This may not be a decision you have to make in the near future, but it is always a good idea to understand your options if you decide not to use your frozen eggs or if you have more than you end up needing. From donating to other individuals or to helping train embryologists, there are many ways that your eggs could help others if you don’t use them.
You spent a lot of money, time, and energy freezing your eggs, so it’s understandable that you want to ensure they are put towards some good, whether it be advancing science or helping another family grow. Ultimately, this is a personal decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and it is always recommended that you talk through your options more with your fertility team.
Store Them: You always have the option to continue to keep your eggs stored and frozen. While some countries have storage limitations, the US does not have any time limits. You can choose to continue storing your frozen eggs. While the only downside is requiring you to pay every year, this option is ideal if there is a chance you may want to use them. Learn how to reduce the cost of frozen eggs in our Guide to Storing Your Frozen Eggs.
Donate Them to a Person or Couple: You can donate to hopeful parents. If not conducted at the time of freezing, you may need some additional blood testing like HIV and Hepatitis B and C, in addition to completing screening questions. Generally, though, FDA labs are required only if the eggs are collected with the intent of donating. Talk to your provider about requirements for donation of already frozen eggs, as this may differ by clinic. It is also important to ask them about compensation. While most egg donors are usually compensated at the time of egg donation, retroactive compensation for eggs is not common. Most unused eggs are instead “gifted.”
Donate Them to Science: In some cases, with your explicit consent, your frozen eggs could be used for research or training purposes, which can contribute to the advancement of the embryology profession and allow embryologists to train and learn new techniques. Many advancements in the field of embryology and reproductive endocrinology would not be possible without donated gametes.
Discard Them: If you decide you no longer want to keep your frozen eggs and do not wish to donate them, you can request the fertility clinic to discard them.
It is important to discuss your options and any concerns with your fertility specialist. They can provide detailed information about storage fees, legal implications, and potential uses or alternatives for your frozen eggs. While you may have indicated your wishes for unused eggs before beginning the process of egg freezing, it is always possible to change your mind about what you would like to do with your unused eggs.
David E. Tourgeman, MD, FACOG is a double-board certified OB/GYN and REI physician with special interests in assisted reproductive technologies and oocyte donation in women of advanced reproductive age, advanced fertility surgeries, and alternatives for enhancing embryo implantation. Dr. Tourgeman has been with HRC Fertility since 2005, and has been featured in The New York Times and Women’s Health publications as well as on Good Morning America.
Learn more about HRC Fertility’s egg freezing practice on Freeze.
