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Fertility
Kylie Han
Fertility preservation gives you the opportunity to have children later in life, even when facing barriers such as age, health conditions, or medical treatments.
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May 5, 2025
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Fertility preservation gives you the opportunity to have children later in life, even when facing barriers such as age, health conditions, or medical treatments.
The practice of fertility preservation involves saving and protecting embryos, eggs, sperm, and reproductive tissue to help patients maintain their chances for reproduction in the future. Fertility preservation is common among people whose fertility is compromised by health conditions or diseases, as well as for people who want to delay having children for personal reasons.
Since the 1980s, fertility preservation has been primarily used to help cancer patients undergoing treatments that could affect their fertility. However, in the last decade, it has gained popularity for personal and lifestyle reasons (1). There are multiple methods available for both females and males. Here’s everything to know about fertility preservation.
What is fertility preservation?
Fertility preservation aims to help patients maintain their ability to have biological children in the future regardless of health conditions. There are two main types of fertility preservation:
- Medically indicated preservation: When a condition or disease puts the patient's fertility at risk.
- Elective preservation: When individuals choose to undergo fertility preservation for personal reasons, such as prioritizing a career or waiting to find the right partner.
>>MORE: How Many Eggs Does A Woman Have? Fertility At Every Age
Reasons for fertility preservation
The main reasons that someone may want to preserve their fertility include:
- Age: Fertility declines as you age. If you’d like to have children later, fertility preservation can help protect your eggs before your fertility starts to diminish. Age reduces the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs typically in their mid-30s before reaching perimenopause and menopause (2). More people are having children later in life. Between 2000 and 2014, the number of women aged 30 to 34 delivering their first child increased by 28%, and the number of women aged 35 or older rose by 23% (3). Common reasons for delaying parenthood include career advancement, furthering education, or waiting for the right partner.
- Cancer: Cancer and its treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can impair fertility.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, along with their treatments, may cause fertility problems.
- Reproductive health conditions: Conditions like endometriosis, where the tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, and uterine fibroids can impact fertility (4).
- Gender-affirming treatments: Individuals transitioning from male to female may wish to preserve sperm, or those transitioning from female to male may want to freeze their eggs before undergoing gender-affirming surgery (5).
Methods of fertility preservation
Fertility preservation methods vary by sex and typically involve removing and freezing eggs, embryos, sperm, or reproductive tissue for future use. Some methods focus on reducing the impact of cancer treatments on reproductive organs.
Since childhood cancer and other conditions can affect a child’s future fertility, any freezing options are generally available only after puberty. Other methods include radiation shielding and ovarian transposition.
>>RELATED: The Oova Glossary: 44 Fertility Terms To Know if You're Trying to Conceive
Fertility preservation methods for females:
- Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation): Treatment includes injecting hormones to trigger egg production in the ovaries. Eggs are then extracted by a physician with a needle to be frozen and stored. This process takes about two weeks (6).
- Embryo freezing: Often part of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), this involves removing eggs from your ovaries, and fertilizing them with sperm (either from a partner or donor) in a lab to create embryos. The embryos can be implanted in your body immediately or stored for future use.
- Ovarian tissue freezing (ovarian cryopreservation): Typically a treatment used for patients who need cancer treatment and can't wait the two to six weeks needed for egg retrieval. In these cases, the ovarian tissue is surgically removed and frozen, and can later be reinserted after treatment. Once thawed and implanted, the ovarian tissue may resume function, stimulating hormone and egg production, and potentially leading to a natural pregnancy or pregnancy via IVF (7).
- Ovarian transposition (oophoropexy): This procedure protects the ovaries from the damage of radiation treatments. The ovaries are surgically removed from the pelvis and placed into the abdomen so it can avoid the treatment area. If the fallopian tubes aren’t damaged by surgery or radiation, the ovaries may release eggs in their new place allowing a natural pregnancy.
- Radiation shielding: A lead shield or precise radiation technology is used to protect your ovaries during radiation treatments.
Fertility preservation methods for males:
- Radiation shielding: Similar to radiation shielding for women, this method limits the exposure of radiation to the testicles by shielding them or using precise radiation technology and techniques.
- Sperm freezing: A semen sample is collected, frozen, and stored for future use.
