By – Dr. Vivek Kakkad, Scientific Director, ART Fertility Clinics
Fertility naturally diminishes with age, particularly for women. By preserving eggs or embryos at a younger age, individuals can increase their likelihood of successful pregnancy and overcome the limitations associated with age-related fertility decline.
Fertility preservation, a groundbreaking medical process, empowers individuals to safeguard their reproductive potential for future family planning. It involves utilizing advanced techniques such as freezing to preserve eggs, sperm, or reproductive tissues, ensuring their viability over time.
As medical treatments progress, the significance of preserving fertility has grown, particularly when considering the potential impact of treatments like cancer therapies on fertility. Fertility preservation protects individuals’ chance of having biological children later in life, irrespective of medical needs, lifestyle choices, or personal circumstances.
Several crucial reasons underline the importance of fertility preservation. Firstly, the prevalence of delayed parenthood has increased in recent years as individuals prioritize their careers, education, or personal goals before starting a family. Fertility preservation enables them to retain their fertility during their prime reproductive years, facilitating parenthood at a later stage.
Secondly, medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgeries may jeopardize fertility. Preservation methods provide a means to safeguard reproductive potential, thereby enhancing the possibility of having biological children after the completion of treatment.
Thirdly, individuals with genetic disorders or a family history of genetic conditions can choose fertility preservation to preserve healthy reproductive cells. This allows for genetic testing or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to ensure the selection of only healthy embryos, minimizing the risk of passing on congenital abnormalities to the next generation.
Fertility preservation methods encompass egg freezing, sperm freezing, embryo freezing, ovarian tissue freezing, and testicular tissue freezing.
- Egg freezing involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are retrieved, frozen, and stored.
- Sperm freezing requires providing a semen sample, which is frozen and stored.
Embryo freezing involves fertilizing eggs with sperm, freezing the resulting embryos, and storing them. - Ovarian tissue freezing involves surgically removing a small piece of ovarian tissue containing immature eggs, which is frozen and stored.
- Testicular tissue freezing is done by surgically removing a small piece of testicular tissue, which is frozen and can potentially be used for sperm extraction or transplantation later.
When considering fertility preservation, several key factors must be considered, the most important being the cost, side effects, and success rates associated with the procedure.
The price of fertility preservation can vary based on the chosen method and insurance coverage. Fortunately, some insurance plans cover fertility preservation, easing the financial burden for individuals seeking this option.
There are potential short-term side effects associated with fertility preservation, and these include discomfort and pain, bleeding, and infection. However, these side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own.
Success rates for fertility preservation can vary depending on factors such as the chosen method, age, and overall health of the individual. Speak to an experienced fertility specialist to make an informed choice. It would help you fully understand the risks and benefits associated with the procedure.
Equally important is the need to raise awareness about fertility preservation. Educating individuals with relevant information empowers them to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to protect their reproductive health.
Some celebrities sharing their experiences have played a significant role in normalizing conversations about fertility preservation. Their openness has created an informed and supportive environment, encouraging individuals to explore preservation options and prioritize reproductive well-being.
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In conclusion, the future of fertility preservation holds tremendous promise in revolutionizing reproductive medicine. It offers hope and possibilities for individuals facing various challenges that may impact their ability to conceive. This empowering option allows individuals to make informed choices while taking control of their reproductive journey, helping them start a family with healthy children when the time is right for them.
