Fertility Preservation: Options and Considerations for Individuals and Couples

01 Dec 2023

Fertility preservation is a choice that can shape the course of your life, offering the possibility to build a biological family on your own terms. In this article, our fertility clinic in Bangkok shares our knowledge on fertility preservation, exploring the diverse reasons that drive people to explore this option. We’ll also walk you through the various choices available for both men and women.

Why Do People Decide to Preserve Their Fertility?

The notion of fertility preservation is certainly not a universal one. It accommodates a wide variety of motives, each originating from the particular situation of the individual. Social and medical factors are the two main groups into which these motivations usually fall.

3 Reasons to Preserve your Fertility for Non-Medical Reasons

In our modern world, there’s no longer a prescribed timeline for when to start a family. We all have our reasons for delaying this significant step. Some of the common social reasons include:

1. Not Having Met the Right Person Yet: Love has its own schedule, and not everyone finds their life partner at the same time. Many choose to wait until they’ve found their perfect match.
2. Financial Stability and Emotional Readiness: Raising a child is a substantial responsibility, and many want to ensure they’re financially stable and emotionally ready before taking on that role.
3. Pursuing a Career: The pursuit of career goals and personal achievements is another valid reason to postpone parenthood. Some of us want to establish ourselves professionally before embracing the role of a parent.

Transgender and non-binary individuals or couples also have specific considerations. Hormone therapy and certain gender-affirming surgeries can impact fertility, making fertility preservation crucial for those embarking on such journeys.

Thanks to developments in the field of fertility research, such as the ability to freeze eggs and sperm, people can now maintain their ability to procreate. This implies that you can protect your fertility for the future even if you’re not ready to have children right now.

5 Medical Reasons Why People Preserve their Fertility

Medical reasons often demand swift decisions when it comes to fertility preservation. Here are some common scenarios where individuals may need to consider this option:

1. Undergoing Chemotherapy: Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can have a devastating impact on fertility. Fertility preservation becomes a crucial consideration for those about to embark on such treatments.
2. Radiation Therapy: Similar to chemotherapy, radiation therapy can harm reproductive function. In such cases, fertility preservation offers a ray of hope.
3. Commencing Hormone Therapy: For individuals requiring hormone therapy, fertility preservation can be a vital step to safeguard their ability to have children in the future.
4. Reconstructive Surgery: Some surgeries can affect fertility. In cases where reconstructive surgery is imminent, fertility preservation is often recommended.
5. Genetic Conditions: If you have a genetic condition that can decrease fertility or lead to complications, preserving your fertility may be a prudent choice.

One key advantage of fertility preservation is the speed at which it can be accomplished. Patients can proceed with their medical treatments while having their fertility safeguarded for a future date. This provides a comforting balance between addressing health concerns and preserving future family-building options.

What are the Different Fertility Options?

Fertility preservation encompasses a variety of options, catering to both men and women.

For Women:

Embryo Freezing: Women go through the initial stage of an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle during this procedure. The ovaries are stimulated by medications to generate eggs, which are then harvested while sedated. Through a procedure known as vitrification, these eggs are fertilized with a partner’s sperm and checked for viability before being frozen. Frozen embryo storage can be maintained indefinitely, as there is no known deterioration in the health of the embryo with time.

Egg Freezing: This process is comparable to embryo freezing, except that females directly freeze their eggs rather than embryos. The gathered eggs are placed in liquid nitrogen chambers and frozen right away. The eggs can be put into the woman’s uterus after being thawed and fertilized with sperm. Also female’s eggs can be stored indefinitely.

Thawing and Embyro Transfer: When a woman chooses to utilize her frozen eggs or embryos, they go through the thawing process and are then fertilized with sperm. After that, the resultant embryo is implanted into the woman’s womb, where it might be necessary to take certain drugs to get the uterine lining ready for implantation.

For Men:

Sperm Freezing: Men can opt for sperm freezing for various reasons, including medical conditions, vasectomy, declining sperm quality, difficulty producing a sample, or serving in the Armed Forces. Sperm is collected and frozen, typically stored for 10 years but extendable under special circumstances.

While some sperm may not survive the thawing procedure, utilizing frozen sperm is equally successful as using fresh sperm for in vitro fertilization. In treatments involving intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or IVF, frozen sperm can be utilized.

Consider making an appointment for a fertility checkup if you’re looking into fertility preservation. They can help you make decisions based on your unique situation and walk you through the procedure.

When to Consider Fertility Preservation?

Timing is a pivotal aspect of fertility preservation. It’s essential to evaluate your life plans, goals, and age to determine whether it’s the right choice for you. Your age can significantly influence the success of using cryopreserved eggs or sperm in the future, so it’s a crucial factor to consider.

Final Thoughts on Fertility Preservation

Fertility preservation is not just a medical procedure; it’s a life-altering decision that empowers individuals and couples to take control of their family-building journey. It allows the flexibility to navigate personal, social, and medical circumstances while preserving the possibility of having a family in the future.

If you’re contemplating preserving your fertility, consider seeking guidance from our fertility experts. They can offer tailored advice and support, guiding you through the process and helping you make informed decisions aligned with your goals and circumstances.