Fertility Preservation

Understanding Fertility Preservation with Excel IVF

Fertility preservation provides hope for those wishing to conceive later in life or facing treatments that may impair reproductive ability.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the field, covering who can benefit from it and detailing the various options and processes available at Excel IVF.

Fertility Preservation Options at Excel IVF

For Females

Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation): The ovaries are stimulated with hormones to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and frozen for future use. This option is suitable for women who want to delay conception or those facing medical treatments that may impair fertility.

Embryo Freezing: Fertilized eggs, or embryos, are frozen to be thawed and used in future pregnancy attempts. This option is ideal for women in committed relationships who wish to preserve their embryos for later use.

Ovarian Tissue Freezing: Ovarian tissue is surgically removed and frozen for potential re-implantation. This technique is beneficial for women undergoing treatments that may damage ovarian function or for pre pubertal girls with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy allowing them to maintain the ability to conceive naturally

For Males

Sperm Freezing: Sperm is collected through a straightforward procedure and frozen for future use. This option is suitable for men who wish to preserve their reproductive material for later, either for family planning or medical reasons.

Testicular Tissue Freezing: Testicular tissue can be surgically removed and frozen for future procedures. This option is beneficial for men undergoing treatments that may impair sperm production.

How Fertility Preservation Works

The process includes several key steps:

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

The first step is to meet with a fertility specialist at Excel Hospital, who will assess your medical history, discuss your goals, and determine the appropriate options.

Evaluation For Females

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Levels: This hormone is produced by ovarian follicles, and its levels help assess the ovarian reserve. Higher AMH levels generally indicate a higher reserve, while lower levels suggest fewer remaining follicles.

Ultrasound Scan: An ultrasound is performed to evaluate the size and number of antral follicles in the ovaries, which can indicate the current fertility potential. It also helps detect any abnormalities, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids.

Evaluation For Males

Semen Analysis: This analysis evaluates the sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the sperm’s viability for fertilization. The same sample can also be frozen for future use.

The Procedures

For Females

Superovulation: To increase the number of eggs available for retrieval, hormone injections, including FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), are administered over several days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.

Monitoring: Throughout this process, multiple follicle scans are conducted to monitor the response to stimulation. These scans are usually vaginal for adult women, while abdominal scans may be used for younger girls.

Egg Retrieval: Once the follicles are ready, the patient undergoes an anesthesia procedure, and the eggs are retrieved using a thin needle inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovaries. This procedure is guided by ultrasound to ensure accuracy and minimize risk.

For Males

Semen Collection: Sperm is collected through a straightforward process, such as masturbation, and can then be frozen for future use.

Testicular Tissue Freezing: For men with limited sperm production or no sperm in the semen, testicular tissue can be surgically harvested and frozen. This tissue may later be used in assisted reproduction techniques, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where individual sperm cells are injected into eggs.

How to Prepare for Fertility Preservation

At Excel Hospital, we strongly recommend that our patients follow a healthy diet to prepare for fertility preservation. Adopting good dietary habits can help prepare for fertility preservation and support overall reproductive health.

Balanced Diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can support reproductive health. For example:

• Vitamins: Folic acid, found in leafy greens and legumes, helps prevent neural tube defects in embryos. Vitamin D, from sources like fortified dairy products or sunlight, supports hormone balance and reproductive function.
• Minerals: Zinc, found in meat, seafood, and legumes, contributes to sperm quality and testosterone production in men. Iron from sources like red meat and spinach helps prevent anemia, which can affect ovarian function.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, found in fruits and vegetables, help reduce oxidative stress, which can damage reproductive cells and affect fertility.

Hydration: Staying hydrated supports bodily functions, including hormone regulation, and aids in maintaining healthy cervical mucus for women and healthy sperm motility for men.

Avoiding Harmful Substances: Reducing or eliminating caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can improve reproductive health. For instance, high caffeine intake may negatively affect fertility, while smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impair reproductive function and sperm quality.

Physical Activity: Indulging in physically stimulating and mentally calming activities such as Yoga, dancing, or walking is highly recommended while preparing for fertility preservation. These activities not only help to keep fit but also improve blood circulation to enhance the procedural outcome.

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