What Is Ovarian & Testicular Tissue Preservation?
Ovarian and testicular tissue preservation is a medical procedure where a small part of a person’s ovary or testicles is removed and frozen for future use. This is mainly done for cancer patients who risk losing their fertility due to chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The preserved tissue can later be transplanted back or used to produce eggs or sperm, helping patients have biological children in the future.
Why Is It Done for Cancer Patients?
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can damage reproductive cells, leading to infertility. This can be devastating for young patients who haven’t begun or finished their family planning. Doctors can help safeguard patients future fertility by conserving testicular or ovarian tissue prior to treatment.
- For Women: Ovarian tissue contains eggs. Women can utilise it for IVF or have it re-implanted later if they freeze it.
- For men: Sperm-producing cells are found in testicular tissue. Future medical advancements may help restore fertility by freezing it.
Pros & Cons of Tissue Preservation
Pros of Tissue Preservation
- Fertility Protection: Helps cancer patients have biological children later.
- No Delay in Immediate Cancer Treatment: It’s a short surgery that doesn’t interfere with cancer treatment.
- Option for Kids and Teens: This is effective for youngsters who have not reached puberty, in contrast to freezing eggs or sperm.
Cons of Tissue Preservation
- Surgical Risks: Removing tissue requires minor surgery, which carries risks like infection or bleeding.
- No Success Guarantee: Not all tissue that has been preserved will function properly upon transplantation.
- High Cost: As you can see from the pricing section below, the process can be costly.
- Ethical Concerns: Using preserved tissue years later raises ethical concerns, particularly for children who are incapable of giving consent.
Cost of the Procedure
The cost of the procedure differ depending on the country and clinic but generally ranges between
10,000−10,000−20,000. This includes surgery, freezing, and storage fees (which can be
300-300−600 per year). Some insurance plans may cover part of the cost, especially if infertility is due to cancer treatment.
Ovarian and testicular tissue preservation offers hope to cancer patients who wish to have biological children later. While it has risks and high costs, it can be a lifesaving option for fertility. Consulting a fertility expert can help you understand and determine if this procedure is the right choice for you or your loved one.