15 April 2021

Motivations of women joining the London Egg Bank’s ‘Freeze and Share’ egg storage programme

New survey confirms what we always thought about egg sharers – that those who share their eggs with patients unable to produce them are usually motivated by a wish to help others

Women who recently took part in the London Egg Bank’s “Freeze and Share” egg storage programme are mainly from the 30-35 years age range (67%), have had no children previously (75%), are well educated (78% university graduates) and are in full employment (87%). Over a third (36%) are in a permanent relationship. The survey also indicated that their reasons for choosing “Freeze and Share” were a combination of wishing to help others and financial support for themselves to meet the cost of egg collection and storage.

The survey results confirm what we learned long ago about fertility programmes which involve sharing eggs with women unable to produce them – that altruism and a wish to help are a strong motivation. More than 20 years ago, when the London Women’s Clinic introduced its egg sharing IVF programme, there were some who claimed the financial incentive (of no IVF costs) was tantamount to payment; many studies since then performed by the London Women’s Clinic and other fertility groups around the world showed that this was not the case, but was more a willingness to help other patients less fortunate than themselves.

The Freeze and Share programme at the London Egg Bank gives women wishing to store their eggs the opportunity to do so without cost if they allow a portion of the eggs collected to be retained by the egg bank for use in egg donation. These are patients unable to produce their own eggs because of conditions like an early menopause.

Among the comments received from the survey, one freeze-and-sharer said she and her partner were “really happy we had the possibility to help another family and pay less to create our own”. “Helping other women to conceive is the best gift I could ever make,” said another. “Sharing the eggs with someone was an important factor,” was another comment. “It was easier to go through a challenging situation when not only myself would benefit.”

Our survey carried out in 2021 thus shows that that same willingness to help is still a strong motivation, even though the end-results for the sharer are a little different today. Then, the outcome was financial support for immediate IVF for women who needed fertility treatment; today, freeze-and-sharers are not biologically infertile but simply are not yet ready to start a family with – and their IVF treatment is not immediate but kept on ice until the time is right.

Thus, while the motivations of today’s freeze and-sharers have not changed over two decades, the technology of their treatment has. The fast freezing technique of vitrification has revolutionised fertility treatment and made possible the successful freezing of eggs, which was not viable 20 years ago. Vitrification means that the cryopreservation of eggs is now a routine procedure in egg banking for egg donation and in storing eggs for personal use later on. Indeed, the eggs “shared” by our own freeze-and-sharers will be allocated not to an identified egg donation patient but to the London Egg Bank and made available from the online database to those who consider the donor suitable.

The London Egg Bank survey also confirms that the treatment procedure for “Freeze and Share” is conducted in a way which most recipients found “excellent” or “good”. Most began the programme with information gleaned from the LEB website, with the result that tests and initial procedures were all within expectations; 84% said they “felt confident” about the medical procedures and the freezing technology. Around one half of those surveyed said they expected to use their eggs within ten years, although the legal limit on egg storage – currently ten but a matter of legal debate. One respondent said: “I think it is imperative that the limit for using eggs is extended beyond 10 years. We cannot penalise women for being proactive early about giving themselves the best chance of healthy pregnancies down the line.”

Fertility preservation for personal reasons (also known as “social egg freezing”) is still a relatively new procedure and there are still many unanswered questions – not least how many women will actually return to use their eggs in storage or how many eggs are needed for the best chance of pregnancy later on. One respondent said she hadn’t yet decided “if I will go ahead with IVF in future, but I must say it is nice to have the option”.

Another respondent asked for “a bit more clarity about the actual costs involved, and then some more information on how many eggs will survive the fertilisation process and be suitable for freezing”. We do try to be clear on costs, and evidence suggests so far that more than 90% of vitrified eggs will survive freezing and thawing. Indeed, evidence from egg donation suggests that IVF with a frozen egg can be just as successful as with one freshly collected, but so far no-one can say with any accuracy how many eggs might offer the best chance of pregnancy in social egg freezing programmes. That number will depend on the patient’s age, and is likely to increase as she gets older, especially over the age of 35 when natural fertility begins to decline. But there’s still much to learn, and even the HFEA, the fertility sector’s regulator, describes egg freezing as “rapidly changing field”.

