Which fertility preservation option involves freezing ovarian tissue for later re-implantation?

• A. Freezing oocytes for later use
• B. Freezing embryos
• C. Freezing ovarian tissue for later re-implantation
• D. Freezing endometrium

Answer: (C)

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation involves removing and freezing a portion of the ovarian cortex that contains many small follicles, with the plan to re-implant the tissue later. When ready to try to have a child, the tissue is thawed and placed back into the pelvis, where it can resume hormone production and follicle development. This can lead to natural ovulation and conception or provide eggs for use in assisted reproduction. It’s especially useful when treatment for another condition (like cancer) can’t be delayed or for someone who can’t undergo egg retrieval. This method specifically targets preserving the ovarian tissue itself, unlike freezing mature eggs or embryos, and it differs from freezing the endometrium, which isn’t a standard fertility preservation tactic. Keep in mind there are surgical risks and not all patients regain function, but it’s a powerful option when other methods aren’t suitable.