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Exploring Fertility Preservation: Options and Considerations

Fertility preservation refers to methods that aim to safeguard or protect an individual’s reproductive potential for future use. This can be achieved through various techniques involving the cryopreservation (freezing) and storage of eggs, sperm, or ovarian / testicular tissue. Here’s a guide to everything you need on preserve your fertility

Factors Affecting Fertility:

Understanding the factors impacting fertility helps assess the need for preservation:

Age: Female fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35.
Medical conditions: Issues like PCOS, uterine fibroids, or certain cancers can affect Ovarian reserve and Oocyte Quality.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, and excess weight can negatively impact sperm quality.
Treatments: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can damage eggs or sperm.

Who should consider Fertility Preservation

Fertility Preservation is for everyone, irrespective of whether you have infertility risks or not. The choice for childbearing is a deeply personal one, and everyone has the right to choose when they want to have thier children. Long-term gamete cryopreservation now offers men, women, and couples to safely delay their parenthood.

These methods are especially beneficial for individuals or couples who:

Wish to delay childbearing due to personal or professional reasons.
Face medical conditions or treatments that could compromise fertility (e.g., cancer, endometriosis).
Undergo gender-affirming hormone therapy.

For personalized advice and to explore if immunotherapy options, consult with a fertility specialist.

Fertility Preservation Options for Women
Fertility Preservation Options for Men
Making informed decisions
Additional Considerations

Fertility Preservation Options for Women

Long-term Egg Cryopreservation For Women:

Cryopreservation of oocytes (eggs):

Mature eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for later use in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue:

Ovarian tissue containing immature eggs is frozen for future use in techniques like in vitro maturation (IVM) or transplantation.

Embryo cryopreservation:

Fertilized eggs (embryos) created through IVF with sperm from a partner or donor are frozen for later implantation.

Fertility Preservation Options for Men

Long-term Egg Cryopreservation For Men:

Sperm cryopreservation:

Sperm is collected and frozen for later use in techniques like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF.

Considerations When Choosing a Method:

If you’re considering fertility preservation, it’s crucial to consult a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist (REI). They can assess your individual circumstances, discuss available options, and guide you through the decision-making process. The following considerations should be kept in mind while choosing the right preservation method.

Making informed decisions

Age: Younger individuals generally have better quality eggs or sperm for cryopreservation .
Medical condition: The reason for preservation influences the chosen method.
Desired future family: Techniques like embryo cryopreservation require a sperm source.
Cost: Fertility preservation procedures can be expensive, and insurance coverage may vary.
Emotional impact: Cryopreservation involves decision-making and potential emotional challenges.

Additional Considerations

Success rates:

Success rates for fertility preservation techniques can vary depending on age, medical history, and other factors. A specialist can provide more specific information.

Ethical considerations:

Cryopreservation raises ethical questions like parenthood intent and long-term storage. Discuss these aspects with your healthcare provider.

Legal considerations:

Legal implications regarding future use of preserved eggs, sperm, or embryos might vary by region. Seek legal counsel if needed.

Conclusion

Fertility preservation offers a valuable option for individuals and couples who wish to safeguard their future reproductive potential. By understanding the factors affecting fertility, exploring available options, and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can make informed decisions about preserving your fertility journey.

Additional reading

“HEFA – Your Questions Answered: What are the different types of fertility treatment?” (2023): https://www.hfea.gov.uk/
“HEFA – About fertility treatment: How is fertility treatment regulated in the UK?” (2023): https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/how-we-regulate/
World Health Organization. Reproductive health. https://www.who.int/southeastasia/health-topics/reproductive-health
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Patient guide: Fertility preservation. https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/coding/coding-art-clinical-care/fertility-preservation-consult/
International Federation of Fertility Societies. https://www.iffsreproduction.org/

ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology):

“ESHRE Patient Information Leaflet: Factsheet on infertility” (August 2021): This leaflet indirectly relates to fertility preservation by explaining factors impacting fertility and highlighting the importance of seeking professional guidance if concerns arise (p. 1) .
“ESHRE Guidelines: The role of the clinical embryologist in assisted reproductive technologies” (2019): This guideline acknowledges the role of clinical embryologists in fertility preservation techniques like oocyte or embryo cryopreservation, emphasizing the importance of expertise and standardized practices (p. 22).
“ESHRE position paper: Ethical aspects of assisted reproductive technologies” (2013): This paper highlights the ethical considerations surrounding assisted reproductive technologies, including discussions on fertility preservation for various reasons (p. 1047) .

HEFA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority):

“HEFA Guide to Fertility Treatment” (2023): While not explicitly addressing fertility preservation, this guide provides information on age-related fertility decline and potential implications for individuals considering future childbearing (p. 12) .
“HEFA – Your Questions Answered: What are the different types of fertility treatment?” (2023): This section provides a brief overview of fertility preservation options like sperm cryopreservation, offering a starting point for individuals seeking further information .
“HEFA – About fertility treatment: How is fertility treatment regulated in the UK?” (2023): This section highlights HEFA’s role in regulating and overseeing assisted reproductive technologies, including fertility preservation practices, ensuring safety and ethical standards .

Guidelines from International Organizations:

World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO emphasizes the importance of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including access to fertility preservation options .

International Fertility Societies’ Resources:

- The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): The ASRM provides a detailed patient guide on fertility preservation, outlining different techniques, success rates, and considerations .
- The International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS): The IFFS highlights the importance of seeking professional guidance from fertility specialists for personalized fertility preservation plans .