Freezing eggs and embryos have become a vital option for many individuals and couples planning their future families. Whether for medical reasons, personal choice, or fertility preservation before treatments, understanding how long frozen eggs and embryos last and how viable they remain is important when considering fertility options.
Storage Duration: How Long Can Eggs and Embryos Be Frozen?
Technically, there is no set expiration date for frozen eggs and embryos when stored correctly in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. At Demeter Fertility, we ensure all frozen reproductive materials are kept under optimal conditions, which can preserve them indefinitely. The ultra-low temperatures halt all biological processes, effectively putting the eggs or embryos in a state of suspended animation.
That said, most fertility clinics recommend using frozen eggs or embryos within 10 years, primarily due to evolving technology and limited long-term research data. However, there have been successful pregnancies reported from eggs and embryos frozen for over 15 years.
Viability Over Time: Does Storage Affect Success Rates?
Current evidence suggests that the length of storage does not significantly reduce the viability of eggs or embryos. What matters most is the quality of the eggs or embryos at the time of freezing, as well as the method used for freezing.
Vitrification, a modern rapid-freezing technique, has significantly improved survival rates by preventing ice crystal formation, which can damage cells. Thanks to vitrification, thawed eggs and embryos have a survival rate of approximately 90% or higher.
Success Rates and What to Expect
Success rates depend on several factors beyond just storage time. These factors include the age of the woman at the time of egg retrieval, the quality of the eggs or embryos, and individual health considerations. Generally, younger eggs have better chances of fertilisation and implantation.
Embryos, especially those created from younger eggs, tend to have higher pregnancy rates compared to thawed eggs because they have already passed the fertilisation stage.
Summary
- Frozen eggs and embryos can be stored safely for many years without a definite expiration date.
- Vitrification ensures high survival rates during thawing, keeping viability strong over time.
- Success rates depend mainly on age and the quality of the sample at freezing rather than the storage length.
- Discuss your situation with your fertility specialist to plan the best approach.
At Demeter Fertility, we provide expert guidance on fertility preservation and help you understand your options every step of the way. If you have questions about freezing your eggs or embryos, feel free to contact us for personalised advice.