Frequently Asked Questions
What is fertility preservation, and who should consider it?
Fertility preservation involves freezing reproductive cells or tissues (sperm, eggs, embryos, or ovarian tissue) for future use. It is ideal for:
• People undergoing cancer treatment (chemotherapy/radiation)
• Those with medical conditions affecting fertility
• Individuals who wish to delay parenthood for personal or career reasons
• Transgender individuals beginning hormone therapy or surgery
What are the different fertility preservation methods offered at the clinic?
Dr. Lantsberg’s clinic provides:
• Embryo Freezing – fertilized eggs stored for future IVF
• Ovarian Tissue Freezing – segments of ovarian tissue removed and preserved
• Sperm Freezing – a simple, effective option for men or trans women
These options ensure you can start a family later with your own genetic material.
How does embryo freezing work and when is it used?
Embryo freezing involves:
• Retrieving mature eggs from the ovaries
• Fertilizing them with sperm in a lab (IVF)
• Freezing the resulting embryos for future implantation
It’s ideal for couples or individuals who have access to donor sperm and wish to maximize future IVF success rates.
What is ovarian tissue freezing and who is it for?
Ovarian tissue freezing is a surgical method where ovarian tissue is removed, frozen, and re-implanted later. It’s especially beneficial for:
• Young girls or women who cannot undergo egg freezing
• Cancer patients requiring immediate treatment
It’s still considered an emerging technique, but success rates are improving rapidly.
How does sperm freezing work and how long can sperm be stored?
Sperm is collected, tested, and frozen in liquid nitrogen. It can remain viable for decades. Common reasons for sperm freezing include:
• Prior to vasectomy or chemotherapy
• Low sperm count or quality
• Before transitioning genders (for trans women)
What are the success rates of frozen eggs, embryos, and sperm?
Success varies based on:
• Age at time of freezing
• Quality of the reproductive material
• Technique used (e.g., vitrification for eggs/embryos)
Generally, embryo freezing offers the highest success, followed by eggs and sperm. Frozen samples can achieve comparable results to fresh ones when stored and used correctly.
Is fertility preservation covered by Medicare or private insurance?
In many cases, fertility preservation is not fully covered unless it’s medically necessary (e.g., cancer treatment). Dr. Lantsberg’s clinic offers transparent pricing and flexible payment options, and will help guide patients through financial planning and potential rebates.