Ep. 101 Fertility Preservation Techniques in Modern OBGYN Practice with Dr. Mindy Christianson

Who should consider fertility preservation, when is the right time, and what are the risks? In this episode of BackTable OBGYN, Dr. Amy Park interviews Dr. Mindy Christianson, the section head of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Cleveland Clinic, who shares how fertility preservation is evolving for patients planning families and those facing fertility-impacting treatments. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Christianson discusses her journey into the field of fertility preservation, inspired by an early encounter with a breast cancer patient. The conversation covers various aspects of fertility preservation, including the preservation of eggs, embryos, ovarian and testicular tissue, and planned fertility preservation. Dr. Christianson elaborates on the protocols, patient demographics, and the evolving collaboration between oncology and reproductive endocrinology. The discussion also highlights technologies like ovarian tissue transplantation and in vitro maturation, as well as practical tips for healthcare providers on improving patient access to fertility preservation services. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction03:34 - Understanding Fertility Preservation07:56 - Consultation Process for Fertility Preservation17:36 - Advancements in Egg Freezing Technology25:55 - Egg Freezing Recommendations26:34 - Collaboration Between Oncology and REI26:52 - Pediatric Oncology and Fertility Preservation28:58 - Ovarian Tissue Transplantation33:17 - Uterine Transposition Surgery40:05 - Gene Editing and Fertility Preservation43:01 - Financial and Emotional Aspects of Fertility Preservation48:02 - Practical Advice for OBGYNs51:12 - Resources and Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES Livestrong Fertilityhttps://livestrong.org/how-we-help/livestrong-fertility/ Resolve: The National Infertility Associationhttps://resolve.org/ Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologyhttps://www.sart.org/ American Society for Reproductive Medicinehttps://www.asrm.org/