Fertility guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) limit the number of embryos that can be created and transferred. Depending on the age and conditions of the egg donor and recipient, ASRM recommends that 1-3 embryos be transferred at a time.
During fertility treatments, it’s typical for extra embryos to be frozen for use at a later time. It may take multiple rounds to achieve a successful pregnancy. However, when there is a successful pregnancy or multiple pregnancies, you will need to decide what to do with the extra frozen embryos.
When you’re considering the option of embryo donation, make sure to work closely with your doctors to learn how it works. Our team has worked with many couples who have had positive and meaningful experiences with embryo donation, from Los Angeles to Atlanta and beyond. It could be the right approach for you!
Options for Extra Embryos Following a Successful Pregnancy
Depending on your state, you may have up to four options. Typically, you’ll be presented with these choices:
- Keep the embryos to use at a later time
- Donate the embryos to another couple
- Donate the embryos for research (stem cell research)
- Destroy the embryos
This is a very sensitive topic during embryo donation and a difficult decision for parents who have struggled with infertility. Your doctors can guide you through the process to find the best path for you and your family.
Moral & Legal Implications
Embryo donation is associated with moral, political, ethical, legal, and religious implications. Many times, people can be so focused on the outcome of becoming a parent that they forget about the waiting frozen embryos.
Embryo Donation and Other Options
One viable option is to keep the embryos frozen and stored professionally. You can pay an annual storage fee and just leave them be. Preserving them for a later date also gives you the flexibility to change your mind. That way, you can reconsider your decision in the future, and the embryos are preserved and protected.
Another great option is embryo donation, which allows you to donate any extra embryos to another couple, helping them to grow their family. Family Creations has worked with many couples who chose embryo donation, in Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and even internationally. It is a wonderful way to give other families the gift of life, many of whom have faced the same challenges you have.
Work With Family Creations Wherever You Are
If you’re considering embryo donation, your doctors can help you to determine the best approach for you and your family. Work closely with them every step of the way to find out all your options.
If you face infertility and want to learn more about alternative family planning, consider working with the Family Creations team. We can explain a variety of options to grow your family, from egg donation to surrogacy. We have offices throughout the United States and a department dedicated to our global clientele, too. If you’re wondering about the considerations unique to your location, you can always reach out to your local Family Creations office for additional assistance. Our team will work with you one-on-one to help you find the answers you need.
Reach out to us for support today.