With embryo banking, you can create and store multiple embryos for the future. This process involves using in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create embryos, which are then frozen and preserved in a specialized facility until you are ready to use them.
Understanding embryo banking costs ensures that you are prepared for the process, from initial procedures to long-term storage fees.
When you have a clear understanding of the costs associated with embryo banking, you can budget effectively and focus on the joy of expanding your family rather than worrying about unforeseen expenses. It also enables you to explore all available options, ensuring that you choose the best path for your unique situation.
You can learn more about the costs involved in embryo storage in our other resource. In this guide, we’ll delve deeper into embryo banking to help you understand this crucial aspect of fertility treatment.
What Is Embryo Banking?
Embryo banking is a process where multiple embryos are created through IVF and then frozen for future use. During IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory to form embryos. These embryos are then frozen and stored in a specialized facility until you are ready to use them.
Frozen embryos are placed into storage tanks filled with liquid nitrogen and kept at an ultra-low temperature of -321 degrees Fahrenheit. This method ensures the embryos remain viable for extended periods.
If you cover a yearly embryo banking cost, an embryo bank or cryopreservation facility will keep your embryos safely stored until you decide to proceed with the embryo transfer.
Learn more about how embryos are stored.
What Does Embryo Banking Cost?
The total cost of embryo banking depends on two main factors: IVF costs at a fertility clinic and the storage fees at an embryo bank.
IVF Costs
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the average IVF cycle costs between $12,000 and $17,000. This typically includes monitoring appointments, egg retrieval, embryo creation and embryo transfer. However, it often excludes three important expenses:
As part of IVF treatment, you’ll likely need to take injectable hormone medications. These medications will stimulate your ovaries to produce more eggs and control when they are released. It’s estimated that this phase of treatment will cost you an additional ,000 to ,000. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) evaluates the number of chromosomes to assess the risk of genetic disorders. One study estimates the cost to be ,155 to ,626. If you plan to use donor semen, you will need to account for increased costs. A vial of sperm ranges from 0 to _ACCORDION,000, depending on whether the donor discloses their identity and the number of active cells per sperm.
Storage Fees
Some fertility clinics factor in the cost of embryo banking, but others consider it a separate service. Storing embryos can cost you between $350 and $1,500 per year. The exact price depends on four criteria:
Long-term agreements can be more cost-effective than yearly or monthly contracts. Local banks with limited storage space might charge more than large cryopreservation facilities. Some banks have increased prices due to rising liquid nitrogen and staffing costs. Enhanced monitoring and alarm systems have raised storage costs since two tank failures in 2018.
Should I Do Embryo Banking?
Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on your unique goals and circumstances. Embryo banking can be a valuable option if you’re planning for your future family. Here are some reasons why you might choose to use an embryo bank:
If you wish to have more than one child through IVF, embryo banking ensures you have embryos ready for future use. You can create and store embryos if you’re facing a condition that could affect your fertility, such as cancer treatments. By creating and storing embryos in advance, you can smoothly transition to the transfer process or surrogacy when you’re ready. If you know you want kids but aren’t sure when you’ll be ready, you can preserve your fertility by creating embryos and storing them in an embryo bank.
3 Benefits of Embryo Banking
Embryo banking offers several advantages if you’re planning your family through assisted reproductive technologies. Here are three key benefits:
Creating and freezing multiple embryos can boost your chances of a successful pregnancy. If the first transfer does not succeed, you have additional embryos ready for future attempts. Embryo banking can save money by eliminating the need for multiple egg retrieval processes. By having embryos stored in advance, you avoid the expenses associated with repeated retrieval cycles. Storing your embryos allows time for the comprehensive genetic testing of each embryo. Knowing the genetic health of your embryos can increase the probability of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.1. Increased Chances of Success
2. Overall Cost Savings
3. Complete Genetic Testing
What Happens When I’m Ready?
Once you're ready to begin the embryo transfer, the first step is to have your embryos shipped to your fertility clinic if they were stored in an off-site embryo bank or cryopreservation facility. These facilities can securely and safely transport your embryos to your fertility clinic. An embryologist at your clinic will thaw your embryos in preparation for the transfer.
Embryo banking provides you with the flexibility to grow your family when you’re ready. Using banked embryos often results in higher success rates in future IVF cycles. Learn more about frozen embryo transfer success rates.
If you’re considering surrogacy, contact us today to learn more about our costs so you can plan effectively for your surrogacy journey.