.svg){kind=small}
Frequently Asked Questions
If I simply want to delay menopause and not get pregnant, what should I do?
For hormone replacement use of the tissue only we have various strategies to ensure that you will not become pregnant, which does not involve taking drugs or medicines.
For example, the tissue can be grafted back to an area from which it is not possible to conceive, but hormone production remains uninhibited. When you wish to have the tissue reimplanted, the timing will be your choice with the guidance of your consultant. And the location within your body you transfer the tissue depends upon individual circumstances, and as there are a number of options. Your particular situation needs to be discussed with your consultant.
If you prefer not to have menstruation post tissue reimplantaion, then these can be prevented, again without the need of drugs, and this needs to be fully discussed with your specialist.
When should the tissue be grafted back into your body?
This depends upon individual circumstances, and as there are a number of options. Your particular situation needs to be discussed with your consultant.
For those who want to understand about getting pregnant, from the many cases done over the years, the data indicates that around 50% of patients can conceive naturally following tissue reimplantaion/grafting, whilst the remainder will need IVF.
Is removing some ovarian tissue for storage, compromising the current or future function of the ovary?
Large studies which looked at the age of menopause for those having a whole ovary removed did not reveal any significant increase in the risk of early menopause.
Studies which looked at the long term follow up of patients having significant part of the two ovaries removed did not reveal significant risk of compromised ovarian function.
Approximately only 1% of the ovary is used for ovulation and there is an adjusting mechanism of the rate of the loss in the function of the ovary in case of surgical removal of part of the ovary.
ProFaM has developed a technique aiming to significantly eliminate this theoretical risk of compromising the ovarian function. The technique entails: Removal only of 1/3-1/2 of the outer layer of one of the 2 ovaries Avoid use of any excessive ‘diathermy’ (the standard procedure of heating surrounding tissue to stop bleeding) which might compromise the remaining tissue Removing only the outer layer which has very low blood supply to avoid any bleeding Use of certain agent to minimise any risk of bleeding
Is there a risk of scar tissue formation which might affect the tube and the ability of spontaneous pregnancy?
There is no evidence that ovarian surgery affects the future ability to conceive. We use the microsurgical principles through a key hole surgery which is known to reduce the risk of any scar formation significantly.
Is there a possibility that the frozen tissue will not survive after grafting back?
There is a small possibility that the tissue will not survive after transferring it back. It has been estimated that the risk is 5-10%, but much of this information is based patients who already had health risks; not young, healthy patients. Therefore, the potential for any risk could be explained by many factors (which will be discussed at consultation). We advise you to have your stored tissue grafted back in 2-3 episodes where possible, which will significantly reduce such risk.
Is there a risk of loss of the eggs because of the cut of blood supply or freezing?
The risk of cutting blood supply is very low, but should this happen, or there is an effect of freezing, you will end up losing some of the follicles existing in the tissue. However, depending upon your age there should be a large number of follicles so you will still have enough follicles to function as normal
What are the risks of laparoscopy?
The laparoscopy (key hole surgery) is commonly performed and quite a safe procedure. The risk of the procedure depends on many factors which requires medical assessment. Minor complications are estimated to occur in 1 to 2 out of every 100 women. These are usually self-limiting and resolving, including shoulder tip pain, wound infection or minor bruising.
Serious complications are estimated to occur in 1 out of 1000 cases. These include: injury to the bowel or blood vessel. This injury can be fixed through the laparoscopy or through a bigger cut. There is very remote risk of clotting in the leg or the lung, and appropriate preventive measures will be taken to reduce significantly such risks.
No Guarantees in Clinical Science or Medicine
No medical procedure can offer a guarantee on outcome, but the chances of success have been presented in the medical-science literature, in our Patient Information Document and will depend upon individual circumstance, such as your age.
Book an Appointment
Whether you're exploring fertility preservation, seeking guidance on reproductive health, or have specific questions, our dedicated professionals are here to provide support and insights.
Schedule your appointment today and let us be a part of your transformative path towards a brighter future.
