Why is fertility preservation done?

Your future fertility may be at risk if you have certain diseases and conditions. This could be due to the condition itself or to the surgery or medication used to treat the condition. People who wish to delay having children until their late 30s or 40s may choose to preserve their fertility because studies show aging affects fertility.

You may want to preserve your fertility if you wish to have children and are affected by any of the following:

• Age: If you’re waiting to have children, you may consider preserving your eggs or sperm before fertility declines. Common reasons people delay having children include desires to reach a certain career goal, further their education or wanting to meet the right partner.
• Cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery for cancer can affect a person’s fertility.
• Autoimmune diseases: Diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and their treatments may cause fertility problems.
• Reproductive health conditions: Endometriosis and uterine fibroids can make it more difficult to become pregnant.
• Transgender care: Gender-affirming treatment can alter a person’s reproductive abilities. Saving embryos, eggs or sperm prior to treatment is an option.