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Among options for fertility preservation and hormonal care, freezing of ovarian fragments has gained attention in Brazil. The procedure provides opportunities for future pregnancy and may contribute to natural hormone replacement during menopause, representing a different approach to women’s health.

At GLOBO, the gynecologist Ana Comin explains the procedure of harvesting and transplanting ovarian tissue, which can help delay menopause and preserve the fertility of women across the country. Check it out:

How did the invitation to participate in ovarian harvesting operations come about?

“It is an invitation received by Dr. Eduardo Schor, who was president of the Brazilian Society of Endometriosis and who today coordinates the master’s and doctoral courses at Unifesp. He is a friend of mine, he knows my work with endometriosis surgeries, which are extremely difficult. endometriosis patients want to get pregnant, Clínica ProFam, in São Paulo, has a partnership with Dr. Schor. There was no one here in the South, so he invited me.

Where will the procedure be carried out initially and is there any hope of expansion?

“Initially, patients will have to travel to São Paulo, as there are no logistics yet for transport across the country. This involves removing the tissues and handling them for freezing, which must meet a series of strict standards.”

How does ovary harvesting and freezing work?

“It is necessary to remove only a piece of the ovary, in the right place and in the right shape, so that the tissue can be frozen. Fertilization with an ovary is not something new, but few people do it. The frozen fragment can be used both for fertilization and for hormone replacement. During menopause, women can have small pieces of the ovary implanted subcutaneously, releasing the hormone naturally. There is a limit age: freezing is indicated up to 35, 37 years old. The procedure is performed laparoscopically, and function is restored after thawing, it reaches 90-95%, with healthy births, without signs of malformations or recurrence of diseases such as cancer.

Who can perform the procedure?

“Any woman interested. The technique is also recommended for prepubescent girls or women who cannot postpone treatments. It is not systematic and requires specialized centers. It is often performed opportunistically, such as during endometriosis surgery, with the patient’s consent. In other cases, the surgical intervention is planned, due to family history or risk of early menopause.”

Are there already babies being born using this technique?

“Worldwide, more than 200 children have been born after transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. About half were conceived naturally, without in vitro fertilization.

How does it feel to be the first from the South to participate in the project?

“I was very happy with the invitation to work in the surgical field. ProFam is European and is now coming to Latin America and establishing itself in São Paulo. I am the first from the South to join the project. I feel flattered, mainly because I was invited by Dr. Schor, a renowned doctor. I like challenges. Today we see the cryopreservation of eggs, sperm and embryos, but the Freezing of ovarian tissue was not yet practiced in Brazil, only in Europe and the United States.”

What are the main doubts women face today?

“As incredible as it may seem, the most common complaint is bleeding, caused by uterine pathologies and hormonal changes. Next, menopause, which is the focus of my practice, and pain caused by endometriosis. Many women face incorrect information from influencers without health training, or even doctors without proper training.”

How does technology and advanced medicine impact gynecology?

“Brazil is far ahead in this context. We have a female population concerned about their health, libido and well-being. Robotic surgery has taken a big step forward, as has videolaparoscopy, allowing faster diagnoses and treatments, with better recovery and less impact on the body.”

The CEO of ProFam, Pericles Hassun Filhoexplains: “It is not necessary to remove the entire ovary, just a fragment, half or a third, depending on the ovarian reserve. The fabric can be stored for decades at -196°C. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and its transplantation allows women to be autonomous in two aspects: reproductive and endocrine, extending longevity and providing a form of natural hormonal replacement. This opens up new possibilities in health choices and quality of life.

The emotional effect of the method

The educational psychologist Ana Paula Camargo analysis: “Women will have more autonomy, more time to decide when or if they want to become pregnant, thus reducing social pressure and personal demands. Technology creates a dissociation between chronological age and reproductive age, allowing a lighter relationship with aging.”