“But,” says Dr Kamal Ahuja, Scientific and Managing Director of the London Egg Bank, “as the HFEA also acknowledges, we are learning all the time, and the information provided by surveys like the London Egg Bank’s will tell us a little more, in the hope that programmes can be even more successful and an ever more reassuring experience for those taking part.”

The London Egg Bank’s Freeze and Share programme has recently been featured in several broadcasts and online commentaries:

All of our blog posts are written, edited, or produced by the London Women's Clinic Content Team. This is a collaboration between our expert writers, health editors, and the leading researchers and senior doctors at our Harley Street clinic.

‘We have two beautiful children - our family wouldn't exist without LWC Brentwood. Can't recommend them highly enough; IVF is an emotional rollercoaster regardless of your journey and we were supported at every step. Pricing is transparent and easy to understand, with payment plans available that made accessing any treatment and medication very flexible and affordable. The clinic became such a part of our lives for that short time, the care and support is so important and LWC Brentwood were brilliant. Maybe we will see them again for number 3!’

Victoria Hayman

10 November 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire team for supporting me throughout my IVF journey. I am delighted to share that I had a positive pregnancy test following my very first IVF cycle fresh embryo transfer, and I am now 9 weeks pregnant! The staff at the LWC Colchester satellite clinic are very supportive, approachable and always do their best to help you at every stage of the journey. I would definitely recommend LWC Colchester to anyone considering fertility treatment. A special thank you to Dr Timea Kovats, a highly experienced, knowledgeable and to the wonderful staff Jackie, Annette, Tracey. Their excellent guidance, expertise, care and supportive approach played a significant role in making my first IVF cycle successful. I am truly grateful for their dedication, encouragement and support throughout this journey. I am equally grateful to all the staff at Colchester satellite clinic and the London main clinic for their care and support throughout the entire process. Thank you once again for helping us achieve such a special milestone in our lives. We will always be grateful for your support! ❤️’

jigu

10 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘Friendly, experienced and professional team. Supported throughout the entire process and would highly recommend.’

Mizzee West

10 November 2026, LWC Brighton

‘The nursing team are so friendly and so supportive. Made everything so much better and easier to go through egg freezing.’

Megan Godber

10 November 2026, LWC Brighton

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Chiamaka Nelson

9 November 2026, LWC Cambridge

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Aruna Nelson

9 November 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘They've given us wonderful service very easy to be around. Very good communication, and very good at helping us out with everything they've done so far.’

Jessica Norman

9 November 2026, LWC Oxford

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Hannah Hale

9 November 2026, LWC Brighton

‘I honestly cannot recommend this fertility clinic highly enough. From the very beginning, the care, compassion and support we received were absolutely exceptional. Going through fertility treatment is an incredibly emotional journey, with so many ups and downs, but the team made us feel supported, listened to and genuinely cared for every step of the way. Nothing ever felt like too much trouble, and every member of staff we encountered was kind, understanding, professional and reassuring. What really stood out was how personal the experience felt. We never felt like just another number. The team took the time to answer our questions, put our minds at ease and guide us through what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process. We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done for us and will never forget the part they have played in helping us grow our family. We now have our little miracles, and we couldn't be more thankful. If you're considering fertility treatment, I would wholeheartedly recommend LWC. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping make our dream come true! ❤️’

Emma Hayman

8 November 2026, LWC Brentwood

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Kinga Arcana-Jones

7 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘Everyone my partner and I have interacted with at the Oxford clinic has been warm, friendly and knowledgeable. They’ve really helped make a very daunting process easier to go through and I’m very glad we chose this clinic!’

Jess Palmer

5 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘Very friendly staff and a lovely inclusive environment, had a wonderful experience here. Highly recommend for anyone looking at fertility preservation.’

T Ilagan

5 November 2026, LWC Oxford

‘As an LGBTQ couple we found LWC Colchester incredibly supportive, no question was too much. They were friendly and welcoming, with modern facilities, and made your journey feel very personalised. We would highly recommend them for your fertility journey.’

