In an eggshell...
- After freezing, the eggs are stored until ready for use, either at the overseas clinic or shipped to a UK clinic for fertilisation
- The process requires at least one licensed clinic by the Human Fertilisation and Embryo Authority (HFEA) to facilitate the movement of frozen eggs between countries.
More and more women are freezing their eggs for the future. But with one cycle in the UK costing an average of £6-70001 many women are going abroad.
Is it worth it? Let's take a look.
What Does Going Abroad to Freeze My Eggs Involve?
Similarly to at home, an egg freezing cycle abroad involves initial consultations, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and egg freezing. This takes 2 weeks on average, giving you the opportunity to combine the procedure with a holiday.
Eggs will then be stored until you’re ready to use them- whether that be using them at the clinic or shipping them to a UK clinic for the fertilisation process. Moving them from one country to another shouldn’t be a problem providing at least one of the clinics is licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryo Authority.2
Pros Vs Cons
Pros:
Cost: One of the main advantages of egg freezing abroad is cost.
Fertility treatment in the UK can be very expensive. Choosing the right country for your procedure can half the price. But don’t forget to factor in travel costs and time off work.
Expertise: Many countries have top fertility clinics that specialize in egg freezing. By going abroad, the best and most experienced clinic may be within your budget, whilst similar fertility clinics in London might not.
Travel: Egg freezing abroad can mean a good reason for a holiday. Use the time to explore somewhere new and make the most of your time off work.
Cons:
Quality: You might be saving money, but the quality of care and facilities may not be the same as at home.
Storage facilities may vary, the clinic may use a different freezing method- it’s important to do your research.4
Travel: Yes, we’ve put this one as a pro and a con!
It can be a big disadvantage for some: you will need time off work and spend money on flights and accommodation.
Your partner/emotional support might have to stay at home, thousands of miles away- not ideal during this stressful time.
Language: If you're not fluent in the language of the country you're travelling to, this can be a major barrier. You need to communicate effectively with your doctor and medical staff.
Rules: Some countries will only freeze eggs for medical rather than “social” reasons. Only heterosexual couples can access assisted reproductive therapies, including egg freezing, in other places. Strict upper age limits exist in some countries, and the length of time you’re allowed to store your eggs for also varies.4
It can be complicated to research what is and isn’t allowed, especially with a language barrier.
Should I freeze my eggs abroad?
This is a personal decision that only you can make. Take the time to thoroughly research all options and costs before deciding.
If you’re considering freezing your eggs in the UK, Amilis can help. We pre-vet clinics across London, gathering all the information and helping you find the clinic where you feel most comfortable.
Get in touch to schedule a free appointment with one of our affiliated clinics.
