Fertility preservation has emerged as a groundbreaking option for individuals and couples who wish to delay parenthood while maintaining their ability to conceive in the future. Whether due to career plans, medical treatments like chemotherapy, or the desire to achieve financial stability before starting a family, fertility preservation provides a valuable safety net. This option is increasingly popular among women and men who wish to extend their fertility timeline without compromising the quality of their eggs or sperm. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Nikita Lad Patel, a Senior Consultant Fertility and IVF Specialist at Apollo Fertility in Navi Mumbai, discussed fertility preservation options for individuals and couples.

Fertility Preservation For Women

Women today often face the challenge of balancing personal and professional goals with the limits of their biological clock. This is where egg freezing becomes beneficial. Women who are not ready to conceive in their 20s or early 30s—due to reasons such as career advancement, delayed marriage, or medical treatments like chemotherapy—can freeze their eggs for future use. The quality of these eggs remains the same as when they were frozen, even if used 10 or 15 years later.

The egg-freezing process takes around 10-12 days. During this period, the woman self-administers gonadotropin injections to stimulate the ovaries and promote egg production. The eggs are then retrieved under anesthesia in a painless procedure that leaves no incisions. These eggs are frozen and stored for as long as necessary, allowing the woman to conceive when the timing is right.

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Fertility Preservation For Men

For men, fertility preservation is even simpler. Men can freeze their sperm by providing a semen sample, which is then cryopreserved for future use. This option is especially important for men undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, which can adversely affect sperm quality and count. It is also beneficial for men who wish to delay parenthood for personal reasons but want to ensure that their sperm remains viable for future use.

Embryo Freezing For Couples

Couples who wish to delay pregnancy but are ready to start a family can choose embryo freezing. In this process, the couple’s eggs and sperm are combined to create embryos, which are then frozen and stored for future use. This option is particularly advantageous for couples who are aware that age can affect the quality of both eggs and sperm. By creating and freezing embryos earlier, they can ensure better-quality embryos and a higher chance of a successful pregnancy later in life.

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Is Fertility Preservation Expensive?

A common concern about fertility preservation is the cost. However, as technology advances, the procedure is becoming more affordable. Fertility specialist centers offer a range of cost-effective packages that make fertility preservation accessible to a wider audience. Investing in fertility preservation can save individuals and couples from future fertility issues, offering peace of mind and the flexibility to start a family when the time is right.