Elective preservation
Elective fertility preservation is the choice to freeze eggs, sperm, or embryos before there is a medical reason to. Common motivations include age-related planning, waiting for the right partner or life circumstances, and preserving options before decisions that will affect the reproductive system (for example gender-affirming care).
Embryo freezing when a partner or donor is involved
When there is a known sperm source — partner or donor — embryos are often frozen instead of, or in addition to, eggs. Embryos are a more predictable indicator of future pregnancy potential than eggs alone, but freezing them decides certain future questions up front (which sperm is used, whether to test embryos).
Sperm freezing
Sperm cryopreservation is straightforward and used both electively and for medical reasons. Several samples are typically banked over a short period, then stored for future use in IUI or IVF cycles.
Storage and future use
Eggs, embryos, and sperm remain viable in long-term cryopreservation. Annual storage fees and future-use costs — thaw, transfer, or a new IVF cycle when frozen eggs are used — are reviewed at the start so the full picture of the decision is clear.
How many cycles
For many patients, a single cycle is enough to bank a target number of eggs; for others — particularly those with lower ovarian reserve or a higher goal — two cycles are planned from the beginning. Your physician will recommend a target based on your evaluation and your intended family size, not a generic number.