Can you do ivf with 1 frozen egg at a time?

[Razzberry]

Hi, I have a strange question but am wondering if you can do IVF by doing the egg retrieval but not fertilising and storing them as embryos? Is this an option? I was just thinking this May be better if we head down this path as we know we want another baby but not more than 1 (or2!) and I don't know how I feel about having embryos left over..

[~TT40~]

You cant guarantee your one egg will fertilise, and then survibe, and then implant etc... so qould be a waste getting one at a time. There are a number of options you can do with the ones you choose. Not to use, destroy them or donate then (to another couple or for future research)

[Razzberry]

Thanks, I thought that would be the case, I'm fine to have my eggs stored but thought why can't they just put some sperm to fertilise it and then implant?

Will do some more reading, thanks

[Artechim]

Are you asking about freezing just the unfertilised egg? I think that the eggs by themselves don't survive the process as well as an embryo.

[Razzberry]

Yes, an unfertilised egg

[onthefly]

Freezing eggs is trickier than freezing sperm or embryos. They don't tend to last so well.

[Pholi]

It also takes 5 days to fertilize and grow an embryo on to the stage it's ready to transfer. Only about 4 in 10 eggs make it that far, probably less when you're freezing and defrosting unfertilized eggs, so it's 'possible' but you're setting yourself up for failure. Don't underestimate the emotional -and financial- toll that every cycle takes when you're doing IVF.

[Mildez]

I know of women who have had eggs harvested to freeze due to cancer treatments (or ovaries removed) in the hope they can use them down the track when they have a partner. The success rate is exceptionally rare I am told. Biggest risk is the freezing and then the unfreezing stage and most don't make it to then be fertilized before you look at getting them a bit further along and possible a transfer.

[onthefly]

I was reading about new techniques for preserving eggs, so this might be possible in years to come when new techniques are more widely available. For now, it's probably not something you'd do unless facing cancer etc.

[Razzberry]

Lots to think about thanks girls! If we did IVF how much does storing eggs cost a year? Im probably getting ahead of myself but Im on my 4th cycle of clomid and am now on 150mg. I only needed 50mg with both my kids so am feeling a bit lost and not sure what the next step is, or even if IVF would be an option, but I have an appoint with my specialist in 2 weeks so I guess Ill know more then. Just Over my stupid ovaries that just don't want to work!

[Andie78]

I'm paying storage fees atm, $170 for 6 months.

[onthefly]

I don't know about eggs, but storing embryos costs us $250/6 months, which is very steep.

[Andie78]

jeepers, onthefly. that is expensive. :-/

[onthefly]

I know! It used to be $120, then it jumped a couple of years ago.

[Amy_jellybean]

Wow thats insane storage prices! My clinic is a 1 off payment of $500 for the 10 years. Obviously no refund if you use them before then.