Fertility preservation offers hope for individuals facing health challenges that might hurt their chances of having a baby in the future. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can be toxic to the ovaries, testicles and uterus. WashU Medicine reproductive endocrinologist Megan Gornet, MD, specializes in fertility preservation and explains the options.
Egg Freezing
A woman’s unfertilized eggs can be frozen for later use. Hormonal medications are prescribed to stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs, which are removed and preserved. The eggs can then be thawed and fertilized with sperm to create embryos when the patient is ready for pregnancy.
Embryo Freezing
Embryo freezing combines eggs from the woman and sperm from a male partner or donor to create embryos. Eggs are removed during an outpatient procedure after hormone stimulation. The eggs are fertilized in the lab with sperm, and the resulting embryos are frozen. When the woman is ready for pregnancy, an embryo can be thawed and transferred into her uterus. Any additional frozen embryos can be stored for future use.
Ovarian Tissue Transplantation
Egg and embryo freezing are the most common approaches to fertility preservation and can be performed in two weeks from start to finish. In some scenarios when a patient has cancer and cannot delay treatment, ovarian tissue freezing and future transplantation may be the only option. Ovarian tissue is surgically removed, then frozen. After cancer treatment is complete, the ovarian tissue is thawed and transplanted back into the patient so they may attempt to conceive.
Uterine Transposition
Uterine transposition is an innovative new surgery that preserves a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy after pelvic radiation for cancer, such as colorectal. Radiation of the pelvis affects the ability of the uterus to allow for implantation and gestation, even if eggs or embryos were frozen before treatment. With uterine transposition surgery, the uterus is detached from the vagina and moved into the upper abdomen, to protect it. When medically cleared and ready for pregnancy, the uterus can then be repositioned back into the pelvis.
Sperm Banking
Sperm banking is an option for male patients facing treatments that could harm their future fertility. Usually only one appointment is necessary. Frozen sperm remain usable for over 20 years.
To schedule an appointment with a WashU Medicine fertility specialist, please call 314-286-2400 or visit our website.