If you’ve participated in our Split program, you’ve already gone through the hard part—completing your egg freezing cycle and donating half your eggs to a family who needed your help to grow. Now, your remaining eggs are yours to use if and when you’re ready. But what exactly happens when that time comes?
Here’s everything you need to know about what happens to your eggs after freezing, how to access them, and what to expect when you decide to use them.
Where your eggs are stored
After your egg retrieval, your eggs were vitrified (flash-frozen) in liquid nitrogen and transferred to long-term cryogenic storage. These eggs are stored with our storage partner, TMRW Life Sciences, using state-of-the-art technology, including:
- Digital labeling and RFID tracking to ensure precise identification
- Automated systems to reduce human error
- 24/7 monitoring and real-time inventory updates
TRMW has storage facilities across the country, including in New York, NY and Boulder, CO. Your eggs are being carefully monitored and protected, and you can request access at any time.
You own your eggs
From the moment of retrieval, the eggs that belong to you are exactly that—yours. You don’t need Cofertility’s permission or involvement to access them (though we always love hearing from our Members!). You’ll simply reach out to the storage facility or work with your clinic to coordinate shipping and next steps.
Your eggs are stored for free for 10 years as part of your Split program benefits. If you need more time beyond that, extended storage options are available directly with TMRW, or you can ship them to a storage facility of your choice.
When you’re ready to use them
Here’s how the process works when you’re ready to use your frozen eggs. Remember, egg freezing is the first part of IVF, followed by making and transferring embryos:
- Choose a fertility clinic. This might be the same clinic where your retrieval took place, or a different one based on where you live now or your insurance coverage.
- Coordinate shipping. Your clinic will request the eggs from the storage facility and handle safe transport to their lab.
- Thawing the eggs. The clinic will thaw your eggs using a warming protocol that protects them from damage. Thanks to vitrification, thaw rates are high and most eggs do survive. Read more about Egg Freezing Thaw Rates.
- Fertilization and embryo creation. Once thawed, your eggs will be fertilized through ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), where one sperm is injected into each egg.
- Embryo transfer. Embryos are monitored for development over a few days. The strongest embryo(s) will be selected and transferred to your uterus in a process similar to a pap smear.
While there are no guarantees, younger age at the time of freezing is associated with higher success rates. The number and quality of thawed eggs will influence how many embryos develop, and ultimately, your chances of pregnancy.
What it costs to use your eggs
While your egg retrieval and 10 years of storage were covered by the Split program, there are costs associated with using your eggs later on. These include:
- Shipping your eggs to your clinic: varies by distance and facility, generally $500–$1,000
- Fertilization and embryo culture with ICSI: $5,000-7,500
- Embryo transfer procedure:$3,000–$6,000
- Medication and monitoring: can vary widely, often an additional $3,000-5,000
These estimates are from 2025, and may change in the future. We recommend checking with your chosen clinic for specific pricing and asking if insurance or financing options are available.
The bottom line
As a Split Member, you’ve already done something incredible: you’ve helped build another family and preserved your own fertility in the process. When and how you use your frozen eggs is entirely up to you. Whether that’s next year or a decade from now, your eggs will be ready when you are.
If you have questions about retrieving your eggs from storage, choosing a clinic, or budgeting for your next steps, we’re here for you. Reach out anytime—we’re always happy to help you make the most of this powerful decision.
