What happens if I don't use my frozen eggs?

If you choose not to use your frozen eggs, there are a few possible scenarios depending on your specific circumstances: Continued Storage: You can continue to store your frozen eggs for a longer duration if you wish. Most fertility clinics have storage options available for frozen eggs, allowing you to extend the storage period beyond the initial period. However, there might be associated costs for storage, and you should check with your fertility clinic regarding their policies and fees. Donation: If you decide that you no longer need your frozen eggs for your own reproductive purposes, you may have the option to donate them to others who are in need. Egg donation involves providing your frozen eggs to another individual or couple who are unable to produce their own viable eggs. This generous act can help others achieve their dream of having a child. If you're interested in pursuing egg donation, it's essential to contact your fertility clinic to understand their specific requirements and processes. Discard or Disposal: In some cases, if you don't want to continue storing your frozen eggs and you're not interested in donating them, you may have the option to request their disposal. The fertility clinic can provide guidance on the proper and ethical disposal of frozen eggs. It's important to note that the policies and options available for unused frozen eggs can vary depending on the fertility clinic and the jurisdiction you're in. Therefore, it's crucial to consult with your fertility clinic to understand the specific options, costs, legal considerations, and ethical implications associated with your frozen eggs. Will continued or prolonged storage of frozen eggs affect chances or quality of pregnancy? The continued or prolonged storage of frozen eggs generally does not affect the chances or quality of pregnancy. The process of vitrification, which is commonly used for egg freezing, has significantly improved the survival rates and post-thaw viability of frozen eggs. Once eggs are properly frozen and stored at cryogenic temperatures, they can remain in a stable state for an extended period without significant deterioration in quality. However, it's important to note that the age at which the eggs were frozen can impact their overall quality and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. The quality of eggs decreases as a woman gets older, and this decline in quality can affect the success rates of fertility treatments, including using frozen eggs. Therefore, the age at which the eggs were frozen is a crucial factor to consider. Additionally, individual variations in egg quality and response to freezing can exist. Some eggs may survive the thawing process and fertilization, resulting in viable embryos and successful pregnancies, while others may not. Therefore, success rates may vary from person to person. It's recommended to discuss your specific situation with the best fertility specialists like Dr Firuza Parekh, who can provide personalized advice based on your age, medical history, and the quality of your frozen eggs. They will be able to provide a more accurate assessment of your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy when using frozen eggs that have been stored for a prolonged period.