Why do people preserve fertility? Is freezing eggs fertility preservation? What are the options for fertility preservation in Singapore? Here’s what you need to know if you’re not ready to conceive at the moment, but want to in the future.
Preserving fertility is a topic that might not be top of mind for most individuals in their prime reproductive years. However, it’s a crucial consideration for many, especially those who are facing medical treatments that could affect their future ability to have children.
In Singapore, where advancements in medical technology have brought numerous options for fertility preservation, it’s essential to understand the choices available, their benefits, and the best time to discuss these options with your doctor.
What is Fertility Preservation?
Fertility preservation, as the name suggests, is the process of preserving an individual’s reproductive potential for future use. It is typically undertaken by those who anticipate losing their fertility due to medical treatments, age, or personal circumstances.
These methods aim to safeguard the ability to have biological children later in life, whenever the individual is ready.
Reasons for Fertility Preservation
Several reasons may prompt individuals to consider fertility preservation. These include:
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Medical Treatments: Many medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer, can have detrimental effects on a person’s fertility. Fertility preservation offers a way to protect the reproductive potential before undergoing such treatments.
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Age: As individuals age, their fertility naturally declines. Fertility preservation can provide a safety net for those who want to have children later in life.
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Delayed Family Planning: Some individuals may choose to delay family planning due to career goals, educational pursuits, or personal reasons. Taking the necessary steps to preserve their fertility allows them to postpone parenthood without compromising their ability to conceive.
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Genetic Conditions: Individuals with genetic conditions that may affect their fertility may opt to preserve their fertility to ensure they can have children in the future.
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Gender Transition: For transgender individuals, transitioning may involve hormonal treatments that affect fertility. Fertility preservation offers the option to have biological children before starting these treatments.
Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients
Cancer is a formidable opponent, and its treatments can often come with unintended consequences, including potential damage to one’s fertility. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain surgical procedures can harm the reproductive organs and disrupt the body’s natural ability to conceive. That’s where fertility preservation steps in as a lifesaver.
For cancer patients, it offers a ray of hope, allowing them to safeguard their fertility before undergoing aggressive treatments. Techniques like egg or sperm freezing are commonly employed to store reproductive materials for future use.
These methods provide a glimmer of light at the end of a tunnel, ensuring that even though the road to recovery may be tough, the possibility of building a family in the future remains intact.
Image Source: iStock
Types of Fertility Preservation
Fertility preservation methods are diverse, catering to the specific needs of each individual. Let’s explore the primary options for both men and women and how each procedure is done:
For Women
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Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation): This procedure involves stimulating the ovaries with hormones to produce multiple mature eggs, which are then retrieved, frozen, and stored for later use. When a woman is ready to conceive, the frozen eggs can be thawed and fertilised through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
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Embryo Freezing: In this method, eggs are retrieved, fertilised with sperm (either from a partner or a donor), and the resulting embryos are frozen. Later, these embryos can be thawed and transferred to the uterus for pregnancy.
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Ovarian Tissue Freezing: A more experimental option, ovarian tissue freezing involves removing a small piece of ovarian tissue and freezing it. This tissue can later be transplanted back into the woman’s body, where it may regain functionality.
For Men
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Sperm Freezing (Sperm Cryopreservation): Sperm is collected, frozen, and stored for future use. This is a straightforward and effective method for preserving fertility in men, and it’s often recommended before undergoing treatments that may affect sperm quality.
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Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE): In cases where a man is unable to produce sperm through ejaculation, TESE is performed. It involves extracting sperm directly from the testicles for freezing.
Image Source: iStock
Risks of Fertility Preservation
While the methods used to preserve fertility is generally considered safe, there are some risks associated with the procedures. These risks can vary depending on the specific method used. Common risks include:
- Hormone Stimulation: The hormonal medications used to stimulate egg production in women may cause side effects such as mood swings, weight gain, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
- Surgical Risks: Egg retrieval and tissue freezing in women and TESE in men involve minor surgical procedures, which carry inherent risks such as infection and bleeding.
- Ethical Considerations: There can be ethical concerns regarding the use of frozen embryos, donor sperm or eggs, and the potential disposition of these materials if the individual’s circumstances change.
- Cost: Fertility preservation procedures can be expensive and may not always be covered by insurance.
It’s essential for individuals considering fertility preservation to discuss these risks with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions.
Success Rate of Fertility Preservation
The success of fertility preservation procedures can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s age, the specific method used, and the quality of the stored materials. Generally, egg freezing and embryo freezing tend to have higher success rates compared to ovarian tissue freezing in women. For men, sperm freezing is a highly successful method.
Success rates are also influenced by the expertise of the healthcare provider and the quality of the facility. It’s important to choose a reputable clinic with a proven track record to maximize the chances of success.
When to Discuss Fertility Preservation with Your Doctor
Timing is critical when it comes to discussing fertility preservation with your doctor. Here are some guidelines for when to start the conversation:
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Before Medical Treatments: If you have a medical condition that may require treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, it’s crucial to discuss fertility preservation before starting these treatments. The earlier, the better, as fertility preservation options may be limited once treatment begins.
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Age-Related Concerns: If you’re aware of age-related fertility decline and have plans to delay parenthood, consider discussing fertility preservation in your late 20s or early 30s to explore your options.
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Gender Transition: For transgender individuals considering hormone therapy that may affect fertility, consult a healthcare provider before starting the treatment.
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Genetic Conditions: If you have a genetic condition that might affect your fertility in the future, it’s a good idea to discuss fertility preservation options early, even if you’re not yet planning to have children.
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Personal Circumstances: Some individuals may choose fertility preservation as part of their family planning strategy, even if there are no immediate concerns. In such cases, discussing options with a healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision.
Fertility preservation is a game-changer for folks in Singapore, paving the way for parenthood despite medical treatments, aging worries, or life’s twists and turns. With a variety of choices for both men and women, you can find the perfect fit for your unique needs.
But don’t worry, you’ve got this! Just remember to chat with your healthcare team early on to weigh the risks, understand success rates, and make those informed decisions. It’s all about putting the power back in your hands, so you can craft the family you dream of when the time feels just right.
Image Source: iStock
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