Fertility protection - female

Someday I will be a mum, but not yet. Just what if time is dwindling or non-existent? Life writes all sorts of scenarios: cancer treatment, endometriosis, urgent surgical intervention, falling AMH. In these situations, securing fertility for the future can be crucial.

What is fertility preservation in women (oocyte freezing)?

Fertility preservation is a way of preserving your own ova (oocytes) for the future. Thanks to the modern method of freezing them (vitrification), the cells are stored at a very low temperature, without loss of quality: so that they can be used when the time is right.

Fertility preservation is particularly important prior to oncological or surgical treatment, which can weaken the ovarian reserve.

When is it a good idea to use fertility preservation?

Before oncological treatment (oncoplasticity)

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can significantly affect a woman's fertility and negate one of the most beautiful desires, which is to become a mother. That is why it is now standard practice to safeguard fertility even before treatment begins, so that after recovery there is still a real chance of fulfilling the dream of motherhood

Currently, the government programme provides full funding for the collection and freezing of gametes and their storage for oncology patients. You can read more about oncoplasticity here

When you are struggling with illnesses that can impair fertility

• Endometriosis - disease, which can reduce the quality and number of oocytes and lead to adhesions that cause difficulties in getting pregnant. In many situations, earlier oocyte preservation (before surgical treatment of endometrial cysts or with rapidly progressive symptoms) helps to protect the ovarian reserve. The Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, in its recommendations for the management of women with endometriosis, recommends caution towards treatments that may lower the reserve.
• Premature cessation of ovarian function (POI) - is a condition causing permanent and irreversible loss of fertility (according to current medical knowledge). In such cases, postponing the decision to secure fertility is associated with a significant deterioration in the effectiveness of the process.
• Autoimmune and genetic diseases (e.g. carrying mutations that increase the risk of POI) with medically proven effects on fertility. The decision to secure fertility is recommended before irreversible deterioration of the reserve occurs.

Surgical operations, such as removal of the ovaries, uterus or other reproductive organs, can affect a woman's fertility

What fertility preservation methods do we offer women at Invimed?

At Invimed, we provide a comprehensive approach to fertility preservation, tailored to the individual needs of each patient. We use the following methods:

• egg freezing;
• freezing of ovarian tissue;
• embryo freezing.

We use the latest technology to preserve the chances of pregnancy in the future before oncological treatment, surgery or in the case of diseases affecting ovarian reserve, among others.

In urgent situations, such as preparation for oncology treatment, our team implements procedures to act immediately.

Egg cell freezing

This is the most commonly chosen method of fertility preservation. It involves taking mature ova and freezing them using the vitrification method, which is rapid freezing at a very low temperature. This ensures that the cells retain their high quality and can be used in the future.

How does the procedure work?

• initial consultation
• short hormonal preparation

Similar to that used during the in vitro fertilisation procedure. It allows a larger number of mature ova to be obtained, ready for fertilisation.

• collection of cells during a short procedure (puncture)
• freezing (vitrification) and storage until the patient decides to become pregnant.

Ovarian tissue freezing

A method for women who cannot or will not have time to undergo hormonal stimulation. A piece of ovarian tissue, containing ovarian follicles, is taken laparoscopically and frozen. After treatment, the tissue can be reimplanted, restoring the hormonal and reproductive functions of the ovary.

Embryo freezing

Embryo cryopreservation is recommended for women in stable relationships when the couple plans to parent together. The ova are fertilised with sperm from a partner or donor, and the resulting embryos are frozen and stored until the couple decides to become pregnant

Subsidised fertility preservation for oncology patients (oncopfertility)

1. Consultation and diagnosis

Your doctor examines your ovarian reserve (e.g. AMH and ultrasound) and health status and on this basis selects the appropriate treatment.

2. ovarian stimulation

For about 10-12 days, it stimulates the ovaries, i.e. motivates them with the right dose of hormones to mature the egg cells faster.

3. Collection of ova

Puncture, as it is referred to, is a short procedure under general anaesthesia during which the doctor retrieves the oocytes. The oocytes are then assessed in an embryology laboratory.

4 Vitrification and storage

The cells are frozen and stored at a low temperature, where they wait for the future. There, time stops for them.

Why is it important to safeguard fertility between the ages of 25 and 34?

Because it is at this age that the egg cells are of the highest quality. After the age of 35, their number and quality start to decline faster and faster. Freezing at 25-34 is like making the best version of a backup of your fertility or putting a valuable item in a safe. You don't have to use it right away, but when the time is right it is there, safe and sound.

Summary

Fertility preservation with oocyte or ovarian tissue freezing is an opportunity that allows women to confidently look ahead/consciously plan for the future and make decisions about motherhood at their own pace. Whether you are putting off plans for a baby today, struggling with endometriosis, POI, reduced ovarian reserve or preparing for cancer treatment, this method offers a real chance to preserve your fertility for later. With vitrification, your cells can be stored in the best quality and used when the time is right for you. It's a decision that gives you security, space and freedom of choice.