Description: Fertility preservation refers to a set of methods and techniques designed to protect individuals’ reproductive potential against factors that may compromise it, such as diseases, medical treatments, or adverse environmental conditions. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of reproductive health, where the aim is to ensure that individuals, especially those undergoing cancer treatments or medical conditions affecting reproductive function, have the option to conceive in the future. Fertility preservation includes procedures such as egg, sperm, and embryo freezing, as well as the preservation of ovarian or testicular tissue. These methods allow individuals to store their gametes or reproductive tissues in a viable state, providing them with the opportunity to start a family later, even after undergoing treatments that could have damaged their reproductive capacity. The importance of fertility preservation lies in its ability to offer options to those who wish to become parents in the future, despite the adversities they may face in their health or personal lives.
History: Fertility preservation has significantly evolved since the 1970s when the first techniques for freezing eggs and sperm were developed. In 1986, the first birth from a frozen egg was achieved, marking a milestone in the history of assisted reproduction. Over the years, improvements in freezing techniques, such as vitrification, have increased success rates in fertility preservation. Today, fertility preservation has become a common option for individuals facing cancer treatments, as well as for those who wish to delay parenthood for personal or professional reasons.
Uses: Fertility preservation is primarily used in medical contexts, such as in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which may affect reproductive function. It is also used by individuals who wish to delay parenthood for personal, professional, or social reasons. Additionally, it is applied in cases of genetic diseases that may affect fertility, as well as in situations of infertility risk due to medical or surgical conditions.
Examples: An example of fertility preservation is egg freezing, which allows women to store their eggs for future use, especially before undergoing cancer treatments. Another example is sperm freezing, commonly used in men undergoing treatments that may affect their fertility. Successful ovarian tissue preservation has also been performed in young women facing aggressive medical treatments, allowing the possibility of future pregnancy through tissue reimplantation.
