Fertility Preservation

Fertility preservation, also known as cryopreservation, is a medical process that involves preserving a person’s reproductive cells or tissues (eggs, sperm, or embryos) at a specific point in time to retain their reproductive potential for future use. Fertility preservation is commonly employed in situations where individuals or couples face circumstances that may compromise their fertility in the future, such as medical treatments, surgeries, or lifestyle choices. The preserved reproductive cells or tissues can later be thawed and used for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to try to achieve a pregnancy.

Here are some common scenarios where fertility preservation may be considered:

1. Medical Treatments: Some medical treatments, such as cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiation) and certain surgeries, can negatively impact fertility by damaging or destroying reproductive cells. Fertility preservation allows individuals to retain the option of having biological children after completing their medical treatments.

2. Age-Related Fertility Decline: As individuals age, their fertility typically decreases. Fertility preservation, particularly for women in their reproductive prime, allows them to freeze their eggs or embryos for later use when they are ready to start a family.

3. Elective Fertility Preservation: Some individuals or couples may choose to undergo fertility preservation to proactively preserve their reproductive potential for personal or lifestyle reasons. This can be common among individuals pursuing education, career goals, or those who have not yet found a suitable partner for parenthood.