Fertility Preservation: What is It and Why Do You Need It?

  • Home
  • Health
  • Fertility Preservation: What is It and Why Do You Need It?

Fertility Preservation is something that has recently become more important for both women and men. It is the act of preserving your reproductive potential before undergoing treatments for illnesses. However, you can also have it done if you are healthy but want to protect your future ability to have children. Fertility preservation can involve the use of fertility medication, egg or sperm freezing, or embryo freezing. Dr. Kutluk Oktay in New York, a fertility preservation specialist, can help you if you have a chronic illness and want to have children but are worried about the effects of the disease on their fertility.

Who Needs Fertility Preservation?

Many people wonder if they should have their fertility preserved. The choice to do it is highly personal and depends on many factors, including:

  • Age
  • Current relationship status
  • Future career plans
  • Medical history 

It is important to note that there are multiple ways to preserve their fertility, depending on what you need. In the case of cancer treatments, fertility medication and IVF may be an option. However, other illnesses do not require medical interventions and so would need sperm or egg freezing. There is embryo freezing for those who want to have a biological child but don’t want to wait until after treatment and those with no viable eggs or sperm.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all fertility option, and so it is essential to speak with your doctor about the best treatment for you. There are multiple types of fertility preservation options. It all depends on your situation and what you want to have done. If you recently found out that you or someone you know has cancer, you should discuss fertility preservation as soon as possible.

Why Do You Need Fertility Preservation?

There are numerous reasons to have fertility treatments in case of illness. However, there is no one set reason why someone would or should do it. It all depends on the person and their situation. Some people who do not have sound infertility issues may freeze their eggs/sperm for future use when married or want children. Others might do it when they are young and single but still, want the option in the future. It is all up to you and your doctor, and there isn’t a wrong or right answer when it comes to this decision.

Benefits of Fertility Preservation

Some of the benefits of fertility preservation include:

  • Having a child after treatment 
  • Avoiding emotional distress during cancer treatments
  • Preserving your body for future sexual activity
  • Decreasing the risk of severe side effects from treatments 
  • Reducing the likelihood that infertility will be passed on to children

There are also financial benefits since you are investing in your future family’s wellbeing. It is important to note that not everyone has the necessary funds or insurance coverage for fertility preservation.

In summary, fertility preservation is the act of preserving your reproductive potential for different reasons. If you plan to undergo treatment for various conditions like cancer or do not have sound fertility, you may need it. It allows you to have a child after completing treatment and safeguards the future of your family.