Treatment spotlight:

• Fertility preservation means saving eggs, sperm, embryos, or reproductive tissue for future use.
• It's commonly used before medical treatments like chemotherapy, or by people choosing to delay parenthood.
• Options include egg freezing, sperm freezing, embryo freezing, and more.
• If you're thinking about fertility preservation, taking action sooner can help maximise your options before fertility is affected by age or treatment.
• Costs vary, but some people may be eligible for NHS funding or financial support.
• While it’s not a guarantee of pregnancy later, it can extend your options and your timeline.

Fertility preservation involves storing eggs, sperm, embryos, or reproductive tissue for potential use in the future — helping keep the possibility of having biological children open for when the time is right.

There are a few different options, depending on your body, your situation, and your long-term plans. The most common methods include:

• Egg freezing: Where your eggs are collected, frozen, and stored for future use
• Sperm freezing: A simple and effective way to preserve sperm long-term
• Embryo freezing: When eggs are fertilised with sperm before being frozen as embryos
• Ovarian or testicular tissue freezing: Often used when other methods aren’t possible, especially before puberty or urgent medical treatment

Each of these methods is safe, established, and evolving all the time thanks to advances in science and tech. And while fertility preservation isn’t a guarantee of pregnancy later on, it can give you more options — and more time.

Fertility preservation isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s a good thing. The right option for you will depend on your age, health, medical history, gender identity, and future family plans. Here’s a look at how each method works in practice.

Egg freezing (AKA oocyte cryopreservation)

What it involves: A short course of ovarian stimulation injections helps your ovaries grow multiple eggs at once. These eggs are then collected in a minor procedure under sedation, frozen, and stored until you’re ready to use them.

How long it takes: About 4–6 weeks from the start of your cycle to egg retrieval.

Success rates: Egg freezing success rates are still developing due to limited data in the UK, but one study found that, “irrespective of age”, people who froze 15 or more eggs had a 45% chance of a live birth, compared to 13% when fewer than 15 eggs were retrieved. [1]

Success rates are influenced by several factors, including your age, AMH levels, and any underlying conditions such as endometriosis — with higher chances typically seen when eggs are frozen earlier in reproductive life. Eggs frozen before age 35 have the highest chance of resulting in a live birth later. [2]

Who it might be right for: Anyone who wants to delay parenthood for personal, medical, or career reasons. Also commonly used before cancer treatment or gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Find out more: Egg Freezing Treatment Guide

Embryo freezing

What it involves: Embryo freezing (AKA freeze all cycle) involves fertilising collected eggs with sperm — from either a partner or a donor — and then freezing the resulting embryos for potential future use. It’s often chosen as part of IVF, especially if a fresh embryo transfer isn’t possible straight away, or as a form of fertility preservation for those who want to create and store embryos in advance.

How long it takes: Also around 4–6 weeks, including ovarian stimulation, egg collection, fertilisation, and embryo development.

Success rates: According to recent data from the HFEA, “the average IVF birth rate using frozen embryo transfers… [was] 30% in 2022.” Embryos generally have higher survival and implantation rates than unfertilised eggs. Like egg freezing, success depends on age and embryo quality. [3,4]

Who it might be right for: Embryo freezing may be considered by people undergoing IVF who need to delay transfer, those preserving fertility in a couple, or individuals who prefer to store fertilised embryos rather than eggs alone. Some people choose to undergo multiple egg collections to create a bank of embryos for future use.

It’s also worth considering that if you use a partner’s sperm to create embryos, both parties must give consent for the embryos to be stored and used — which can raise legal and emotional complications if the relationship changes. Using donor sperm may offer more autonomy, particularly if you're preserving fertility as a single person. [5]

Sperm freezing

What it involves: A sperm sample is collected, checked in the lab, and frozen in liquid nitrogen. That’s it — quick, non-invasive, and highly effective. It’s important to have the sample thoroughly tested before freezing to assess sperm quality, so you can be confident in what’s being stored for future use. If any concerns are identified early, your clinic can discuss additional steps or further testing.

