What Is Fertility Preservation?

What are the main fertility preservation options?

Fertility clinics offer several methods. The choice depends on age, health, time available and personal circumstances.

• Egg freezing: eggs are collected and frozen unfertilized.
• Embryo freezing: eggs are fertilized with sperm first, then frozen.
• Sperm freezing: sperm samples are frozen for later use.
• Ovarian or testicular tissue freezing: used in some cases, often before cancer treatment.

Who might consider fertility preservation?

Doctors often discuss fertility preservation before treatments that can harm fertility, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or some surgery. Some people also choose it for personal reasons, for example if they want to delay starting a family. Frozen eggs or embryos are later used in in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Does fertility preservation guarantee a baby?

Fertility preservation does not guarantee a future pregnancy. Success depends strongly on age when eggs are frozen, as well as on the number of eggs or embryos stored. A fertility specialist can explain the likely chances, costs and storage rules.

How does egg collection fit around work?

Egg collection usually needs hormone injections, several monitoring scans at short notice and a procedure under sedation. Flexible hours and a day or two off around collection help people go through treatment without extra stress.

Sources: HFEA, MedlinePlus.