Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation may be a good option for people who need to start treatment quickly, since egg or embryo freezing can take several weeks. It is available to individuals aged one month to 42 years old. It is the only fertility preservation option for children who have not gone through puberty and have a condition or need medical treatment that may affect their ovaries. 

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation requires general anesthesia and is typically performed through small incisions made in the abdomen to access the ovary. Your surgeon inserts a small camera and tools through the incisions to remove one ovary. It is sent to a lab where the outer layer (cortex), which houses the eggs, is separated, cut into strips, and frozen for future use.

Frozen ovarian tissue is safely stored in specially-equipped facilities.

Learn more about the benefits of ovarian tissue cryopreservation.

Ovarian Tissue Transplantation

If you have cryopreserved ovarian tissue and want to be pregnant, your doctor will place a select amount of your thawed ovarian tissue in your body so you can try to conceive naturally or with additional assisted reproductive technology.

Transplanted tissue is usually active for several years and produces hormones your body needs during this time. It is uncommon to transplant all the preserved tissue at once. This gives you the option to have multiple transplants if needed. 

Leaders in Ovarian Tissue Freezing

Duke Health fertility experts have years of experience in ovarian tissue freezing, giving you more fertility preservation options that aren’t readily available elsewhere. We receive referrals from hospitals throughout the southeast region. Our specially trained providers are leading the way to make this procedure more accessible to children and adults who need it.

Step-by-Step Guidance

If you or your child’s healthcare team identifies the need for a fertility preservation consultation, they will refer you to our team. If you have questions for our team or wish to self-refer, you may contact us. We will coordinate care with you or your child’s primary team.

We Help You Understand Your Financial Options

Total costs are different for everyone, and many insurance policies do not cover fertility preservation. However, financial assistance programs may be available. You will be contacted by a member of our team after you are referred to the Duke Fertility Center. We will walk you through your options for financial assistance and can help you complete the necessary paperwork.