Fertility preservation

What is fertility preservation?

Fertility preservation is the process of collecting, freezing, and storing eggs, sperm and embryos as a way of protecting an individual’s ability to have children in the future. This treatment is particularly relevant for people undergoing medical treatments or facing life circumstances that could impair their fertility, such as cancer therapies, certain surgeries, or the natural decline of fertility with age. Both men and women can benefit from fertility preservation options tailored to their specific needs.

For women, the most common method is egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation), where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, frozen, and stored for later use. In some cases, embryo freezing may be preferred, where eggs are fertilised with sperm before freezing.

For men, sperm freezing is the standard approach, allowing samples to be collected and preserved indefinitely. Additionally, ovarian tissue freezing is available in some cases, which involves freezing a portion of ovarian tissue for reimplantation at a later stage.

Why consider fertility preservation?

There are many reasons why someone may consider preserving their fertility. For individuals wanting to delay parenthood, it can be a reassuring option, allowing them to try for a family when they're ready without worrying about their declining fertility.

It may also be recommended for people undergoing treatment for medical conditions, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can damage reproductive cells, for those with a condition that is known to impact fertility like endometriosis or for those undergoing gender-affirming treatments. 

Is the procedure safe?

Fertility preservation techniques are well-established and considered safe. While egg and sperm retrieval are minimally invasive, they are performed under controlled conditions to ensure patient safety and comfort.

How successful is fertility preservation?

Success rates vary based on the method used, the individual's age, and their overall health. For example, younger women typically have higher success rates when using frozen eggs or embryos. Similarly, preserved sperm remains viable for many years, offering high chances of successful conception via assisted reproductive technologies.

What are the costs?

Costs vary depending on the specific treatment and storage requirements. It’s advisable to consult with a fertility specialist to understand the full financial implications, as some insurance policies may cover part of the expenses.

What is the process like?

For women undergoing egg freezing, the process involves hormone injections to stimulate egg production, followed by a retrieval procedure performed under mild sedation. For men, sperm collection is straightforward and involves providing a sample. In both cases, the samples are frozen using advanced cryopreservation techniques and stored in specialised facilities.

Are there alternatives?

Some individuals may explore alternatives such as donor eggs, sperm, or embryos in the future if fertility preservation is not pursued or proves unsuccessful. Adoption is another family-building option.

By preserving reproductive material, individuals can plan for the future and make informed decisions about building their families when the time is right. Consultation with a fertility specialist is key to determining the best approach for each unique situation.