As of 1 July 2022, UK legislation on egg, sperm and embryo storage has been extended to a maximum of 55 years. This major update to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act gives patients greater flexibility when planning for future fertility treatment.
Previously, frozen eggs, sperm and embryos could only be stored for up to 10 years in most cases. Under the new law, patients can now renew their consent every 10 years, allowing storage for up to 55 years in total.
What Does the New Fertility Storage Law Mean for Patients?
The updated legislation allows individuals who choose fertility preservation, whether for medical or non-medical reasons to:
- Extend storage beyond the initial 10-year period
- Renew consent every 10 years
- Store eggs, sperm, or embryos for up to 55 years
This change provides significantly more flexibility for people who are not yet ready to start a family but want to preserve their fertility options.
Fertility Counselling Before Extending Storage
Before renewing your consent period, you will be offered specialist fertility counselling.
Deciding whether to extend storage can be complex. Counselling sessions provide a safe, confidential space to:
- Explore your reasons for continuing storage
- Understand future fertility treatment options
- Discuss potential implications for pregnancy
Our experienced fertility counsellors are here to support you in making an informed decision that’s right for you.
Why Has the UK Fertility Law Changed?
Several key factors have driven this change in UK fertility law:
Advances in Fertility Technology
Modern egg freezing and embryo freezing techniques are now far more effective, improving success rates and long-term viability.
Increased Demand for Egg Freezing
More women in the UK are choosing to freeze their eggs at a younger age. This allows them to:
- Focus on career and personal goals
- Delay starting a family without compromising fertility
- Reduce anxiety about age-related fertility decline
Improved Understanding of Fertility
Research has shown that both egg quality and quantity decline with age, making earlier fertility preservation more beneficial.
What Is the Best Age to Freeze Your Eggs?
Fertility experts generally recommend freezing eggs in your 20s or early 30s.
Freezing eggs at a younger age can:
- Improve egg quality
- Increase the chances of a successful pregnancy later
- Provide more reproductive options in the future
The new 55-year storage limit means women who freeze eggs earlier can now use them later in life when they feel ready to start a family.
. Joint Managing Director Dr Debbie Falconer says:
"The changes in the time allowed for storage is very good news for anyone storing eggs, sperm or embryos who are not quite ready to have children. It now gives more flexibility in the time to try for a family."
What Is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing (also known as oocyte cryopreservation) is a fertility preservation technique that involves:
- Stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs
- Collecting the eggs
- Freezing and storing them for future use
This allows women to preserve their fertility and attempt pregnancy at a later date.
Why Choose Manchester Fertility for Egg Freezing?
At Manchester Fertility, we specialise in egg freezing and IVF treatments, offering expert care at every stage of your journey.
- Highly experienced fertility specialists
- Advanced laboratory technology
- Personalised treatment plans
When you're ready to begin fertility treatment, our dedicated team is here to support you.
Ongoing Support and Fertility Counselling
We offer confidential fertility counselling to all patients considering storage extension or treatment.
You can choose to attend sessions:
- Individually
- With your partner
Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your decisions.
Keep Your Contact Details Up to Date
If you have eggs, sperm, or embryos in storage, it is essential to keep your contact information up to date.
This ensures we can contact you when it’s time to renew your consent. If we are unable to reach you at the end of your storage period, your storage cannot legally be extended.
Contact Manchester Fertility
If you would like more information about egg freezing, sperm storage, or embryo storage, our patient team is here to help.
Call us: 0161 300 2730
Book a free1-to-1 fertility consultation with our New Patient Team today
Last updated: 16th April 2026