Jasmine Colman

5 November 2026, LWC Colchester

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James Purcell

5 November 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘Me and my husband can’t thank everyone at London Women’s Clinic enough for all the care and support throughout our recent treatment. Everything went really well, and we are so grateful to all the doctors and the entire team for looking after me. A special thank you to Mimi, Dr Barbara, Caroline, Trina and Elena from Embryology team and the Theatre Team - Rose, Martin and Amy F. Everyone was so kind, helpful and reassuring, and it really made a difference. Thank you all for everything. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️’

IsadelandCyril

4 November 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire team who supported us throughout our IVF treatment. ❤️ A special thank you to Ana-Maria,our nurse, for her kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism. She was always so caring, understanding and supportive, making us feel reassured and comfortable during such an emotional and challenging journey. We would also like to thank Dr Gill from the bottom of our hearts for his professionalism, dedication, expertise and the confidence he gave us throughout the entire process. IVF is not just a medical treatment; it is an emotional journey filled with hope, challenges and many feelings. Having such wonderful people by our side made everything so much easier. Thank you for your care, support and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone beginning their IVF journey. Thank you for being part of our journey! ❤️’

Alexandru Predescu

3 November 2026, LWC Harrow

‘I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the entire team who supported us throughout our IVF treatment. ❤️ A special thank you to Ana-Maria,our nurse, for her kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism. She was always so caring, understanding and supportive, making us feel reassured and comfortable during such an emotional and challenging journey. We would also like to thank Dr Gill from the bottom of our hearts for his professionalism, dedication, expertise and the confidence he gave us throughout the entire process. IVF is not just a medical treatment; it is an emotional journey filled with hope, challenges and many feelings. Having such wonderful people by our side made everything so much easier. Thank you for your care, support and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone beginning their IVF journey. Thank you for being part of our journey! ❤️’

Mihaela-Clemansa Predescu

3 November 2026, LWC Harrow

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Ramachandran Jeyamohan

3 November 2026, LWC Colchester

‘I feel so blessed and grateful to have been under the lovely nurse Katie and Dr Kovats’s care. Everyone I encountered in the clinic on or off line was friendly, reassuring, thoughtful, and patient with me. I could feel the genuine care from Katie and Dr Kovats. I feel very reassured knowing they'd be there with me every step of the way; it is a great relief to have medical professionals like them on my side. They listened attentively, were reassuring, explained what I need to know thoroughly and were very approachable. Thank you to Carina, the friendly clinic coordinator, for always answering my emails promptly and being so helpful with all the questions I threw at her. Also, to the lovely staff member with blonde hair (I’m so sorry I forgot your name!) who did the ultrasound scan, thank you for being so attentive and making me feel relaxed. The clinic has a calm, relaxing vibe and is very clean. I have had a wonderful experience with the clinic and would highly recommend the team to anyone on their fertility journey!’

T Yang

3 November 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘We have used London Women's Clinic twice in the last two years for successful egg retrieval and two subsequent frozen embryo transfers. We have always been met with care, compassion and a personal approach. Every step from the initial consultation right through to the 7 week scan has been professional and polite, always accommodating our needs and timings. We can't thank the team enough for giving us such support towards creating our family.’

Lucy Richards

2 November 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘Myself and my husband owe it all to london womens clinic, they were amazing from start to finish. We previously were under another clinic and decided to make the change due to many reasons and we are so glad we did. They treat everyone as individuals, not everyones fertility journeys are the same. The small team at Colchester make it so personable not to mention how amazing all 4 women are that work here, their knowledge empathy and listening skills simply cannot be found at any other clinic. The list goes on as to why I would recommend LWC but everyone likes a to the point review. They genuinely care they dont treat you like a number and they help you through every hurdle that occurs. Our little boy wouldn't be possible without these 4, each of them play a bigger part than they realise. 💙’

Ellen Turrell

2 November 2026, LWC Colchester

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Yasmine Mora

30 October 2026, LWC London Bridge

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Louise

30 October 2026, LWC Oxford

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Luciana Lombardi

30 October 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘I had an absolutely amazing experience at LWC from start to finish! There are literally no wait times so we were able to get started pretty much straight away after consultation. The process was seamless, with a lot of flexibility if you need to change appt time. Nurses are amazing and so supportive. Special shout out to Kate and Chris who were so kind and made the whole experience so much better. Also the nurses on the ward were absolutely amazing but I can’t remember their names. I’m now discharged as I’m pregnant from my first try! However I will look forward to returning in the future for my second embryo which is currently frozen 😊’

Kathryn Jessica

27 October 2026, LWC Bromley