Fertility preservation is the process of storing eggs, sperm, or embryos for future use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This can be a valuable option for people who may want to have children later in life, or for those who are facing medical treatments that could harm their fertility.
In Australia, there are a number of fertility preservation options available for both men and women.
For women, these options include:
- Egg freezing: Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and frozen at a young age, when they are most healthy. They can then be thawed and fertilised with sperm at a later time.
- Embryo freezing: Embryos are created by fertilising eggs with sperm. The embryos are then frozen and stored for future use.
For men, the most common option is sperm freezing. Sperm is collected and frozen for future use.
The cost of fertility preservation can vary depending on the specific procedure being performed. However, Medicare may cover some of the costs associated with fertility preservation for medical reasons, such as cancer treatment. Private health insurance may also cover some of the costs.
If you are considering fertility preservation, it is important to talk to your doctor about your options. They can help you decide which option is right for you and can refer you to a fertility specialist.
Are you considering fertility treatment?
If you would like to speak with Dr Myran to learn more about our fertility treatment options, contact our clinic to schedule an appointment at 03 8788 7110 or email us at admin@myran.co.au