The limit on how long frozen eggs, sperm and embryos can be stored may be extended amid concerns that women are being disproportionately affected, the government has announced.

The maximum storage period is 10 years, after which families must decide whether to undergo fertility treatment or have their eggs, sperm and embryos destroyed. The Department of Health and Social Care is launching a public consultation into whether this should be changed.

Currently, only eggs stored for medical reasons, such as cancer treatments and premature infertility, can be preserved for longer – up to 55 years in total.

The number of women freezing their eggs has increased by 257% since 2012, with 1,462 egg-freezing cycles in 2017 compared with 410 in 2012. Freezing technologies have recently become more advanced.

Both men and women may freeze their sperm and/or eggs for non-medical reasons, such as wanting to have children in future. But concerns are growing that the 10-year storage limit for non-medical reasons is disproportionately affecting women who want to freeze their eggs.

Caroline Dinenage, the minister for social care, said: “Every person should be given the best possible opportunity to start a family, which is why it is so important that our laws reflect the latest in technological advancements.

“Although this could affect any one of us, I am particularly concerned by the impact of the current law on women’s reproductive choices. A time limit can often mean women are faced with the heartbreaking decision to destroy their frozen eggs, or feel pressured to have a child before they are ready.

“As the number of people seeking this storage rises, we want to hear from the public about whether the law is fair and proportionate, and ensure everyone is empowered to choose when they become parents.”

A woman has a better chance of a healthy pregnancy if she freezes her eggs in her 20s, when her fertility is at its peak. If she does so, the 10-year limit would then expire in her 30s, which may be too early for some women to start a family. The most common age for women to freeze their eggs in the UK is 38.

The government will also consider issues of safety and quality, and additional demand for storage facilities, should the limit be extended.

Sally Cheshire, chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, said: “As the fertility regulator, we have heard the voices of patients and clinicians calling for a review and extension of the current time limit for egg, embryo and sperm storage.

“While any change to the 10-year storage limit would be a matter for parliament as it requires a change in law, we believe the time is right to consider what a more appropriate storage limit could be that recognises both changes in science and in the way women are considering their fertility.”