What are the alternatives to egg freezing?

Embryo freezing uses ovarian stimulation followed by egg collection, fertilisation with sperm and freezing of embryos. It can provide a clearer plan when you have decided whose sperm will be used, but it involves creating embryos now.

Fertility preservation is a broader discussion that may include egg or embryo freezing, ovarian tissue preservation, medication timing and referral before chemotherapy or pelvic treatment. Ovarian reserve assessment can help frame the conversation, although a test cannot predict every future pregnancy outcome.

Ask a fertility specialist to compare embryo freezing with egg freezing, including whether ovarian stimulation is appropriate and how many appointments the process involves. If you have a partner or known sperm source, discuss how that affects the decision.

If treatment could affect the ovaries, request fertility advice before treatment begins. Bring your age, menstrual history, previous pelvic surgery and relevant medical records. The choice may change if your priorities, relationship circumstances or treatment timetable changes.

Arrange advice promptly if cancer treatment, ovarian surgery or another medical treatment is being planned, because some preservation options need to happen before it starts. Seek assessment sooner if periods have become irregular, fertility tests suggest diminished ovarian reserve or you have concerns about delaying pregnancy.

Which option fits my timeline and fertility goals? Would embryo freezing require a decision about sperm use now? Should I have ovarian reserve testing or genetic counselling? What would happen if I chose to try for pregnancy sooner?