Embryo Storage Costs

[juliecjack]

Hi all looking for a bit of advise, 3 years ago we were lucky enough to have a successful frozen transfer and have a beautiful little boy from our 4th ICSI cycle (private clinic). We now have one frozen embryo remaining in storage and pay an annual storage fee. Every year I think we have to decide if we are going to try for a second but its not been the right time yet and we don't want to rule it out completely so we pay the fee's again. Its just so hard to decide to discard something so special but ultimately its looking more and more likely that we wont use it for lots of different reasons (including our age). In the meantime we are paying every year and cant really afford to do it indefinitely. Does anyone know if this can be stored by the NHS rather than privately?

Thanks

Julie

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We had ivf under the nhs and they only pay for one year storage for us so now having to pay nearly 300 a year to keep our embryo x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi juliecjack. Usually, the NHS only store embryos for one year, then it's up to you. I wondered whether you had considered donating your embryo to someone who is struggling out there?? Lots to think about, but just a thought. There is the research options too. Someone I know had an unsuccessful ICSI cycle, but had 6 embryos stored frozen. They were successful with their 3rd FET, then as they were then both in their 40's decided to donate their remaining embryos to research, as they felt they couldn't afford any more. Might sound strange, but they are blissfully happy with their son who is now playing two musical instruments! Just a bit of useless information.! They didn't want to agree to them perishing, so opted for research. Diane

[TraceySainsbury Volunteer]

Dear juliecjack

I see that Diane has already replied, but wanted to add that my hope is that your clinic would provide counselling around your decision making process.

If research is something you would like to consider and your clinic isn't part of a project, I asked the research panel at the HFEA conference about this and Professor Daniel Brison thought they could arrange participation in their research project, each project has to ensure informed consent and correct transportation is organised, so some projects only work with specific clinics, which can be disappointing for many patients.

manchester.ac.uk/research/m... other research projects can be found here hfea.gov.uk/donation/donors...

Sadly the NHS would usually only store embryos post NHS treatment and often have a limited period included as Hydromermaid-1 shared, sadly also though not mentioned in the NICE Guidelines, there is often no NHS funding available for fertility related treatment where a couple already have a child.

Sorry it sounds a bit 'unhelpful', but as mentioned I do hope that your clinic would provide access to counselling around supporting you with your decisions. Helene Torr a former staff member was able to bring her embryos home telegraph.co.uk/news/health... (an old story - but something else to consider - if your clinic would permit them being handed over once confirmed no longer viable)

Very warm wishes

Tracey

Tracey Sainsbury

Fertility Network UK Advisory Panel Member and Volunteer Counsellor