Preserving Your Fertility

An excerpt from Fertility & Beyond: Join the Conversation

By Amanda Jester, JD

Fertility is such a new field in the big scheme of things. So many doctors in other specialties simply don’t have the knowledge or experience to address your fertility concerns. Despite being an issue that affects a lot of people, fertility concerns may get overlooked when you are discussing other diseases.

Unfortunately, the majority of people are not always thinking about future fertility, preserving fertility, and they seldom know what questions to ask. Their treatment plan could be inadvertently damaging their fertility without them even knowing.

The concept of freezing eggs for preserving fertility is becoming more and more mainstream. In just the past few years, the conversation is more prevalent. Professional women are more open to talking about cryopreservation as an option, as well.

In addition, the technologies have improved and costs have decreased, making it a viable alternative for more people.

Whether you need to undergo treatments like chemotherapy or steroids, or you’re fast approaching that “magic age” of 35, and aren’t ready to have children, it’s important to know the opportunities you have to preserve your fertility.

In some cases, your fertility may have already been affected, and you can’t turn back time. While discovering that your fertility is not what you had hoped can be difficult, it’s also helpful to know that there may be other options available to you. Options such as donor eggs, embryo donation, or a gestational carrier. At the end of the day, the good news is that there are many ways to achieve your dream of having a family. Even if it’s not the traditional way you thought originally, there are options.

About Amanda Jester, JD

Background:

Amanda is a partner and member of the Board at Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis, LLP, where she focuses her work in the healthcare industry and helping clients navigate through the regulations and compliance issues related to complex transactions. 

Having managed multiple chronic illnesses, Amanda is an “expert” patient. In particular, Amanda was diagnosed with lupus in her early twenties and was put on a regiment of chemotherapy and high dose steroids for two years, while she suspected her fertility might be at risk.

Amanda was drawn to the mission of the Fertility Foundation of Texas to help local families achieve their dreams of growing their families. She is a member of the Foundation’s Advisory Board.

Contact Information

Website: http://wallerlaw.com

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