What is Fertility Preservation? 5 Things You Need To Know
Part 2, Podium & Parenthood: Fertility & family planning webinar series
Presented by Markham Fertility Centre in partnership with the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO).
As athletes extend their careers well into their 30s and beyond, family planning becomes a more pressing and personal consideration. With increasing awareness of how fertility changes over time, it’s crucial for individuals—especially those in high-performance sport—to understand fertility preservation options that support both their professional and personal aspirations.
This educational piece stems from the CSIO 6 part webinar series, Podium and Parenthood: Fertility and Family Planning, featuring Markham Fertility Centre as a trusted knowledge partner.
See Part 1, Podium & Parenthood: Fertility 101
We cover;
- Why fertility preservation matters for athletes
- What is fertility preservation?
- What options available for fertility preservation?
- Who should consider fertility preservation?
- Empowering athletes through education
Why Fertility Preservation Matters for Athletes
At the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO), the mission goes beyond physical performance—it’s about holistic support. The Institute understands that athletes are whole people, with long-term life goals that extend beyond podium finishes.
As part of its Women’s Health Initiative, CSIO recognizes that elite athletes often reach peak performance during their prime childbearing years, typically in their late 20s to early 30s. This overlap can make family planning more complex. Many female athletes postpone parenthood to maintain their competitive edge, manage training schedules, or navigate physically demanding travel.
Fertility preservation provides a proactive way for athletes to protect their future family-building options. It’s about providing the freedom to compete now, without sacrificing the possibility of having children later.
What Is Fertility Preservation?
Fertility preservation refers to medical strategies and technologies used to save or protect reproductive cells—such as eggs, sperm, or embryos—so they can be used in the future.
It is often recommended for individuals who:
- Are delaying pregnancy for personal, professional, or medical reasons
- Are undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which may affect fertility
- Have been diagnosed with conditions like endometriosis or premature ovarian insufficiency
- Are undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy
- Simply want to keep their options open for parenthood later in life
Preserving fertility helps to circumvent the natural decline in reproductive potential that occurs with age. For example, a woman in her early 30s may freeze her eggs while they are more viable, increasing her chances of a successful pregnancy years later.
Options for Fertility Preservation
1. Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
Egg freezing involves retrieving mature eggs from the ovaries, freezing them, and storing them for later use. The procedure allows individuals to pause their biological clock by preserving their younger, healthier eggs.
How it works:
- A patient takes hormone injections for 8–14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Monitoring through ultrasounds and bloodwork ensures timing is optimized.
- A minor surgical procedure is performed under sedation to retrieve the eggs.
- The eggs are rapidly frozen using a technique called vitrification, which minimizes damage during freezing.
Egg freezing is ideal for those who want to delay parenthood without the pressure of declining fertility.
2. Embryo Freezing
This option is similar to egg freezing but involves fertilizing the eggs with sperm (from a partner or donor) to create embryos before freezing.
Benefits include:
- Higher success rates compared to egg freezing alone
- Option to do preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) before implantation
- A clearer idea of future potential for pregnancy since embryos are already formed
Embryo freezing is often chosen by couples or individuals who have a clear plan for parenting and want a more established path to future IVF treatment.
3. Sperm Freezing
Sperm freezing is a straightforward and effective fertility preservation method. A semen sample is collected and frozen in liquid nitrogen for long-term storage.
Used by:
- Men undergoing cancer treatment
- Individuals undergoing vasectomy who may want children in the future
- Trans women beginning hormone therapy
Frozen sperm can be stored for many years and used in IUI (intrauterine insemination), IVF, or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
Who Should Consider Fertility Preservation?
Fertility preservation is not just for patients undergoing medical treatments. It can benefit a wide range of individuals, including:
- Elite and professional athletes delaying family planning to focus on sport
- Women in their late 20s and early 30s who aren’t ready for parenthood
- People with genetic or medical conditions that may reduce fertility over time
- Cancer patients preparing for life-saving treatments
- Transgender individuals planning gender-affirming care
By acting early, people can take control of their future and maintain the option to have biological children later on.
Empowering Athletes Through Education
Fertility preservation is an act of empowerment. Through partnership with Markham Fertility Centre, CSIO is committed to ensuring athletes have access to the best medical information and support.
This collaboration is part of a broader effort to normalize conversations around reproductive health in sport. Athletes deserve to understand their options without stigma or pressure, and to make informed choices that align with their goals, on and off the field.
“At CSIO, our purpose is elevating people and performance, both on and off the field of play.”
Final Thoughts: Planning for Your Future, On Your Terms
Your fertility journey is personal, and every path is valid. Whether you’re focused on winning gold or simply not ready to become a parent yet, fertility preservation allows you to make decisions at your own pace, with confidence and clarity.
If you’re considering fertility preservation, speak with a fertility specialist who can help guide you through the process, answer your questions, and support your long-term goals.
Want to Learn More?
Markham Fertility Centre offers expert-led consultations, cutting-edge fertility preservation services, and compassionate care tailored to your needs. Connect with our team to explore your options today.
1. What is fertility preservation and how does it work?
Fertility preservation involves medical techniques used to protect reproductive cells, such as eggs, sperm, or embryos, for future use. These methods allow individuals to delay parenthood while maintaining the option to have biological children later in life.
2. Why is fertility preservation important for athletes?
Fertility preservation is especially important for athletes who often delay parenthood due to training, competition, and career demands. It provides flexibility, allowing them to focus on peak performance while safeguarding future family-building options.
3. What are the main fertility preservation options available?
The most common options include egg freezing, embryo freezing, and sperm freezing. Each method involves collecting and storing reproductive cells so they can be used later through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or IUI.
4. Who should consider fertility preservation?
Fertility preservation is suitable for individuals delaying parenthood, those undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy, people with fertility-impacting conditions, transgender individuals, and athletes prioritizing their careers before starting a family.
5. When is the best time to consider fertility preservation?
The best time is typically when reproductive health is at its peak, often in the late 20s to early 30s. Preserving fertility earlier can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy in the future.