Ovum, Sperm & Embryo Freezing
Fertility preservation stores eggs, sperm or embryos for possible future use, with counseling about the options and their limitations.
Different preservation options
Egg freezing stores unfertilized eggs. Sperm freezing stores a prepared semen sample or sperm obtained through a specialist procedure. Embryo freezing stores embryos created through IVF or ICSI. The choice depends on your circumstances and treatment goals.
When preservation may be considered
Options may be discussed before medical treatment that could affect fertility, to preserve embryos after IVF, or when considering future family plans. When cancer treatment is involved, fertility and oncology teams need to coordinate timing without delaying essential care unnecessarily.
Planning for future use
Discuss screening, collection, storage arrangements, consent and costs. Understand who can authorize future use and what happens if circumstances change. Freezing and warming can affect survival; storing reproductive material offers a possibility of future treatment, not a guarantee of a baby.
This information supports a discussion with your doctor. Suitability, availability and any referral arrangements should be confirmed with the hospital. Outcomes vary with individual circumstances.
Further reading: Ovum, Sperm & Embryo Freezing patient information
All infertility services