COIMBATORE: The process of storing reproductive tissue so that it can be used by couples to produce biological children is called ‘fertility preservation'.
"Despite the availability of the technology, many couples are unaware that they can take advantage of this scientific method to become parents even if it is delayed due to some reasons or whenever they are ready," said Dr Latha, fertility consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Coimbatore.
Ranjit (28) and his wife Sangeetha, in her early 20s (names changed) chose the fertility preservation process as Sangeetha who is diagnosed with cancer is undergoing treatment for the disease.
“Once she no longer needs to undergo treatment, and is cured of her condition, the couple
will attempt to become parents through in-vitro-fertilization (IVF),” Dr Latha said.
Throwing light on fertility preservation, the doctor tells us, “Men and women with malignancy and expecting chemotherapy or radiotherapy which increases survival, but reduces fertility, women pre-disposed for premature menopause, patients who are on treatment for autoimmune diseases, women who plan pregnancy at a later age due to career commitments, can opt for the process.”
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue or oocytes, semen cryopreservation and third-party reproduction, are the primary methods of fertility preservation.
