Fertility Preservation

 Egg (Oocyte) Freezing

• Eggs are collected from the ovaries, frozen, and stored.

• Ideal for women who want to delay childbearing or are facing health issues.

• Best done before age 35, but possible at later ages too.

 Sperm Freezing

• A semen sample is collected and frozen for future use.

• Simple and effective.

• Often used before cancer treatment, surgery, or hormone therapy.

 Embryo Freezing

• Eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab to create embryos.

• Good-quality embryos can be frozen and stored for years.

• Suitable for couples who want to have children later.

 Ovarian or Testicular Tissue Freezing

• Small pieces of reproductive tissue are surgically removed and frozen.

• Used when egg/sperm freezing isn’t possible (e.g. in children or pre-puberty).

• An option for cancer patients or young individuals facing medical treatments.

When Should I Do It?

Before:

• Starting cancer treatment or other therapies that may affect fertility

• Significant ovarian surgery

• Starting gender-affirming hormones

Or anytime you want to protect your future fertility, especially in your 20s or early 30s when egg and sperm quality are best.

What Happens Later?

When you’re ready to try for a baby

• Eggs or sperm are thawed and used in IVF or IUI

• Embryos can be transferred into the uterus

• Tissue (if frozen) may be re-implanted or used to restore fertility

Cost and Storage

• Each procedure has a cost (ask your clinic for packages or payment plans)

• There’s usually a yearly storage fee

• Some medical cases (like cancer) may be covered or supported by insurance or funding

You’re Not Alone

This journey can feel overwhelming, but you’ll have a caring team to guide you — every step of the way. Whether you’re protecting your fertility for health reasons or personal choice, it’s about giving yourself more possibilities.