Worried About Premature Ovarian Failure?
Healthy ovaries play a vital role in pregnancy. By releasing a healthy egg each cycle, there is a chance that the woman can conceive during intercourse. As women have a set number of follicles, quantity and quality are expected to decrease over time. However, some women experience premature ovarian failure (POF), which drastically impacts fertility. POF is a loss of normal function of the ovaries before age 40. When the ovaries fail, there is no release of eggs, leading to potential infertility. The ovaries also fail to produce sufficient estrogen, leading to irregular periods. Women who struggle to conceive may consider donor eggs, but there are other effective options available.
The case for and against donor eggs
As the healthy release of eggs is necessary for conception, POF can make pregnancy difficult. In severe cases, a fertility clinic may recommend donor eggs. These are fresh or cryopreserved eggs surgically acquired from another woman with a healthy ovarian reserve. The eggs are then used for in vitro fertilization (IVF), a preferred method of assisted reproduction. Donor eggs significantly increase IVF success rates as donors usually provide younger, healthier eggs. The healthy eggs may shorten the IVF window, saving time and money. Women may opt against donor eggs as there is no biological link to the child. Some women may struggle with the emotional challenge of carrying a child genetically unrelated to them. Choosing the right eggs to avoid complications is also taxing. The overall process can also be time-consuming and costly. Here are some of the other options available for women with POF.
A first step with hormone replacement therapy
Doctors may consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if the woman has a healthy uterus and no other medical issues. HRT is in the form of oral or injectable hormones to provide the ovaries additional support. A combination of progestin and estrogen reduces the symptoms of POF while increasing the chances of fertility. HRT can also reduce the long-term risk of POF, such as protecting against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. As POF occurs on a spectrum, hormone medication may improve fertility. However, HRT may work with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF for improved outcomes.
Consider egg freezing
Extracting and freezing eggs may be an effective strategy for conceiving in the future. POF does not mean a complete absence of follicles. Some women can save existing eggs with cryopreservation before the onset of POF. Through hormone medication and a surgical procedure, a fertility clinic extracts multiple follicles. The eggs are then frozen to be used with IVF later. The process ensures that there are healthy eggs available as the condition progresses. Women can then attempt IVF with a partner or donor sperm. IVF success rates may be higher than attempting treatment with advanced stages of POF.
The power of surrogacy
Some women may consider surrogacy, where another woman with healthy reproductive organs carries the child. Gestational surrogacy uses eggs or sperm from the couple, preserving a biological link to the child. Traditional surrogacy via IUI is an option, but the woman would not have a biological link to the child. Fertility clinics may suggest traditional surrogacy for severe cases of POF or if there are challenges with gestation. Surrogacy is a complex process that requires cooperation from all parties. However, the chances of pregnancy can increase significantly.
Don’t let POF hold you back
Premature ovarian failure can be a devastating diagnosis for women hoping to start or grow a family. The absence of healthy eggs prevents pregnancy from occurring naturally. Donor eggs are perhaps the most effective strategy for having a child, but the missing biological link can be difficult to accept. Doctors can recommend other steps to possibly improve hormone production, raise fertility, extract eggs, and attempt IVF. If conceiving seems impossible, seek medical advice immediately to rule out POF.