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Author: Cynthia Hudson, VP, Clinical Strategy + Specimen Services, TMRW Life Sciences

What do celebrities, reality TV stars, and your friends and co-workers have in common? A growing interest in egg freezing.

Between 2009 and 2018, the number of women freezing their eggs grew by an incredible 2,695% — demand is soaring. At the same time, the cultural stigma around using assisted reproductive technology (ART), which includes egg freezing, is on the decline, which means people are far more open to discussing fertility challenges and potential options. In addition, our definition of family is evolving, making fertility options important for would-be parents deciding to have children on their own, as well as LGBTQ+ couples. TMRW Life Sciences has introduced first-of-its-kind technology that not only raises the standard of care for important processes in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing processes (specifically the storage of eggs and embryos), the company also makes ART more accessible to patients and couples.

As an embryologist with more than two decades in the fertility industry, I currently lead the development of TMRW’s technology, which we say is a platform ‘built by embryologists for embryologists.’ For patients, I understand that egg freezing is a physical, emotional and financial investment – and that the sheer volume of information available about this process can feel overwhelming. If you’ve thought about beginning this journey in 2022, I’m here to answer the most critical questions, and to help you decide how to select the right fertility clinic.

Question #1: Where should I freeze my eggs?

Finding a clinic with extensive experience in caring for your frozen eggs should be a top consideration. One lesser-known factor in selecting a clinic is how your eggs will be stored once they are retrieved. Many clinics use manual storage systems developed nearly 40 years ago, when IVF was first introduced. These processes are primarily analog.

However, some clinics across the United States have adopted new technologies to automate egg and embryo storage, namely the one developed by TMRW Life Sciences. TMRW’s platform ensures your precious cells are safeguarded through 24/7 monitoring, with unique digital identification for each patient and automated temperature controls. This decreases the potential risks and human errors inherent to traditional manual storage processes.

You’ve likely seen recent news stories about IVF embryo mix-ups, such as two California mothers who each unwittingly delivered the other’s baby and raised them for nearly three months. Since fertility assistance is managed within the private sector, no public database tracks errors, and experts believe many go unrecorded. TMRW’s technology ensures that every egg and embryo is carefully monitored and tracked, greatly reducing the possibility of such errors.

Question #2: What does the process of egg freezing actually involve?

Once you’ve selected a clinic, the process begins with a medical evaluation and discussion of a plan for your egg freezing cycle. Asking questions about how your eggs are taken out, frozen, tracked, and stored is reasonable, and you shouldn’t feel like you are challenging authority; it’s simply learning about what services each clinic has to offer and your level of comfort with the process as it’s described.

After you talk, your doctor will order blood work to test your hormone levels. This will indicate the number and health status of your eggs. Then comes ovarian stimulation, as synthetic hormones are injected to help your body make more eggs. This is often an intensive process that requires time away from work.

During the egg retrieval procedure, you’ll be sedated. In my experience, this is often the most painful part and can include short-term cramping and longer-term abdominal pressure. You’ll likely need to rest for about a week.

The last step happens in the lab, as experts freeze your eggs and store them for future use.

Question #3: How much does egg freezing cost?

Egg freezing is a significant financial commitment. And the average quoted prices often don’t include medication or storage beyond a year.

I suggest budgeting $6,000 to $12,000 for the procedures, $4,000 to $7,000 per cycle for the ovarian stimulation medications, and $500 to $1,200 per year for long-term storage. When you’re ready to fertilize your frozen eggs, costs range from $10,000 to $15,000.

Typically, insurance does not yet consider egg freezing a medically necessary process. However, some industries and Fortune 100 businesses are beginning to include it as an employee benefit.

Approximately 19 states have passed fertility insurance coverage laws for potential parents, and I expect this trend to continue to gain momentum in coming years.

But it’s important to know there are options for financial support. Fertility financing companies, like Future Family, CapexMD, EggFund and Ally Lending, allow patients to take out loans against their homes to finance fertility treatments. In Freeze and Share programs, patients donate eggs and freeze their own, which reduces overall costs. If you want to freeze your eggs, it’s important to know that you have options.

Beginning your journey with confidence

As you’re planning for your future as a parent this year, ask yourself—and your clinical specialists—the right questions. Technology from TMRW Life Sciences is here to raise the standard of care for your eggs. You deserve to know how your most precious cells are being stored—and to have total peace of mind as you invest in your future family.