Fertility Preservation in Ahmedabad — Protect Your Future Fertility
Fertility preservation involves medical techniques that allow individuals to safeguard their reproductive potential for use at a later time. At Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad, Dr. Priyadatt Patel offers evidence-based fertility preservation options for women facing medical conditions, cancer treatment, or those who choose to delay childbearing for personal or professional reasons.
Who Should Consider Fertility Preservation?
Fertility preservation is relevant for a broad range of situations. It is not exclusively a decision for women with serious illness — it is increasingly a considered, planned choice for women who want to retain reproductive options.
Medical Indications
- Upcoming chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer
- Surgical removal of ovarian tissue (e.g., for endometriosis or ovarian cysts)
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or rapidly declining ovarian reserve
- Autoimmune conditions requiring immunosuppressive treatment
- Genetic conditions associated with early menopause (e.g., Turner syndrome, BRCA mutations)
- Recurrent ovarian surgeries with risk to ovarian reserve
Elective (Social) Fertility Preservation
- Women choosing to delay childbearing for career, personal, or relationship reasons
- Women without a current partner who wish to preserve their options
- Women approaching their mid-to-late 30s who want to secure eggs at current quality
Fertility Preservation Options We Offer
1. Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
Egg freezing is currently the most established fertility preservation method for women. Eggs are retrieved after ovarian stimulation, matured, and then vitrified (flash-frozen) for long-term storage. The process typically takes 10–14 days and does not require a partner or donor sperm. Vitrification has significantly improved egg survival rates and post-thaw outcomes compared to earlier slow-freeze techniques.
Egg freezing is most effective when performed before age 35, when egg quality and quantity are generally optimal. However, it may be considered at older ages after individualized assessment of ovarian reserve.
2. Embryo Freezing (Embryo Cryopreservation)
For women with a partner or those willing to use donor sperm, embryo freezing offers an additional option. Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos are cryopreserved. Embryos typically have slightly higher survival rates post-thaw compared to unfertilized eggs. This option requires discussion about the legal and ethical implications of shared embryo ownership.
3. Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation
In situations where there is no time for ovarian stimulation — such as urgent cancer treatment — ovarian tissue can be surgically removed and frozen. When the patient is ready to attempt pregnancy, the tissue can be re-implanted. This option is primarily used in younger patients with cancer and requires a specialist surgical team. It remains the only option for prepubertal girls and for women who cannot delay treatment.
The Fertility Preservation Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Ovarian Reserve Assessment
A detailed consultation including review of medical history, fertility goals, timeline, and ovarian reserve testing (AMH, antral follicle count, Day 2/3 FSH). This informs the choice of preservation method and the likely yield of eggs or embryos.
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation (for egg or embryo freezing)
Controlled ovarian stimulation using gonadotropin injections over approximately 10–12 days, monitored with serial ultrasound scans and hormone tests to track follicle development and adjust dosing.
Step 3: Egg Retrieval
A minimally invasive transvaginal egg retrieval procedure performed under sedation or anaesthesia. Takes approximately 20–30 minutes. The patient can generally return home the same day.
Step 4: Vitrification and Storage
Retrieved eggs (or embryos) are vitrified and placed in secure cryogenic storage. The storage duration is governed by applicable regulations and institutional policy, which are discussed clearly with each patient at the time of preservation.
Step 5: Future Use
When the patient is ready to attempt pregnancy, frozen eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm, and the resulting embryos transferred in a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle. Outcomes depend on the age at which eggs were frozen, the number of eggs stored, and overall health at time of use.
Honest Expectations: What Fertility Preservation Can and Cannot Do
It is important to be transparent: fertility preservation does not guarantee a future pregnancy. Outcomes depend significantly on the age at which eggs were frozen, the number and quality of eggs retrieved, and the response to future treatment cycles. Younger women with good ovarian reserve have higher success rates. We do not overstate outcomes — we provide individualized counselling based on your specific situation so you can make an informed decision.
Why Choose Balaji Horizon for Fertility Preservation?
- Expert fertility preservation counselling by Dr. Priyadatt Patel — IVF specialist and reproductive medicine expert
- Advanced ovarian stimulation protocols tailored to each patient
- Evidence-based vitrification techniques with high egg survival rates
- Transparent, honest counselling — no inflated success promises
- Coordinated care for oncology patients requiring urgent preservation
- Clear discussion of storage, legal, and ethical considerations
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Preservation
At what age should I consider egg freezing?
Egg freezing is most effective before age 35 when egg quality is higher and stimulation typically yields more mature eggs. However, it is not a decision based solely on age — ovarian reserve testing is essential to provide an individualized assessment. Women in their late 30s can still benefit, though outcomes vary more significantly.
How many eggs should I freeze?
There is no single correct number. Broadly, freezing 10–20 mature eggs gives a reasonable chance of a future successful pregnancy, but this varies with age and embryo quality. We discuss realistic expectations with each patient based on their specific reserve and goals.
Is egg freezing painful?
Ovarian stimulation involves daily injections, which most patients manage well. The retrieval procedure is performed under anaesthesia or sedation and is not painful. Some women experience mild bloating or discomfort during stimulation, which is monitored closely.
Does egg freezing affect future fertility?
No evidence suggests that egg freezing negatively affects future natural fertility or ovarian reserve beyond the eggs retrieved in that cycle. Multiple cycles may be considered if the first cycle yields fewer eggs than expected.
Book a Fertility Preservation Consultation in Ahmedabad
If you are considering fertility preservation — whether for medical reasons or personal planning — we encourage you to schedule a consultation for an individualized assessment. Early consultation allows more time to plan and optimizes outcomes. Contact us at +91 9909496027 or visit us at Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital, Science City Road, Ahmedabad.
You may also find our pages on IVF treatment in Ahmedabad and Dr. Priyadatt Patel relevant to your planning.