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This initiative is designed to make egg freezing more accessible and cost-effective while simultaneously addressing the shortage of donor eggs in the UK.
In response to the growing demand for affordable fertility options and the pressing need for egg donors, UK virtual fertility clinic Apricity has launched an innovative Freeze and Share programme.
A Rising Need for Affordable Egg Freezing
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women choosing to freeze their eggs. According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the number of egg freezing cycles in the UK has surged by 81% to 2022. Despite this growing trend, the high costs associated with the procedure—typically upwards of £5000—have made it unaffordable for many.
The Freeze and Share programme offers a solution for women who wish to preserve their fertility; by opting to share their eggs, they can substantially reduce the cost of egg freezing. This altruistic act not only makes the procedure more affordable but also provides much longer for donor eggs for those that need them.
Addressing the Egg Donor Shortage
The UK faces a shortage of egg donors, with many patients experiencing long waiting times for a donor. Current statistics reveal that 1 in 6 IVF cycles are donation cycles in the UK, yet demand far outstrips supply. Prospective parents can wait up to two years to find a suitable donor, and for many they decide to travel abroad to places like Spain and Cyprus. This brings different considerations for patients as egg donation in other countries is regulated differently to the UK, with most egg donation being completely anonymous.
Apricity’s new programme directly addresses this gap by encouraging egg sharing. Participants in the Freeze and Share programme can donate a portion of their eggs to be used by individuals or couples in need, thereby reducing waiting times and helping more people achieve their dreams of parenthood.
"We are incredibly proud to launch our Freeze & Share Programme, which represents a significant advancement in our fertility services," said Mel Chacksfield, CEO of Apricity Fertility. "This new service will not only make egg freezing more accessible and affordable to the many women who may not usually have the chance to preserve their fertility, but will also mean we can better support our families and parents that rely on donor eggs to start their families. Our commitment to providing personalised care through innovation in the sector continues to drive us forward, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of all our patients"
How It Works
To be eligible for egg sharing, women will need to meet specific criteria such as BMI, age and ovarian reserve. They’ll have unlimited counselling throughout the process to ensure they are fully informed and supported from the start. Women who choose to participate in the Freeze and Share programme will then undergo the standard egg freezing process. A portion of the retrieved eggs will be frozen for their personal use, while the remaining eggs will be donated to Apricity’s frozen egg donor bank. This mutually beneficial arrangement ensures that participants receive significant financial relief while offering a lifeline to those in need of donor eggs.
For more information on Freeze & Share visit Apricity’s website
Apricity is a virtual fertility clinic that transforms the traditional fertility journey through wrapping cutting edge technology with personalised human care. From fertility testing to IVF, fertility preservation to egg donation, Apricity offers exceptional care and excellence success rates.
Written by our group of fertility experts and doctors consultants
Written by our group of fertility experts and doctors consultants
Ⓒ Apricity Fertility UK Limited. All rights reserved