Ovarian grafting has been widely publicised recently and as a result is causing excitement in the fertility community.
But what is it?
Quite simply, it’s a way of delaying the menopause. It tricks the female body into thinking it is between 5 to 20 years younger than it really is.
How does it work?
Keyhole surgery is performed to remove a piece of a pre-menopausal woman’s ovarian tissue. This is then cryopreserved until the woman begins to enter menopause, typically around the mid forties.
When menopause starts, the ovarian tissue is thawed and grafted into a convenient part of the body. Typically somewhere like the armpit or abdominal wall is chosen for it’s good blood supply.
If the tissue graft is successful, the ovarian tissue then begins to produce sex hormones. This effectively calls a halt to the menopause process, having the same result as resetting the body clock.
How long does the reprieve last?
For a younger patient who has early onset of menopause, the delay can be as long as 20 years. However, for a woman in her 40’s the delay in may only be around five years.
What are the benefits?
Researchers claim the procedure may benefit thousands of women who experience serious health issues brought on by menopause.
Other physicians are going further and claiming that ovarian grafting could also improve quality of life. Many women experience low moods, anxiety, sleep disturbance, hot flushes, night sweats and a reduced sex drive during menopause.
The BBC first reported on its potential back in 1999. The procedure is now routinely used in cancer patients to help them retain fertility after treatment. With the latest advances the procedure is now offered to the public. Although the price tag is hefty at £7,000 to £11,000 in the UK.
The procedure is being offered to women up to the age of 40 through ProFam, a Birmingham-based company. Set up by Dr Simon Fishel, a pioneering IVF doctor and president of the UK Care Fertility Group.
Professor Fishel said, “This has the potential to be of significant benefit to women who may want to delay the menopause.”
The benefits are clear and health-economists believe the procedure could save the UK National Health Service substantial amounts of money. By reducing treatment costs for the menopause and more serious related problems such as heart conditions and osteoporosis.
Game changer for fertility treatment
Many fertility experts are against offering treatment to older women because of the risk to mother and child during pregnancy. This is still a concern.
But, going forward, it could also be a game-changer for fertility treatment. The ovarian grafting procedure does not require drugs to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.
Professor Fishel believes that women in their 20s could routinely have ovarian tissue stored, and then possibly access thousands of eggs in the future. He said, “Women could have part of their tissue re-implanted to restore their fertility before starting a family. They can then have rest re-grafted later to hold off the menopause.”
