Is It Better to Freeze Eggs or Embryos?

What Is Egg Freezing?

Oocyte cryopreservation, another name for freezing eggs, is the process of extracting, freezing, and storing a woman's eggs for later use. The procedure involves:

• Ovarian stimulation with hormone injections to produce multiple eggs.
• Egg retrieval through a minor surgical procedure.
• Freezing eggs using vitrification, a rapid freezing method that prevents ice crystal formation.

Egg freezing is ideal for women who want to preserve their fertility without committing to sperm fertilization. It is commonly chosen by women who are not yet ready to have children, those with medical conditions affecting fertility, or individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.

What Is Embryo Freezing?

Embryo freezing follows a similar process but includes fertilizing the retrieved eggs with sperm before freezing. The steps include:

• Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
• Fertilization with sperm to create embryos.
• Freezing embryos at the blastocyst stage, when they have developed for 5-6 days.

Embryo freezing is often preferred by couples or individuals who have already chosen a sperm donor and want a higher chance of success when they are ready for pregnancy. Since embryos are already fertilized, they tend to have a better survival rate after thawing.

Key Differences Between Freezing Eggs and Freezing Embryos

Understanding the main differences can help in making the right choice:

• Survival and Success Rates – After thawing, frozen embryos have a slightly higher survival probability than frozen eggs. This is because embryos have already undergone a critical developmental stage. However, advancements in vitrification have improved the success rates of freezing eggs.
• Flexibility – Since frozen eggs are not fertilized, they provide greater independence. Women who are single or uncertain about their future family planning can benefit from this. In contrast, freezing embryos requires a sperm source, making it a more committed choice.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations – Some countries have legal restrictions on embryo storage, requiring partner consent for future use. Egg freezing allows more autonomy over reproductive choices.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Several factors influence whether freezing eggs or embryos is the better choice:

• Age and Fertility Health – Women in their 20s and early 30s usually have healthier eggs, making freezing eggs a great option. Older women, especially those over 35, may have better success rates with embryo freezing since fertilized eggs indicate viability.
• Relationship Status – Single women may prefer freezing eggs, while couples with a committed plan for children may opt for embryo freezing.
• Future Fertility Plans – If you’re unsure about having children or need more time to decide, freezing eggs allows greater flexibility. Embryo freezing is more suitable for those ready to undergo IVF when the time is right.
• Medical Considerations – Women undergoing cancer treatment or conditions like endometriosis may benefit from freezing eggs early to preserve fertility.

Cost Considerations

Both options involve medical procedures and storage fees, but Turkey offers a quite more affordable alternative compared to many Western countries. Egg freezing and embryo freezing in Turkey are significantly less expensive, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking high-quality fertility preservation at a lower price. While embryo freezing has higher upfront costs due to additional fertilization and IVF procedures, its higher success rates may reduce the number of cycles needed.

Conclusion

The decision between freezing eggs and freezing embryos is personal and depends on individual goals, health, and circumstances. Freezing eggs is an excellent option for preserving fertility while keeping future choices open. If you have a partner or a dedicated reproductive plan, freezing your embryo might be a better option. For future parenthood, both approaches offer assurance and a positive outlook. Depending on your particular needs, speaking with an expert on fertility can help you make the right decision.