Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC) is an advanced fertility preservation technique used to help preserve reproductive potential before medical treatments or conditions that may affect ovarian function and future fertility.
The procedure involves removing and freezing ovarian tissue containing immature eggs for possible future use. Ovarian tissue may later be reimplanted or used as part of fertility treatment depending on the clinical situation.
At Umniya Fertility, fertility preservation forms part of the broader Umniya Method®, where reproductive diagnostics, embryology, cryopreservation, and personalised fertility planning are integrated into one coordinated fertility care pathway.
Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation is a fertility preservation procedure in which ovarian tissue is surgically removed and frozen for future reproductive use.
The tissue contains immature follicles and eggs that may later help restore fertility or hormonal ovarian function after medical treatment.
Unlike egg freezing, ovarian tissue cryopreservation does not always require ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval before preservation.
The procedure may be particularly important when fertility preservation must occur urgently before cancer treatment or other medical therapy begins.
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation may be considered for:
Treatment suitability depends on age, ovarian reserve, medical diagnosis, treatment timeline, and future reproductive goals.
At Umniya, fertility preservation planning is tailored individually following fertility consultation and reproductive assessment.
The procedure is often considered when:
In some situations, ovarian tissue cryopreservation may be considered alongside egg freezing or embryo freezing depending on the patient’s fertility profile and medical condition.
The process generally includes:
The tissue is frozen using advanced cryopreservation techniques designed to preserve ovarian follicles for future use.
Depending on future reproductive planning, the tissue may later be:
Ovarian tissue retrieval is usually performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia.
During the procedure:
The procedure is generally performed as a day surgery, and most patients return home the same day following recovery.
Recovery is usually relatively quick, although mild discomfort or bloating may occur temporarily afterward.
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation may offer:
For some patients, the procedure may provide an important opportunity to preserve fertility before medical treatment begins.
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is generally considered safe when performed by experienced fertility and surgical teams.
Potential risks may include:
As with all fertility preservation treatments, future pregnancy cannot be guaranteed.
Your fertility specialist will discuss the expected outcomes, risks, and treatment considerations before proceeding.
When future pregnancy is planned, frozen ovarian tissue may be thawed and reimplanted surgically depending on the clinical situation.
The goal may be to:
In some cases, IVF or ICSI treatment may still be recommended depending on ovarian function, reproductive health, and fertility goals at that time.
Both ovarian tissue cryopreservation and egg freezing are fertility preservation methods, but they differ significantly.
Egg Freezing
Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation
The most appropriate option depends on age, medical urgency, ovarian reserve, and reproductive planning.
Yes. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an established fertility preservation option used in selected medical and reproductive situations.
Not always. The procedure itself does not require IVF, although IVF or ICSI may be recommended later depending on future fertility planning.
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia, and most patients experience only temporary discomfort during recovery.
Frozen ovarian tissue can typically remain stored for many years under regulated laboratory conditions.
No. Fertility preservation helps preserve reproductive potential, but future pregnancy success depends on many reproductive and medical factors.
Most patients recover within several days after laparoscopic surgery, although recovery timelines vary between individuals.