How long it takes: As little as one day, but it’s recommended to give multiple samples for the best outcome.

Success rates: Evidence suggests that approximately 85% of sperm in a given sample survive the freezing and thawing process. These sperm are considered equally effective in fertility treatments such as IVF or ICSI. Frozen sperm can be stored safely for several decades, making it a dependable option for long-term fertility preservation. [6]

Who it might be right for: Anyone producing sperm who wants to preserve fertility before treatment, surgery, or transitioning. Also a great option for people in high-risk jobs (e.g. military or sports).

Find out more: Sperm Freezing Treatment Guide

Ovarian tissue freezing

What it involves: A surgical procedure removes and freezes small sections of ovarian tissue containing thousands of immature eggs. Later, this tissue can be reimplanted to restore fertility and hormone function.

How long it takes: Typically done as a one-time procedure. May be arranged urgently if needed before cancer treatment.

Success rates: Still considered emerging, but several hundred babies have been born using this method. Success is improving with new research. [7]

Who it might be right for: Children and teenagers who can’t undergo egg freezing, or adults needing urgent fertility preservation before treatment.

Testicular tissue freezing

What it involves: A sample of testicular tissue is surgically removed and frozen, often used when mature sperm aren’t yet present.

How long it takes: Usually done quickly and only once, especially before starting chemotherapy.

Success rates: Currently experimental — no live births yet, but ongoing research is promising. [8]

Who it might be right for: Prepubescent boys or individuals with conditions that affect sperm development.

Both egg freezing and embryo freezing are well-established fertility preservation options — but the right choice depends on your personal circumstances, relationship status, and future plans.

Egg freezing involves collecting and freezing your unfertilised eggs for later use. This option gives you full autonomy, as you don’t need to decide on a sperm source at the time of freezing. It’s often preferred by individuals who are preserving fertility independently or aren’t ready to make decisions about a future co-parent.

Embryo freezing, on the other hand, means fertilising eggs with sperm (from a partner or donor) before freezing. This can be a good option for people who already know they want to use a particular sperm source — for example, those in a relationship or working with a donor. Embryos tend to have slightly higher survival and implantation rates compared to eggs, which can be helpful in treatment planning. [4]

One key reason some people choose embryo freezing over egg freezing is that it allows for an immediate understanding of egg quality. Once eggs are fertilised, embryologists can assess how well they develop — which can inform whether additional rounds of preservation are needed. With egg freezing, egg quality isn't known until they are thawed and used in treatment, which may be years later, when further collection might no longer be an option.

However, it’s important to be aware of the legal and emotional considerations. Embryos created with a partner require joint consent to be used in future — which can become complicated if circumstances change. If you're looking for more control or flexibility, egg freezing may be the more straightforward path. [5]

Some people choose to freeze eggs now, then create embryos later. Others may undergo multiple cycles to build a bank of embryos for future use. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but speaking to a fertility specialist can help you weigh up your options with clarity and confidence.

There’s no universal timeline for starting a family — and no single moment that counts as "too early" or "too late" to start thinking about your fertility. But when it comes to preservation, the sooner you understand your options, the more choices you may have down the line.

Fertility preservation isn’t just for people facing a specific diagnosis or life event. It’s about creating space for your future, whatever that future might look like. Even if parenthood feels a long way off, having a plan in place can bring a sense of clarity and calm — especially in the face of uncertainty.

This is particularly important for egg freezing, as egg quality and quantity naturally decline with age. Sperm, on the other hand, does not follow the same age-related pattern — so for sperm freezing, the focus is more on optimising sperm quality before storage rather than timing.

Who should consider fertility preservation?

