Fertility Preservation 101
Who should consider Fertility Preservation
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.
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 fertility.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, and excess weight can negatively impact sperm quality.
- Treatments: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can damage eggs or sperm.
Fertility Preservation Options
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.
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.