- Testicular tissue freezing: In cases where men don’t have sperm in their semen, a sample of testicular tissue is removed and examined for sperm. Any sperm found are then extracted and stored.
Success rates and considerations
Fertility preservation doesn’t guarantee future pregnancy. Success rates depend on a variety of factors such as age, body mass index, health conditions, and past medical history. Ovarian tissue freezing and ovarian transposition procedures are less common, and their effectiveness are still being studied.
There are also some risks to fertility preservation:
- Some procedures can cause bleeding and infection.
- IVF can increase the chances of multiple births, premature delivery, miscarriage, and low birth weight.
- Ovarian procedures may trigger raised estrogen levels which can increase the risk of blood clots and estrogen-dependent cancers.
- Hormone injections increase estrogen levels which can cause side effects such as mood swings, bloating, and other physical discomfort plus possible abdominal pain post-retrieval (8).
In rare cases, severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur. The ovaries swell and fluid leaks into the body, primarily around the lungs. This happens to roughly 1% of women undergoing egg freezing and is more common among individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Costs of fertility preservation is another significant consideration. Starting costs for a single cycle of egg freezing can range from $10,000 to $15,000, with an additional $4,000 to $6,000 for medications, and around $500 annually for storage (10). Doctors may also recommend multiple cycles of egg retrieval to have better success rates, driving up the overall costs. Some insurance plans and employers offer fertility benefits to reduce costs.
Fertility preservation: the bottom line
If you’re considering fertility preservation, it’s important to evaluate factors such as age, costs, health risks, and more. Success rates are generally higher when fertility preservation is done before any cancer treatments and before the age of 35. A 2022 study found that the success rate for having a baby was 70% for women who froze their eggs before the age of 38, compared to 39% for women who froze their eggs at 38 or older (11). However, freezing your eggs in your early 20s may increase your risk of hyperstimulation due to larger egg reserves at a younger age. Discussing your options and risks with your doctor is crucial.
Fertility preservation offers a way to protect your reproductive future against challenges related to health, age, and life circumstances. Whether you want to prioritize your career, wait for the right partner, or pursue parenthood independently, fertility preservation empowers you to take control of your reproductive timeline.
About the author
Kylie Han is a writer from Oakland, California. She's the SEO Manager at The Infatuation, where she loves to support the work of writers and highlight local restaurants. She is also a contributing writer at The Infatuation and is excited to get involved in reproductive health, a passion of hers.
Sources
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I take progesterone if I'm breastfeeding?
Yes, progesterone is generally safe while breastfeeding and doesn't significantly affect milk supply. However, always discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any hormone supplementation while nursing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Is it safe to take progesterone throughout pregnancy?
Yes, when prescribed by your healthcare provider. Progesterone supplementation in early pregnancy is safe and can reduce miscarriage risk in women with low progesterone or a history of pregnancy loss. Most providers continue supplementation through the first trimester (weeks 10-12) when the placenta takes over.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can progesterone supplementation cause weight gain?
Progesterone can cause temporary water retention and bloating, which may show up as a few pounds on the scale, but it doesn't cause true fat weight gain. Most women don't experience significant weight changes from progesterone supplementation.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I switch from pills to suppositories or vice versa?
Yes, but only under your doctor's guidance. The dosing and timing may need adjustment when switching between forms since they're absorbed differently. Never switch on your own, especially if you're pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Will progesterone supplementation delay my period?
Yes, progesterone keeps the uterine lining intact, so if you're not pregnant and continue taking progesterone, your period will be delayed. Once you stop taking it, your period should start within 2-10 days. If you are pregnant, progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy and you won't get a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Should I take progesterone pills orally or vaginally?
For fertility and pregnancy support, vaginal progesterone is usually preferred because it delivers higher concentrations directly to the uterus. For perimenopause or general hormone balance, oral progesterone often works well and is more convenient. Your doctor will recommend the best route based on your specific needs.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
When should I start taking progesterone after ovulation?
Typically, progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support starts 2-3 days after ovulation (confirmed by LH surge or temperature rise). Your doctor will give you specific timing based on your protocol. Some women start immediately after a positive ovulation test.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
What's better: progesterone cream or pills?
