Thinking About Starting a Family Later? What to Know About Fertility Preservation

Do you want children someday, but not right now? Many people are choosing to delay parenthood to focus on their career, education, or personal growth. 

While it’s important to start a family when the timing feels right, it’s also important to know that fertility naturally declines as you get older. Fertility preservation gives you the option to take action now so you can keep the door open for growing your family later.

At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, our team specializes in infertility and reproductive health. We want to help you take a proactive role in your future pregnancy plans. 

Here’s what you need to know about fertility preservation, how it works, and when it might make sense for you.

What is fertility preservation?

Fertility preservation means taking steps now so you have the chance to have your own biological children in the future. For women, common fertility preservation methods include:

Egg freezing

This method involves taking hormones to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs during a single menstrual cycle. These eggs are collected, evaluated, and frozen for future use.

Embryo freezing

Embryo freezing follows the same steps as egg freezing. However, the eggs are fertilized by sperm to create an embryo for freezing. 

Ovarian tissue freezing

If you can’t undergo the ovarian stimulation process for egg freezing, you may consider ovarian tissue freezing. This involves removing and freezing a portion of your ovarian tissue, which is reimplanted at a later date. 

If tissue regains function, you may get pregnant naturally or through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Ovarian tissue freezing is a newer fertility preservation method, and research on its long-term success is ongoing.

When to consider fertility preservation

You may consider fertility preservation if you think you might want to wait until your late 30s or 40s to have children. You may decide to delay children so you can focus on your career or finish school or haven’t found the right partner.

Medical conditions like endometriosis and autoimmune disorders as well as medical treatments like chemotherapy for cancer are also common reasons women seek fertility preservation. These medical conditions and treatments can make pregnancy more challenging. 

Pros and cons of fertility preservation

Fertility preservation extends your biological clock, giving you more time and flexibility to start your family. It also provides peace of mind while you focus on other priorities.

While fertility preservation offers many benefits, it’s not without risks. Egg retrieval procedures performed carry risks like infections or bleeding. Ovarian stimulation temporarily increases estrogen levels, which may increase risk of blood clots or estrogen-sensitive conditions.

Further, fertility preservation doesn’t guarantee pregnancy, and insurance coverage varies. It can cost more than $10,000 for the egg retrieval and as much as $300 a year for storage.

If you want to have children, but not right now, fertility preservation may give you the time and options you need. Our women’s health experts can talk to you about your options and help you plan for your future family.

Call Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, today or request an appointment online to learn more about fertility preservation and how it might benefit you.