Family Planning To Preserve Fertility
Based on scientific evidence, the ideal time for people to have children is during the 20s and early 30s. During this time, both egg and sperm quality, as well as success rates, are highest, even if a couple has to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. However, societal goals have changed, and the idea of immediately trying to have children shortly after high school or even college is no longer popular. Whether because a person wants to focus on a career or simply gain life experience, plenty of reasons exist for individuals to delay parenthood. Likewise, sometimes health concerns can create fertility complications later in life. Given all the above problems, understanding how to preserve fertility is crucial.
The importance of egg freezing
For women in particular, conversations about fertility often center on a biological clock. The topic refers to a limited window that the average woman has to effectively conceive, whether naturally or with assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods. These days, many women are preserving fertility by having eggs harvested and frozen at a younger age. A common issue with trying to conceive at an advanced maternal age (AMA) centers around egg quality and quantity. By freezing eggs, women can temporarily focus on other priorities and return to family planning with good quality eggs when fully ready.
Preserving male fertility
Conversations about pregnancy often focus on women, but men can also suffer from infertility. Whether because of lifestyle or genetic habits, or even underlying health conditions that cause sterility, infertility can also affect the male partner. For individuals who prioritize parenting biological children, storing a sperm sample can be a critical first step. Special techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg, can further help men with poor sperm motility achieve conception.
When donors are considered
In cases of severe infertility or repeated failed cycles, a donor may be the answer. Older couples, people with known egg and sperm issues, or even same sex couples may decide to use donor eggs or sperm to boost conception odds. Additionally, women and couples experiencing multiple failed IVF cycles may be encouraged to try donors to improve outcomes. Similarly, surrogates may also be an option for some couples.
Preparing for the future
No crystal ball exists to tell people what the future holds in terms of fertility. Some women can conceive naturally with no issues even later in life, while other individuals need to rely on ART treatments. With innovations in modern science, people can achieve pregnancy even with underlying health conditions or while not in an active relationship. If fertility preservation is a significant concern, consider speaking with a fertility specialist.