You might want to explore fertility preservation if:

• You’re preparing for cancer treatment (like chemo or radiation) or any medical care that could affect your fertility (you might hear this referred to as oncofertility) [9,10]
• You’re a trans or non-binary person beginning hormone therapy or surgery and want the option of genetic children later
• You live with a reproductive health condition like endometriosis, PCOS, or autoimmune disease that could impact fertility over time
• You’re choosing to delay having children to prioritise education, work, travel, or simply because you’re not ready yet
• You have a family history of early menopause or infertility, and want to be proactive about your future fertility

Ultimately, this is about giving yourself options — not pressure. If you’re even slightly curious, it’s worth having the conversation. No commitment, no rush. Just information that puts you in the driving seat.

Fertility preservation can offer more than just the chance to have children later — it’s also about reclaiming a sense of control during times that often feel anything but.

Here’s how it can help:

• Peace of mind: Knowing you’ve done something proactive for your future can ease the stress, especially if life feels uncertain right now.
• More freedom in the present: You can focus on your health, career, identity, or whatever matters most to you — without pressure to rush decisions about parenthood.
• Time to figure things out: Not sure if you want children in the future? Freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos gives you more space to decide.
• Support through medical treatment: If you're having cancer care or other treatment that might affect fertility, preservation helps protect your chances for later.
• Gender-affirming care: For trans and non-binary people, it can be a way to keep future options open before starting hormones or surgery.
• A way to plan around health or family history: If early menopause or infertility runs in your family, preservation can offer extra reassurance.

Like any medical procedure, fertility preservation does come with some risks, and some things to consider — we believe it’s important to weigh them up before making a decision.

• It doesn’t always lead to pregnancy: While techniques like egg and embryo freezing are constantly improving, success isn’t guaranteed. Some eggs may not survive the freezing and thawing process, or may not fertilise or implant later.
• The process can be physically demanding: If you’re freezing eggs or embryos, you’ll need to take hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries. This can cause side effects like bloating, mood changes, or mild discomfort. In rare cases, it can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can be more serious.
• There’s a cost to consider: Financial, emotional, and time-related. Some people find the process more emotionally intense than expected, especially if it brings up questions around future family plans or fertility challenges.
• Storage limits: In the UK, frozen eggs, sperm, and embryos can legally be stored for up to 55 years, but you’ll need to renew your consent every 10 years. Keeping on top of the admin (and payments) is important. [11]
• Surgical risks: Procedures like ovarian or testicular tissue freezing involve minor surgery, which carries standard risks like infection or bleeding, although complications are rare.
• Still experimental for some: Options like testicular or ovarian tissue freezing are less established than egg or sperm freezing, and may not be widely available. Success rates are lower and ongoing research is still evolving.

Fertility preservation can be life-changing — but it’s also a financial commitment, and we believe in being upfront about that from the start.

Here’s what to expect cost-wise in the UK, so you can plan with all the information you need:

Storage fees

Annual storage costs between £150 – £540 per year, depending on clinic and what’s being stored (eggs, embryos, sperm, or tissue).

Most clinics require upfront payment for the first year — ongoing costs build over time.

NHS funding

You might be eligible for free or partially covered fertility preservation if:

• You’re undergoing medical treatment (like chemo or radiotherapy) that could impact your fertility
• You meet age and health criteria set by your local Integrated Care Board (ICB)
• You’re referred by a specialist in time — ideally before treatment begins

NHS funding isn't available for social reasons (e.g. delaying parenthood by choice), and availability varies across the UK. It’s recommended to ask your GP or oncologist about local eligibility criteria early on.

Cost to use frozen eggs, embryos, or sperm

When it comes to using your frozen eggs, embryos, or sperm (AKA gametes), it’s important to be aware that this stage of treatment comes with additional costs — separate from the initial preservation and storage.

The exact amount depends on what you've stored and the type of treatment required:

• Frozen eggs will need to be thawed, fertilised (usually through ICSI), and transferred in a frozen embryo transfer (FETT). This process typically costs £3,440 per cycle, ranging from £2,200 to £6,000, depending on the clinic. [12]
• Frozen embryos are used directly in a frozen embryo transfer (FET), which involves preparing the uterus and transferring the thawed embryo. This tends to cost slightly less than FETT, averaging £920 – £2,895.
• Frozen sperm can be used in various treatments, including IUI or IVF. Costs vary widely depending on the treatment route, with IUI ranging from £550 to £2,310 per cycle and IVF with ICSI ranging from £800 to £1,675 per cycle (in addition to the IVF cost, which averages at £5,310. [13,14]
  
  

Are there other ways to get help with the cost?

