Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC) is a fertility preservation technique where part or all of the ovarian cortex—rich in primordial follicles—is surgically removed, frozen, and later transplanted back to restore fertility and hormonal function.
Overview
- Purpose: Preserve ovarian function and fertility before gonadotoxic therapy (chemotherapy, pelvic radiation) or in other conditions causing premature ovarian insufficiency.
- Key difference from embryo/oocyte cryopreservation: Does not require ovarian stimulation or sperm, so can be done immediately, even in prepubertal girls.