Both egg freezing and embryo freezing preserve your fertility for the future — the right choice depends mainly on your circumstances and whether you have a partner now.
Egg freezing
Mature eggs are collected and frozen unfertilised. It suits women who want to preserve fertility but are not ready to decide on a partner or to create embryos now — for medical reasons or by choice.
Embryo freezing
Eggs are fertilised (usually with ICSI) and the resulting embryos are frozen. It suits couples doing IVF now who want to store good-quality extra embryos for a later frozen embryo transfer.
How to decide
If you have a partner and are ready to create embryos, embryo freezing often gives more information about embryo quality. If you prefer to keep your options open, egg freezing preserves flexibility. Your physician will help you weigh this for your situation.
See transparent costs and our full IVF guide.
Sources: ESHRE, HFEA, WHO and accepted reproductive-medicine guidance. This article is for general education and does not replace a medical consultation. Reviewed by Assist. Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer (Obstetrics & Gynaecology · IVF and Reproductive Medicine), UCARER Women’s Health, Istanbul.
