Reasons for Egg and Sperm Freezing to Preserve Fertility in Children

Egg and sperm freezing is an advanced and effective method in reproductive medicine that offers children and adolescents at risk of infertility a chance to have children in the future. This procedure is particularly crucial when medical treatments or diseases might harm reproductive organs. In this article, we will explore the main reasons for egg and sperm freezing to preserve fertility in children.

What is Egg and Sperm Freezing?

Egg and sperm freezing is a process in which eggs or sperm collected from an individual are preserved in a specific environment at extremely low temperatures for future use. For children, this procedure is often carried out when the risk of infertility exists.

Main Reasons for Egg and Sperm Freezing in Children

1. Cancer Treatments and Their Impact on Fertility

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: These treatments target cancer cells but can also damage healthy cells, including ovaries and testes.
Common Childhood Cancers: Leukemia, lymphoma, bone cancer, and brain tumors.
Why Freeze Eggs and Sperm? Before starting aggressive treatments, freezing eggs or sperm can preserve the potential for future fertility.

2. Genetic and Congenital Disorders

Genetic disorders such as Turner Syndrome or Klinefelter Syndrome can lead to reduced or halted ovarian and testicular function.
Why Freeze Eggs and Sperm? For children born with such conditions, this procedure offers a preventive solution to maintain fertility.

3. Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can damage reproductive organs.
Why Freeze Eggs and Sperm? To prevent infertility caused by these diseases or related treatments, this method is highly effective.

4. Medical Surgeries on the Reproductive System

Certain surgeries may harm the ovaries or testes or require their removal.
Why Freeze Eggs and Sperm? Freezing eggs or sperm before surgery ensures fertility preservation for the future.

5. Precocious Puberty or Sexual Development Disorders

Children with disorders of sexual development (DSD) or early puberty may face infertility in the future.
Why Freeze Eggs and Sperm? This procedure enables the use of reproductive cells when natural development is not possible.

Methods of Egg and Sperm Freezing in Children

For Girls:

Egg freezing (for post-pubertal adolescents).
Ovarian tissue freezing (for prepubertal girls).

For Boys:

Sperm freezing (for post-pubertal adolescents).
Testicular tissue freezing (for prepubertal boys).

Challenges and Importance of Counseling

Egg and sperm freezing requires advanced equipment and medical expertise.
Decisions about this procedure should be made with thorough consultation with specialists and family support.

Conclusion

Egg and sperm freezing is a preventive measure for children at risk of infertility due to diseases or specific treatments. This method is a significant step in preserving fertility for the future and provides children and their families with greater reassurance in the face of medical challenges.