Infertility can be caused by a range of conditions. Some, such as endometriosis or fibroids, directly affect the reproductive system. Others are unrelated but require treatment that may harm future fertility. Early conversations with your medical team can help you understand the risks your medical conditions (and treatments) may pose to your fertility and your options for future parenthood.

Fertility preservation might be helpful for:

• Women with gynecologic conditions that affect fertility, such as severe cases of endometriosis, fibroids, recurrent ovarian cysts or primary ovarian insufficiency, who may also be undergoing surgical treatment.
• Patients with conditions that require medical treatment and who may experience infertility as a result of those treatments (such as patients with sickle cell disease who undergo bone marrow transplants and experience low sperm supply).
• Women born with various conditions that make it difficult for them to conceive (such as Turner syndrome or those born without a uterus).
• People with a genetic predisposition to cancer who require treatment to reduce the risk of developing cancer in the future.

We work closely with your medical team to coordinate your fertility and medical care.

Fertility Preservation Treatment Options

Treatment options vary based on your individual circumstance, but include:

• Egg freezing
• Embryo freezing
• Ovarian cystectomy (a laparoscopic surgery to remove cysts from your ovaries)
• Ovarian tissue freezing and reimplantation
• Sperm freezing (sperm banking)
• Testicular tissue freezing

Fertility Preservation Treatment: What to Expect

You will meet with our fertility team to discuss your treatment plan and the risks those treatments may pose to your fertility. We will also review your medical history, health goals and the fertility preservation options we offer.

Your doctor will then perform diagnostic tests — such as pelvic ultrasound and bloodwork — to evaluate your fertility.

Once we have decided together on the best fertility preservation option for you, we will perform the desired procedure. If you require further medical treatments, we will coordinate your care with your medical team.

When You’re Ready to Take Action

1. Talk to your medical team about your interest in fertility preservation. If you are a patient at Johns Hopkins Medicine, your medical team will connect you with our fertility specialists.
2. If you are not a patient at Johns Hopkins, contact us to schedule your consultation. Email us at [email protected], or complete this appointment inquiry form.
3. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage. Our financial coordinators will also help you learn what your insurance covers and share supplemental resources available to you to offset cost.
4. Plan for flexibility — you may be given short notice to come in for an appointment.