Explanation: Egg freezing allows women to preserve their fertility for future pregnancy attempts.

Step-by-Step:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal injections are administered to stimulate egg production.
2. Monitoring: Ultrasounds and blood tests track follicle development.
3. Trigger Injection: A final hormone injection triggers ovulation.
4. Egg Retrieval: A minor, ultrasound-guided procedure under sedation to collect eggs.
5. Freezing the eggs by vitrification.

Sperm freezing is a process in which sperm cells are collected, frozen, and stored for future use in assisted reproduction. It is a widely used fertility preservation technique for men undergoing medical treatments especially chemotherapy.

Steps:

1. Patient Consultation & Screening

• A fertility specialist evaluates the patient’s medical history
• Blood tests for infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, etc.)
• Semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology
• Discussion of storage duration and potential future use

2. Semen Collection

• Preferred method: Masturbation in a private collection room at the clinic
• Alternative methods:
  • Home collection: Requires special transport medium and quick delivery
  • Surgical sperm retrieval (TESE/PESA): If ejaculation is not possible

3. Semen Analysis & Processing

• Sperm sample is analyzed for:
  • Concentration (sperm count)
  • Motility (movement quality)
  • Morphology (shape and structure)
    
• The sample is mixed with a cryoprotectant to prevent ice damage

4. Freezing Process by vitrification (rapid freezing) method

Sperm is stored for years without significant quality loss

Who Should Consider Sperm Freezing?

Men undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries affecting fertility
Men with low sperm count or declining fertility
Those with high-risk occupations (military, athletes, hazardous jobs)
Individuals considering vasectomy but wanting future fertility options
Couples undergoing IVF where sperm collection may be difficult on the day of egg retrieval

Embryos from IVF cycles can be frozen and stored for future use.

A Pioneering Fertility Preservation Method for Young Cancer Patients and Women at Risk of Ovarian Failure

It is an advanced fertility preservation technique in which ovarian tissue is surgically removed, frozen, and later transplanted back to restore fertility and also hormonal function. It is particularly beneficial for young cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or women at risk of premature ovarian failure.

Steps in Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation & Transplantation

Patient Assessment & Consultation

• Comprehensive evaluation by a fertility specialist
• Assessment of ovarian reserve through AMH, FSH, and ultrasound
• Discussion of risks, benefits, and expected outcomes
• Coordination with an oncology team if needed

2. Ovarian Tissue Retrieval (Laparoscopic Procedure)

• Minimally invasive laparoscopy to remove a small part or the entire ovary
• Performed under general anesthesia

3. Tissue Processing & Cryopreservation

• Ovarian cortex (which contains follicles) is carefully dissected
• Tissue is cut into thin strips for better preservation
• Slow freezing is used to cryopreserve the tissue to -196 degree celesius
• Stored in liquid nitrogen at ultra-low temperatures

4. Storage & Long-Term Preservation

• Tissue remains frozen until the patient is ready for transplantation

5. Ovarian Tissue Transplantation (Reimplantation)

• When the patient wishes to restore fertility, the tissue is thawed
• Surgical transplantation of ovarian tissue into the pelvic cavity or subcutaneous site
• Revascularization occurs, restoring ovarian function

Who is a Candidate for Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation?

Young cancer patients before chemotherapy or radiation
Women at high risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (e.g., genetic conditions, autoimmune diseases)
Women undergoing pelvic surgeries that may affect ovarian function
Cancer Patients who need urgent chemotherapy and no time to undergo egg freezing