Pills (oral micronized progesterone) are generally more effective and reliable than creams because absorption from creams is inconsistent. For medical conditions like fertility issues, low progesterone, or HRT, prescription pills or suppositories are strongly recommended over over-the-counter creams.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
How can I tell if I have low or high progesterone?
The only definitive way to know is through hormone testing via blood tests or at-home urine tests that measure progesterone metabolites. However, symptom patterns can provide clues: anxiety and irregular periods suggest low progesterone, while bloating and extreme fatigue suggest high progesterone.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
When during my cycle should I test progesterone levels?
Test progesterone levels during the luteal phase, typically 7 days after ovulation or around day 21 of a 28-day cycle. This is when progesterone should be at its peak, making it easier to identify if levels are too low or too high.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the main differences between low and high progesterone symptoms?
Low progesterone typically causes irregular or heavy periods, anxiety, hot flashes, and sleep issues. High progesterone causes bloating, fatigue, intense breast tenderness, and depression-like mood changes. Low progesterone symptoms persist throughout your cycle, while high progesterone symptoms are most intense during the luteal phase.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
Can you have symptoms of both low and high progesterone?
Some symptoms like breast tenderness and mood changes can occur with both low and high progesterone, making it confusing. However, the timing, intensity, and accompanying symptoms differ. Hormone testing is the best way to determine which imbalance you're experiencing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can stress affect 10 DPO symptoms?
Yes, stress can worsen or mimic 10 DPO symptoms. Stress increases cortisol, which can cause cramping, fatigue, and mood changes similar to both PMS and early pregnancy. During the two-week wait, try stress-reduction techniques like gentle exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is it better to test at 10 DPO or wait?
It's better to wait until 12–14 DPO for more accurate results. Testing at 10 DPO often leads to false negatives because hCG levels may still be too low. If you absolutely can't wait, use a sensitive early detection test with first morning urine, and be prepared to retest in 2–3 days if negative.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does implantation bleeding look like at 10 DPO?
Implantation bleeding at 10 DPO is typically light pink or brown, much lighter than a period, and lasts 1–2 days. It's often just spotting when you wipe or a few drops on a panty liner. However, only 15–20% of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding—most don't have any bleeding at all.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Why am I cramping at 10 DPO?
Cramping at 10 DPO can be caused by elevated progesterone (whether you're pregnant or not), implantation (if you're pregnant), or premenstrual cramping. Unfortunately, cramping alone can't tell you if you're pregnant since progesterone causes similar symptoms in both scenarios.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What are the chances of a BFP at 10 DPO?
If you're pregnant, you have about a 50–60% chance of getting a positive test at 10 DPO. This means there's a 40–50% chance of a false negative even if you conceived. Chances improve significantly by 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What DPO is most accurate for pregnancy testing?
14 DPO (the day of your missed period) is the most accurate time to test, with 99% accuracy. 12 DPO offers 80–90% accuracy. 10 DPO has only 50–60% accuracy. For best results, wait as long as you can—ideally until 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is 10 DPO too early to test?
10 DPO is considered early for pregnancy testing. While some women get positives at 10 DPO, accuracy is only 50–60% if you're pregnant. For best results, wait until 12 DPO (80–90% accuracy) or 14 DPO/missed period (99% accuracy).
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you have implantation at 10 DPO?
Yes, implantation can still occur at 10 DPO, though 84% of women have already implanted by this point. Late implantation at 10–12 DPO is normal. If implantation happens at 10 DPO, you won't get a positive pregnancy test for another 2–3 days.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does a negative test at 10 DPO mean?
A negative test at 10 DPO does not mean you're not pregnant. It's very common to get negatives at 10 DPO even if you conceived. Your hCG levels may still be too low, or implantation may have occurred later. Wait until 12–14 DPO to retest for more accurate results.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you get a positive pregnancy test at 10 DPO?
Yes, but only about 50–60% of pregnant women will get a positive at 10 DPO. The other 40–50% have hCG levels that are still too low to detect. If you test negative at 10 DPO, wait 2–3 days and test again.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Can high progesterone cause weight gain?
Yes, elevated progesterone can cause temporary weight gain through water retention and bloating. This is a normal part of the luteal phase and early pregnancy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Does stress affect estrogen levels?
Yes, chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can suppress estrogen production and disrupt hormonal balance. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, adequate sleep, and self-care practices helps maintain optimal estrogen levels.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
When should I consider medical treatment for low estrogen?
