Fertility Preservation Process

Fertility preservation is the process of saving or protecting eggs, sperm, or reproductive tissue so that a person can use them to have biological children in the future. Initially developed primarily for young patients of cancer and other diseases, in recent years the so-called social fertility preservation (utilizing egg-freezing) has rapidly gained popularity. In this application of fertility preservation, women are trying to preserve their fertility of younger years into the future, by freezing their eggs when they are young but not ready to start a family. People with certain diseases, disorders, and life events that affect fertility, may benefit from fertility preservation. These include people who:
  • Have been exposed to toxic chemicals in the workplace
  • Have endometriosis
  • Have uterine fibroids
  • Are about to be treated for cancer
  • Are about to be treated for an autoimmune disease, such as lupus
  • Have a genetic disease that affects future fertility
  • Want to delay having children
There are established methods for preserving fertility for cancer patients who are about to receive therapies that might affect their fertility. For others who desire to electively preserve their fertility, options include in vitro fertilization with embryo freezing and egg freezing. Our team is available to discuss the reproductive risks associated with your therapy and options for protecting your fertility.