Yes — there are a few alternative routes that may help ease the financial pressure. If you have private health insurance, it’s worth checking your policy or speaking to your HR team, as some employers now include fertility preservation in their benefits package.

Charities and grants can also offer support, particularly for those undergoing medical treatment. Organisations like Macmillan Cancer Support and Teenage Cancer Trust may be able to help with information or financial assistance. And finally, some clinics offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of treatment and storage over time, making it more manageable.

If you’re thinking about preserving your fertility, the best place to start is by gathering information that’s personal to you — not just general advice. Here’s what that can look like in practice:

• Book an appointment with a fertility consultant: They’ll walk you through your options based on your medical history, reproductive health, and future goals. You can compare clinics on Fertility Mapper to find one that fits your needs.
• Get your hormone levels checked: A simple blood test (often for AMH, or Anti-Müllerian Hormone) can give you insight into your ovarian reserve or sperm health.
• Have an ultrasound scan: If you have ovaries, a pelvic ultrasound can assess how many follicles are visible and give more clarity about your fertility window.
• Explore which type of preservation makes sense for you: Egg, sperm, or embryo freezing? Tissue storage? Your specialist will help you decide what aligns best with your body and your timeline.
• Think through the financial side: Costs can vary, and we’ll break them down for you in the next section. Some people are eligible for NHS funding or support through work or charities.

This isn’t something you have to figure out alone — and you’re not expected to have all the answers right away. Fertility preservation is a step-by-step process, and Fertility Mapper is here to help you move through it with clarity, support, and no pressure.

Deciding whether to preserve your fertility is deeply personal — and it’s okay if you're still figuring things out. This isn’t about racing the clock or making life-changing choices overnight. It’s about understanding what’s possible, and knowing that if and when you want to take the next step, you’ll be doing it from a place of clarity, not panic.

Whatever your reasons for looking into fertility preservation, you deserve the full picture, free from pressure. And you deserve to feel supported while you explore it.

At Fertility Mapper, we’re here to support you in finding the clinic and treatment path that’s right for you. Whether you're exploring different options, reading real patient reviews, or learning what to expect, we're here to help you make informed, personalised decisions with confidence.

Can I freeze my eggs or sperm if I’m single?

Yes — you don’t need to be in a relationship to preserve your fertility. Many people freeze eggs or sperm independently to keep options open for the future.

Is there an age limit for fertility preservation?

Clinics often set age guidelines (e.g. egg freezing is most effective under 35), but eligibility can vary. It’s best to speak with a doctor about your individual circumstances.

How long can eggs, sperm, or embryos be stored?

In the UK, they can be stored for up to 55 years — as long as you renew consent every 10 years.

Can I preserve fertility on the NHS if I’m not having medical treatment?

No — at the moment, NHS funding is typically only available for people whose fertility is at risk due to medical treatments. Availability varies by region, so it’s worth checking locally.

What happens when I want to use my frozen eggs or sperm?

You’ll work with a clinic to plan the next stage of treatment, which will depend on what you’ve preserved. This might involve thawing and fertilising frozen eggs (FETT), transferring previously frozen embryos (FET), or using frozen sperm in IVF or IUI. Your care team will guide you through the process based on your medical history, treatment goals, and what’s been stored.

Is fertility preservation right for me if I’m not sure I want children?

It can be. Many people choose to preserve their fertility as a precaution, even if they’re uncertain about having children. There’s no commitment to use your frozen material later — only the possibility if you choose to.

Can I donate unused eggs, sperm, or embryos later?

In some cases, yes. If you decide not to use your frozen material, you may be able to donate it for research or to help someone else start a family — but you’ll need to give explicit consent.