Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 16 March 2023
As more women delay motherhood due to personal or professional reasons, the prospect of declining fertility with age has become a growing concern. One revolutionary approach to help women retain their fertility age is ovarian tissue freezing, a fertility preservation technique that allows women to store their ovarian tissue for future use. In this article, we will discuss the process of ovarian tissue freezing and how it paves the way for a brighter reproductive future.
A woman's fertility naturally declines with age, primarily due to the decreasing quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries. By the time a woman reaches her mid-30s, her fertility begins to decline more rapidly, with a more significant decline occurring after age 40. This age-related decline in fertility can make it more challenging for women to conceive as they get older.
Ovarian tissue freezing is a groundbreaking fertility preservation method that involves the surgical removal of a portion of ovarian tissue, which is then cryopreserved (frozen) for future use. This technique allows women to safeguard their fertility by preserving the ovarian tissue containing immature eggs, which can later be transplanted back into the body to potentially restore fertility and ovarian function.
Surgical removal : A woman undergoes minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to remove a portion of her ovarian tissue. This procedure typically takes about an hour and is performed under general anesthesia.
Cryopreservation : The removed ovarian tissue is carefully prepared and cryopreserved using specialized techniques to ensure the tissue remains viable when thawed.
Storage: The frozen ovarian tissue is stored in a secure cryobank until the woman is ready to use it.
Transplantation : When the woman wishes to restore her fertility, the frozen ovarian tissue is thawed and transplanted back into her body, either near the remaining ovary or another location capable of supporting the tissue's function.
Extending fertility : Ovarian tissue freezing allows women to effectively "pause" their fertility age, providing an opportunity to conceive later in life when they are ready.
Hormone replacement : In addition to preserving fertility, the transplanted ovarian tissue can also help restore hormonal function, offering potential benefits for women experiencing premature menopause or other hormone-related issues.
No need for hormone stimulation : Unlike egg freezing or embryo freezing, ovarian tissue freezing does not require hormone stimulation, making it a suitable option for women who cannot undergo hormone treatments or need to start cancer treatment immediately.
Cost : Ovarian tissue freezing can be costly, and insurance coverage for this procedure may not be available.
While ovarian tissue freezing success rates have been consistently increasing, they are still lower than those of other fertility preservation techniques, such as egg freezing and embryo freezing. A fertility specialist must be consulted regarding the prospective success rates and risks.
At A4 Fertility Clinic, we are committed to guiding women through the complexities of fertility preservation and providing innovative solutions to support their reproductive objectives. Our services for the preservation of ovarian tissue include
Expert surgical care : Our skilled surgeons perform laparoscopic ovarian tissue removal using the latest techniques to ensure minimal discomfort and rapid recovery.
State-of-the-art cryopreservation : Our advanced cryopreservation facilities ensure the highest standards of care for your ovarian tissue.
Personalized guidance : Our fertility specialists work closely with each patient to develop tailored fertility preservation plans based on individual needs and circumstances.
Ovarian tissue freezing is an innovative fertility preservation method that allows women to retain their fertility age, offering hope for those who wish to delay motherhood or face fertility-threatening medical treatments. By preserving ovarian tissue, women can potentially restore their fertility and hormonal function later in life, paving the way for a brighter reproductive future.
At A4 Fertility Clinic, our team of experts is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art ovarian tissue freezing services, along with comprehensive support and guidance for women considering fertility preservation. We understand the unique challenges and concerns surrounding fertility preservation and strive to offer the best possible care on your journey to parenthood.
