Egg freezing has been legal for unmarried women in the UAE since 2021. A reporter from The National who underwent the procedure in Abu Dhabi before her 37th birthday has detailed the treatment process, potential side effects and costs.

According to the reporter, each cycle involves blood tests and ultrasound scans, followed by eight to 12 days of hormone injections and, finally, egg retrieval. The process must begin on the second day of the menstrual cycle, meaning there is effectively only one opportunity each month to start a treatment cycle.

Cost and egg storage period

The cost of egg freezing varies among clinics in the UAE.

At ART Fertility Clinics in Abu Dhabi, a package covering medication, laboratory fees, consultations, egg freezing and one year of storage cost AED 15,500, equivalent to about $4,220.

Another Abu Dhabi clinic quoted AED 25,500 for a similar package. At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, prices range from about AED 15,000 to AED 20,000 or more, depending on the amount of medication required.

Eggs can be stored in the UAE for up to five years, with the option to extend the period to 10 years subject to additional approval.

Annual storage renewal fees range from AED 1,500 to AED 2,625. If several cycles of ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval are required, the overall cost of treatment can rise significantly.

Side effects and chances of success

Dr Laura Melado warned that ovarian stimulation can cause bloating, physical discomfort, headaches and mood changes.

After the egg retrieval, the reporter was advised not to drive for 24 hours and to avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, swimming and saunas for at least one week.

Based on the initial ultrasound results, she was told that retrieving at least seven eggs would be a realistic target for the first cycle. However, only two eggs developed to the required size and were ultimately retrieved and frozen.

According to Melado, not all frozen eggs survive thawing, and not all lead to successful fertilisation or a viable embryo. For this reason, some women undergo more than one treatment cycle.

Frozen eggs can only be used through in vitro fertilisation, or IVF.

According to the report, IVF costs between AED 17,000 and AED 35,000 in the UAE. Embryo genetic testing is charged separately and costs between AED 4,000 and AED 6,000 per embryo.

Melado stressed that whether egg freezing is suitable must be assessed on an individual basis. Factors including age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, antral follicle count, medical history and future family-planning goals all influence the decision.