Table 2.

Fertility Preservation Options for Females

Embryo Freezing
Embryos created by in vitro fertilization (IVF) after a cycle of ovarian stimulation and transvaginal retrieval of mature eggs Process take two to three weeks
Egg Freezing
Eggs obtained after a cycle of ovarian stimulation and transvaginal retrieval of mature eggs Process take two to three weeks
Ovarian Tissue Freezing
Ovarian cortex obtained by unilateral or partial oophorectomy Experimental The only option for pre-pubertal females Also an option for post-pubertal females unable to undergo embryo or egg freezing Technique for future use could be re-implantation of tissue or in vitro maturation of primordial follicles; about 25 children have been born world-wide after re-implantation of tissue
Ovarian Transposition
For use in females receiving pelvic or inguinal radiation without intent to treat the ovaries Repositioning of the ovaries outside of the radiation treatment field to reduce ovarian exposure to radiation If fallopian tubes are dissected from uterus, patient cannot conceive naturally
Ovarian Suppression
Administration of GnRH agonist (e.g., leuprolide) during chemotherapy to suppress recruitment and maturation of follicles Experimental (off-label use); studied primarily in women with breast cancer and lymphoma
Alternative Treatment for Early Stage GYN Cancers
Only appropriate for select patients with early stage disease Cervical cancer: radical trachelectomy instead of hysterectomy Ovarian cancer: unilateral oophorectomy instead of bilateral oophorectomy Endometrial cancer: progestin therapy instead of hysterectomy

Note. Information from (8, 20–28)