The fertility treatment you might not know about

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The fertility treatment you might not know about

Fertility is a frustrating biological system to navigate for women who have to deal with the limits of time, the expectations of society, and their very own genetics. Egg freezing has long been the main option for delaying starting a family, but now, researchers are looking into a different one: Ovarian tissue freezing, which was considered experimental until 2019.

Wait, what are we freezing now?

Part of an ovary or a whole ovary that contains thousands of immature eggs. During ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC), the tissue is laparoscopically removed, frozen, and then reimplanted when the person wants to become pregnant (through IVF or naturally).

Right now, the procedure is mainly used for people who need cancer treatment. But some experts wonder if OTC could become more mainstream: Some say it could delay menopause, potentially reducing certain health risks that menopause brings, like heart disease, dementia, depression, and bone loss. Plus, it can be done on short notice (usually between receiving a cancer diagnosis and starting treatment).

So is this a solid option?

You’d think. But Lucky Sekhon, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, says OTC isn't necessarily the best option. It’s expensive and somewhat invasive. Plus, it’s not clear how successful either method is. One study found that 57% of women who did OTC gave birth. With egg freezing, research found up to 70% of women under 38 had the same results.

Your move

Egg freezing is still considered one of the most successful fertility preservation methods (imperfect as it is). But you may fit the bill for OTC if an illness threatens your fertility or you’re undergoing gender-affirming care. If you want to learn more, bring these Qs to your doctor and insurance provider:

• What’s the recovery process like for OTC?

• What are my chances of conceiving with IVF after reimplantation versus conceiving naturally?

• How much will this all cost — and what will my insurance cover?

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

I was diagnosed with herpes. When and how should I tell a new partner?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Marcy Crouch, PT, DPT

A pelvic floor physical therapist and founder and CEO of The Down There Doc

When: “Before engaging in any sexual activity with a new partner.”

Where: “Choose a private, comfortable setting where you both have time to talk.”

How: “Be honest, calm, and compassionate. Provide factual information about herpes, how it's transmitted, and what precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission.”

What you could say: "I really care about you, and before things get intimate, there's something important I need to share. I have been diagnosed with the herpes simplex virus, and I want to be open and honest with you about it.”

PS: Read the rest of Crouch’s script here.

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Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity for a hotel-quality pillow upgrade. This shredded latex-stuffed one does the most: It’s more breathable and durable than other pillows — plus it’s supportive enough for side and back sleepers, with enough ~squish~ for stomach sleepers, too.

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