Preserving Your Fertility: Options for People Who Want to Delay Pregnancy

Various egg depictions, including cracked, fried, and whole eggs, symbolising fertility choices.
Photo by Estúdio Bloom / Unsplash

We know that deciding when to have kids isn't always a walk in the park. There are career dreams to chase, financial goals to conquer, and relationships to nurture. But here's the thing: as we get older, our fertility can start playing hard to get.

Now, let's keep it real. Preserving fertility isn't a guaranteed path to parenthood. It can be costly and might not result in a baby. But for many people, having options and peace of mind is worth every penny. So, if you want to find out what feels right for you, start those conversations with your doctor and explore your options.

We’re here to provide a basic overview of options available and remember, always consult with a fertility specialist to find what suits you best.

Egg Freezing:

Picture this: your eggs, are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. That's egg freezing, and it's a game-changer for people who want to delay pregnancy but worry about their ticking biological clock, which over time reduces the number of eggs and increases the chances of chromosomal abnormalities. It's a safe and effective way to preserve your fertility, but keep in mind, success rates do decline with age. So, plan ahead and give it thoughtful consideration while you have the advantage of foresight.

Embryo Freezing:

Now, if you're in a committed relationship or using donor sperm, embryo freezing might be your go-to option. Here's the deal: your eggs are fertilized with sperm, then frozen and stored as an embryo. It's like freezing a tiny potential baby! It's another safe and effective method to keep your fertility on ice until you're ready to dive into parenthood.

Keep in mind that eggs are harder to freeze successfully than embryos.

Ovarian Tissue Freezing (Cryopreservation):

Listen up, to all the people who want to have children after having treatments that can lead to infertility such as certain cancer treatments, ovarian tissue freezing could be the right approach for you! In this experimental procedure, a part of the ovarian tissue that contains the eggs is removed and cut into thin slices. These are frozen and later, when you're in the clear and ready to start a family, that slice is thawed and transplanted back into your body.

Remember, this is your journey, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. But by being proactive and taking control of your fertility, you're paving the way for a future that's on your terms. So, go out there, chase those dreams, and know that whenever you're ready, the possibilities are waiting for you.