Fertility preservation (egg and sperm freezing)
Last medically reviewed on 2026-10-25 by TEST_Dr Rao
60-second summary
Eggs, sperm or embryos can be frozen to use later — for example before cancer treatment, or if a woman wishes to delay pregnancy.
Freezing eggs, sperm or embryos
| Process | Stimulation + egg retrieval | One or more semen samples | IVF, then freeze embryos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time needed | About 2 weeks | Same day | 2–3 weeks |
| Partner needed | No | No | Yes, or donor sperm |
| Best done | Before 35 for better results | Any age, before cancer treatment | When a couple wants to store embryos |
Fertility preservation options, for medical or personal reasons.
Source: KedVia original diagram · KedVia medical illustration team