24 Apr The Hidden Dilemma of Frozen Eggs
What Every Hopeful Parent Needs to Know
With the rise of egg freezing, more people are preserving their fertility for future parenthood. But what happens when those eggs remain unused? A new study from Monash University and Monash IVF highlights a growing issue: thousands of frozen eggs are sitting in storage indefinitely, and many people don’t know their options.
Egg Freezing Is on the Rise—But Many Eggs Go Unused
In recent years, egg freezing has surged in popularity, offering hope to individuals delaying parenthood for medical reasons (such as cancer treatments) or personal circumstances. However, research shows that only a small percentage of people return to use their frozen eggs. This has led to a storage crisis for fertility clinics while hopeful parents wait for donor eggs.
Many People Are Unaware of Their Choices
A survey of individuals with frozen eggs found that:
- 30% were reluctant to discard surplus eggs, citing the emotional and financial investment involved.
- 46% would consider donating eggs for research if they were compensated.
- 42% were unaware of the high demand for donor eggs, with some regretting not donating sooner.
- 36% believed unclaimed eggs should be allocated to research instead of being discarded.
Lack of information was a key barrier—many did not know that egg donation to non-relatives is allowed, that recipients can find out if a child was born from their donation, or that anonymous donation is not permitted in Australia.
How You Can Make an Informed Decision
If you’ve frozen eggs or are thinking about it, now is the time to understand your options. Experts recommend:
- Learning about egg donation, whether to individuals or for research.
- Asking your clinic for guidance on surplus eggs and long-term storage.
- Hearing from others who have made similar decisions.
Monash IVF reports a critical shortage of donor eggs, with demand 20 times greater than supply. By making informed choices, individuals with stored eggs could help others achieve parenthood while also deciding what feels right for their own journey.
If you have frozen eggs or are considering egg freezing, speak with a fertility specialist to explore all your options. Your decision could change lives—including your own.