Consider medical intervention if natural methods don't improve symptoms after 3 months, if symptoms severely impact quality of life, if you're experiencing early menopause (before 40), or if you have fertility concerns. Hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate in these cases.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What are the signs that my estrogen is increasing?
Signs of rising estrogen include more regular menstrual cycles, reduced hot flashes, improved vaginal lubrication, better mood stability, increased energy, and improved skin elasticity. You may also notice reduced symptoms that originally indicated low estrogen.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Can exercise increase estrogen levels?
Yes, moderate exercise stimulates estrogen release and helps maintain hormonal balance. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate cardio weekly plus strength training twice per week. However, excessive exercise can actually lower estrogen, so balance is key.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
How long does it take to increase estrogen naturally?
With consistent dietary and lifestyle changes, you may notice improvements in symptoms within 4-8 weeks. However, significant hormonal changes typically take 2-3 months. Tracking your cycle and symptoms can help you monitor progress.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What foods increase estrogen levels naturally?
Foods high in phytoestrogens can help increase estrogen naturally. The best options include flax seeds (high in lignans), soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame), lentils, chickpeas, whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice), and garlic. These plant compounds mimic estrogen's effects in the body.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What helps relieve hot flashes quickly?
Cool environments, layered clothing, herbal teas, and medical treatments like gabapentin or HRT may help—depending on severity. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol can also provide relief.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Are there tests to confirm perimenopause?
Yes. Tests measuring estradiol, LH, and FSH levels can indicate hormonal shifts—but diagnosis is often symptom-based since hormone levels fluctuate widely during perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
How do I know it's perimenopause and not something else?
A doctor may recommend hormone testing (like LH, E3G, and PdG) and track symptom timing. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms combined with age and menstrual pattern changes.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What's the earliest age perimenopause can start?
Some women begin experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-30s, though perimenopause typically starts between ages 38-45.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Does perimenopause affect mental clarity?
Yes. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating are common during hormone fluctuations in perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What happens after the last sign of perimenopause?
After your final period, you enter postmenopause. You'll need 12 consecutive months without a period to confirm menopause. Many symptoms gradually improve, though some like vaginal dryness may persist without treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
When do perimenopause symptoms finally stop?
Some symptoms like brain fog improve after menopause, while others like hot flashes may continue for up to 10 years post-menopause. Vaginal symptoms often persist or worsen without treatment. Each person's timeline is different.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Is high progesterone a sign of pregnancy?
Yes, high progesterone is one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. Progesterone levels rise significantly after conception to support the developing embryo and reach their peak during the third trimester.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Can you still get pregnant in late perimenopause?
Yes, you can still get pregnant during perimenopause as long as you're having periods, even if they're infrequent. Continue using birth control until you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period and have officially reached menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Do symptoms get worse before perimenopause ends?
Yes, most perimenopause symptoms intensify in the final 1-2 years before menopause. Hot flashes peak around your final period, vaginal symptoms worsen, and mood changes increase. However, brain fog typically improves in late perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
How long does late perimenopause last?
Late perimenopause typically lasts 1-3 years before your final period. However, the exact duration varies significantly from person to person. You've reached menopause after 12 consecutive months without a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the symptoms of high progesterone?
High progesterone symptoms include fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, anxiety, depression, headaches, and food cravings. During pregnancy, you may also experience increased nipple sensitivity and muscle aches.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What are the first signs that perimenopause is ending?
The earliest signs include longer gaps between periods (60+ days), intensifying hot flashes that peak around your final period, and worsening vaginal dryness. These symptoms typically increase in late perimenopause before you reach official menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
When should I be concerned about high progesterone?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience high progesterone symptoms outside your luteal phase when not pregnant, or if symptoms include severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or rapid weight gain while on hormone therapy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
How do you test progesterone levels?
Progesterone can be measured through blood tests at your doctor's office or at-home urine tests that measure PdG (a progesterone metabolite). Testing is typically done during the luteal phase, about 7 days after ovulation.
About the Oova Blog:
Our content is developed with a commitment to high editorial standards and reliability. We prioritize referencing reputable sources and sharing where our insights come from. The Oova Blog is intended for informational purposes only and is never a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions.
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