From Embryo Storage to Embryo Donation: What Happens to Unused IVF Embryos?
The Journey of Unused IVF Embryos: Understanding Your Options
After completing an IVF cycle, many patients face an important decision about their remaining embryos. These frozen embryos represent significant emotional and biological value, leading to several possible paths forward. Here's a comprehensive look at what happens to unused IVF embryos and the choices available to patients.
Primary Options for Unused Embryos
1. Continued Cryopreservation
One common choice is to freeze surplus embryos for potential future use. This allows for additional attempts at pregnancy without undergoing another full IVF cycle. Embryos can be stored for extended periods, but it's important to be aware of storage fees and any legal limitations on storage duration.
Process: Embryos remain frozen in liquid nitrogen (-196°C)
Storage Duration:
Typical contracts: 1-10 years (renewable)
Longest recorded: Over 25 years (with good survival rates)
Costs: 500−500−1,200/year (varies by clinic)
Considerations:
Allows for future sibling attempts
Maintains all other options open
2. Embryo Donation for Reproduction
Unused embryos can be donated to other individuals or couples struggling with infertility. This process, known as embryo donation, involves transferring the embryos to recipients to achieve pregnancy. Embryo donation can be facilitated through specialized programs or fertility clinics. Keep in mind that not all clinics are authorized to allow for embryo donation
Two Main Paths:
Known donation (to friends/family)
Anonymous donation (through clinics/banks)
Success Rates: Similar to regular donor embryo cycles (~40-50% pregnancy rate)
Legal Process:
Requires formal relinquishment
Recipients undergo standard screening
3. Donation to Science
Another option is to donate embryos for scientific research, contributing to advancements in medical science, such as studies on genetic diseases and stem cell research. Embryos used for research will not be implanted for pregnancy. However, pathways for donating embryos to research may not be straightforward and could require additional exploration. Most of the times clinics will use these embryos to train their newer embryologists. Rarely do clinics have the capability to do serious research!
Research Uses Include:
Stem cell studies
Improving IVF techniques
Understanding early development
Requirements:
Specific consent forms
Often needs IRB-approved studies
4. Compassionate Transfer
Procedure: Embryo placed in uterus at non-optimal time
Purpose: Symbolic gesture (near-zero pregnancy chance)
Common Reasons:
Religious considerations
Emotional closure
5. Embryo Disposition
Some individuals or couples may choose to have their remaining embryos thawed and discarded. This decision can be emotionally challenging, and counseling services are often recommended to support individuals through the process.
Methods:
Thawing without transfer
Natural degradation over time
Protocols: Vary by clinic/state laws
6. Indefinite Storage
Opting to keep embryos in storage indefinitely is also a possibility. This choice postpones the decision regarding the embryos' fate but involves ongoing storage fees. Some individuals or couples may select this option due to uncertainty or difficulty in making a definitive decision.
This is not without its costs. Clinics can charge anywhere from $500-$2000 for yearly storage of your embryos. There are cheaper long-term storage companies that can store your embryos at their facilities that are away from the clinic, such as Reprotech!
Did you know embryos are stored in special tanks called “dewar tanks”? These tanks are filled with liquid nitrogen that is as cold as -196 degrees!
What Patients Should Ask Their Clinic
What are my state's laws regarding embryo disposition?
Does your clinic have an embryo donation program?
What research institutions receive donated embryos?
Are there any storage limitations?
What paperwork is required for each option?
Key Takeaways
✔ Average IVF patient has 3-5 unused embryos
✔ Storage remains the most common choice (60% of patients)
✔ Donation programs have grown 300% since 2010
✔ Decisions should align with personal values and future plans
✔ Legal protections vary significantly by location
Final Thoughts
The decision regarding unused embryos is profoundly personal and can be influenced by various factors, including ethical beliefs, religious values, financial considerations, and future family planning goals. Discussions with your partner and fertility specialists can go a long way in helping you work through each option. This shouldn’t be taken lightly because some decisions could be permanent, while other decisions can be financially straining. The IVF Kitchen is always here too if you have any questions or confusion with this process because we know how chaotic it can get at IVF clinics!
“Some embryos stay frozen for years, quietly holding space in someone’s heart. Others are shared forward, becoming part of a new family’s beginning”
