Fertility Preservation: Securing Your Chance to Have Children in the Future

Fertility preservation is the process of saving or protecting eggs, sperm, embryos, or reproductive tissue for future use. It is a valuable option for individuals who may lose their ability to have children due to medical treatments, age, or personal choices. Thanks to advancements in reproductive medicine, more people are now able to take control of their future fertility.

What is Fertility Preservation?

Fertility preservation involves medical procedures that help individuals maintain their ability to conceive later in life. It is most commonly used by people facing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, which can affect reproductive health. It is also an option for people delaying parenthood for personal or professional reasons.

Who Might Need Fertility Preservation?

Fertility preservation is recommended for:

• Cancer patients before undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
• Women with a family history of early menopause
• Men or women undergoing surgery that could affect reproductive organs
• People with autoimmune diseases like lupus
• Transgender individuals planning hormone therapy or surgery
• Couples delaying parenthood due to career or education

Fertility Preservation Options for Women

1. Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
   Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries, frozen, and stored for later use.
2. Embryo Freezing
   Eggs are fertilised with sperm to form embryos, which are then frozen.
3. Ovarian Tissue Freezing
   A part of the ovary is surgically removed, frozen, and re-implanted later.
4. Ovarian Suppression
   Hormonal treatment to temporarily shut down ovarian function during chemotherapy.

Fertility Preservation Options for Men

1. Sperm Freezing (Semen Cryopreservation)
   Sperm is collected, frozen, and stored for future fertility treatments like IVF.
2. Testicular Tissue Freezing (Experimental)
   Tissue from the testicles is frozen, especially helpful for boys who haven’t reached puberty.

Fertility Preservation for Children and Teens

In young cancer patients or children who are not yet sexually mature, fertility preservation may include:

• Ovarian or testicular tissue freezing
• Experimental options that offer future hope

Paediatric oncologists and fertility specialists work closely to provide timely options for such patients.

Success Rates and Considerations

• Egg and sperm freezing success largely depends on age and overall health.
• Younger women (under 35) have higher success rates with egg freezing.
• Embryo freezing has a longer track record and generally high success rates.
• It’s essential to consider the cost, timing, and risks of the procedures.

Emotional and Ethical Aspects

Fertility preservation can bring emotional comfort to those facing serious medical challenges. However, it also raises questions about future use, ownership of embryos, and ethical considerations, especially in cases involving minors or severely ill patients. Counselling and legal advice are often part of the process.

Cost and Availability

The cost of fertility preservation procedures can be high, and not all insurance policies cover them. However, many hospitals offer financial counselling or partnerships with fertility preservation programs that support cancer patients and others in need.

When to Act

Time is critical in fertility preservation. If you’re facing a medical treatment that could impact fertility, it’s important to consult a fertility specialist as soon as possible. In many cases, egg or sperm freezing can be done quickly without delaying urgent treatments.

Conclusion

Fertility preservation offers hope to individuals who want to have children in the future but are at risk of losing their fertility. Whether due to medical treatments, age, or lifestyle decisions, modern science provides safe and effective ways to protect reproductive potential. Always speak with your doctor or a fertility expert to explore the best options for your situation.