Cryopreservation is the freezing of cells or tissues in order to preserve them for future use. Egg freezing may be considered for certain medical conditions that require treatment that is likely to cause premature infertility (eg. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, drug/hormone therapy). Some patients may choose to freeze their eggs for elective reasons on a self funded basis.
Referrals
We accept referrals for patients who live in the Lothian and Borders areas. Referrals must come from an appropriate NHS Lothian and Borders clinician or nurse specialist. We work closely with a number of oncology nurse specialists who will be able to go through information and consent forms. Similarly, we work with nurse specialists and consultants at the Gender Identity Clinic at the Chalmers Centre and can accept referrals for transgender patients via this pathway. All information must be completed on the fertility preservation form or we will not be able to process the referral. Completed forms should be submitted by email to loth.assistedconceptionunit@nhs.scot.
Patients who wish to freeze their eggs electively should have a routine referral from their GP (the fertility preservation referral form is not applicable in this case)
Fertility preservation may be NHS funded or self-funded, depending on eligibility, which is detailed on the referral form. If the eligibility criteria for NHS funded egg storage is not met, we may be able to offer a self-funded option (see Self Funded Treatment page for costs).
Special considerations apply to patients under 16 years old. The referring clinician will need to confirm in writing that you have capacity to consent (be Gillick competent) before referring you for egg storage. You may wish to be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 years (preferably a parent or family member) when going through consent forms.
Information before giving consent
We will always provide you with the relevant written information sheets to allow you to make informed decisions about egg storage, treatment and disclosure of information before you sign consent forms.
Counselling
If you would like to speak to a Fertility Counsellor about concerns or implications relating to egg storage, please let us know. Our counselling service can also provide you with supportive counselling, if required.
Consent forms
It is important to read the relevant consent forms carefully before completing the different sections. These are legal documents and mistakes may result in eggs being destroyed if proper consent is not given. As a minimum, you must complete the consent for egg storage (HFEA GS form) and to the disclosure of identifying information (HFEA CD form).
If you have a partner you wish to name to use your stored eggs and/or embryos, including in the event of your death or if you become unable to make decisions, the HFEA WT form must be completed. If you do not have a partner you wish to name at the time of egg freezing, this form does not need to be completed. However, if your circumstances change and you later wish to name your partner, it is essential that you complete this form as soon as possible. If this consent is not completed and given to us, your named partner will not be able to use your eggs and/or embryos.
Storage
The law now permits you to store your eggs for a maximum of 55 years from the date that the eggs/embryos are first placed in storage. However, for this storage to lawfully continue, you will need to renew your consent every 10 years. Therefore, it is essential that you ensure your contact details remain up to date. Ongoing NHS funded storage (if applicable) is continuously renewed and you may be charged for storage if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria.
Screening
Before egg storage, patients must be screened negative for:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B (surface antigen and core antibody)
- Hepatitis C (antibody)
Additional screening is required if your eggs/embryos may be used by someone else (e.g. a surrogate, your partner)
Appointments
You will have an initial consultation with a doctor. Depending on the urgency of the egg freeze this may be offered at short notice. Given that treatment may need to start immediately, it is important to ensure there is no chance of pregnancy when you attend the appointment.
Egg/embryo freezing procedure
Egg freezing involves undergoing stimulation of the ovaries by taking daily injections. Several ultrasound scans (usually performed with the probe in the vagina) are required to monitor your response to treatment. Your eggs are collected by an operation performed via the vagina, under sedation. Mature eggs/good quality embryos are frozen for future use. You will be provided with detailed information of the process at your doctor’s appointment.
Review of stored eggs/embryos
We carry out regular reviews relating to stored eggs/embryos. We may contact you to make sure we have up-to-date information or to send you consent forms should they need to be updated. It is therefore important that you let us know if you move address or change medical practice. If consent needs to be updated, the letter we send will guide you on which form is required.
Before the storage expiry date, we will write to you to advise which form(s) need to be completed.
