’s.
By freezing embryos, you can plan your future with more certainty, knowing you have viable embryos available when you are ready to expand your family. Learn more about how many embryos you should freeze.
If you’re considering freezing embryos for surrogacy, you can contact us today to learn more about how our costs ensure you have the resources you need to become parents sooner.