Freezing eggs or embryos?

Before we begin: let's recap

The process of egg freezing involves retrieving a woman's eggs so they can be used in the future. When the time comes, the eggs are removed from liquid nitrogen, thawed, fertilized with the patient's chosen sperm (either from a partner or a donor), and placed into her uterus (in other words, they are used for in vitro fertilization). The process of embryo freezing, on the other hand, involves retrieving eggs and obtaining a sperm sample. These are used for laboratory fertilization to create an embryo. The embryo is then frozen and, whenever the couple decides, it is implanted into the uterus. But when it comes to choosing, which is better? Freezing eggs or embryos?

Trade-offs

What is the difference between freezing eggs and embryos? One of the disadvantages of egg freezing is that it is impossible to know the quality of the eggs for certain by analyzing them alone: the only way to know is to attempt to fertilize them. In other words, someone who decides to freeze eggs will only know their potential at the moment they are used. On the other hand, when embryo freezing is performed, the eggs must go through a series of obstacles and tests (including fertilization) that demonstrate their quality and likelihood of becoming a baby. This makes embryo freezing a safer bet, although it is also more expensive and less flexible.

Flexibility is freedom

A major advantage of freezing eggs is that you do not need a sperm donor or a partner to do it. Women can make the decision today and choose the genetic father in the future. This makes egg freezing a flexible option that allows women not to be tied to a specific sperm source.   

Freezing eggs or embryos? Why not both!

The question "Is it better to freeze eggs or embryos?" is difficult to answer and depends on each person's body and life. Here is some good news: you can freeze both eggs and embryos! This allows you to enjoy the benefits of both worlds. You can take advantage of the success rate offered by embryo freezing and the flexibility of egg freezing. Furthermore, you can do it in the same cycle, so you only have to undergo the medication and the surgical procedure once.

What if I never use them?

Great question! The truth is that many people prefer to try to conceive naturally and, if it doesn't work, turn to thawing their eggs or embryos. If you do manage to get pregnant, you can leave them frozen until you are certain they will not be used; there is no time limit. If you never use them (a happy scenario, if you think about it!), you can donate them to another person or couple, donate them for research, or discard them.