Egg freezing - how to choose a clinic? Are there hidden costs?

[ManchesterGirl2]

Hi, I'm 34 and single. I've had an initial consultation with Manchester Fertility, my stats are slightly better than average for my age.

If I go ahead I obviously want as good a chance of success as possible. Does anyone have experience/ advice on how to choose the best clinic? Where can I find statistics about this? Manchester area would be ideal from a travel perspective.

Also I saw an article saying there are a lot of hidden costs - but unhelpfully it didn't say what! I've been quoted for the cycle (planning, injection teaching apptmt, monitoring blood tests and scans, sedation and local anaesthetic, egg collection and follow up appointment), and the drugs (though it depends how much you use) and yearly storage. Apart from transport and time off work, are there any other costs that I ought to factor in?

Thanks!

I guess the only other cost to consider is actually using your frozen eggs in the future, which is stating the obvious I know but is very expensive. Assume £5-7k for a cycle of IVF, and most people need more than one cycle. I think that’s what people mean when they talk about hidden costs because it’s often not acknowledged by the clinics at the egg freezing stage.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks evalooda yes that's a fair point.

The HFEA website has lots of information about egg freezing, plus there is a clinic search function (linked at the bottom) where you can look up clinics near you and view their success rate in line with national averages. www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/fertility-preservation/egg-freezing/

Hi @ManchesterGirl2 I think the main thing everyone talks about re hidden costs are the meds, as they can range from £400 -£2k perhaps for a cycle, depending on what protocol you're on etc. Usually clinics don't include this in their fixed cycle package fees so you don't know in advance. It sounds like your clinic has at least given a good indication for this though, so I think you're ok! Perhaps just double check with them if there are any other fees you might encounter?

Thanks Rosie and mindatwork

I did one round at Lister and it looks similar to what you were quoted, except I had to pay for blood tests separately as well, so looks like you had a better deal. I think you covered all the expenses I had. The only thing that isn't clear from your post, is whether the package also includes an initial consultation and a follow-up post procedure?

Hi @ManchesterGirl2 did you go ahead with the egg freezing? How did it go? Did you have further cycles or just one?

Sorry for all the questions - going through this now!