How to Save Your Fertility If Your Ovaries Stop Working Early

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 19 Aug 2025, 9:30 pm

Are you diagnosed with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? It is understandable to be concerned about fertility and the future of family building. Although POI might complicate conceiving naturally, it does not imply that all hope is lost. This blog will give you an idea of the options available to preserve fertility, how they do so, and what actions you can take to secure your future chances of parenthood.

Pregatips
Being told you have Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) can feel scary, especially if you want to have children someday. POI affects your ovaries and hormone levels, but it doesn't mean you can never get pregnant. Thanks to modern medicine, there are ways to preserve your fertility. With the right information and support, planning a future pregnancy is still possible.
In this article:
Let’s break down what POI is, how it affects your fertility, and what options you have.

What Is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)?

POI, which is also called premature ovarian failure, occurs when your ovaries cease to function before the age of 40. This implies that your body will produce fewer reproductive hormones, such as oestrogen, and you may experience abnormal or incomplete ovulation. Consequently, your periods can become irregular or stop.
It is not the same as early menopause because POI does not necessarily imply that your ovaries have become non-functional. You might still ovulate sometimes, so pregnancy can still happen, but it can be harder.

When Should You Consider Fertility Preservation?

If you are still experiencing occasional periods or were diagnosed with POI recently, this is an opportune time to think about fertility preservation. The faster you operate, the better your chances of success. Even if you're not planning a pregnancy right now, preserving your fertility gives you the flexibility to try later.
You should also think about fertility preservation if:
  • POI runs in your family.
  • You have an autoimmune condition.
  • You’ve undergone cancer treatments (which can damage the ovaries).
  • You have irregular periods and are under 40 years old.


Your Fertility Preservation Options in POI

There are several options that may be offered to you based on your age, ovarian reserve, and personal goals. Let’s break each one down:

1. Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)

If you're still producing eggs, even occasionally, you may be eligible for egg freezing. This involves using fertility medications to stimulate your ovaries so that multiple eggs are produced, harvested, and frozen so that they can be used later.
Why it may work for you:
  • Gives you the option to try for pregnancy later.
  • Preserves your current egg quality and quantity.
What to keep in mind:
  • May require more than one cycle if egg numbers are low.
  • Success depends on your age and ovarian function at the time of freezing.

2. Embryo Freezing

When you have a partner or are open to using donor sperm, you may consider embryo freezing rather than egg freezing. The procedure is essentially the same, except that your eggs are fertilised prior to the freezing process.
Why it may work for you:
  • Higher success rate than egg freezing.
  • Suitable if you're ready to plan a future with your partner.
What to keep in mind:
  • Requires making decisions about sperm source.
  • Legal and ethical implications may apply if embryos are unused.


3. Ovarian Tissue Freezing

It is a sophisticated procedure in which a tiny fragment of your ovarian tissue is extracted and frozen. It can then later be reimplanted to recover ovarian functioning or fertility.
Why it may work for you:
  • Useful if you are unable to undergo egg stimulation.
  • It can restore hormone function as well as fertility.
What to keep in mind:
  • Still considered experimental in many countries.
  • Requires surgery and long-term planning.

4. Donor Eggs

If your own egg reserve is too low, using donor eggs may be a more practical path to pregnancy. The egg is fertilised with sperm and implanted in your uterus through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Why it may work for you:
  • High success rates for pregnancy.
  • You can still experience pregnancy and childbirth.
What to keep in mind:
  • Emotional and Legal Aspects of Using Donor Material.
  • You won’t have a genetic link to the child.


5. Surrogacy

In rare cases where pregnancy is not possible due to severe POI complications, surrogacy using your eggs (if preserved) or donor eggs can be considered. This allows you to have a biological child with the help of another woman who carries the pregnancy.
Why it may work for you:
  • Suitable if pregnancy would be risky for your health.
  • It can still involve your genetic material.
What to keep in mind:
  • Legal regulations vary by country.
  • Financial and ethical considerations need to be discussed.

Being diagnosed with POI can feel like a door has closed. But in today’s world, you still have options, and time may be the most important factor. By understanding your fertility preservation choices and acting early, you give yourself the best chance to build the family you’ve dreamed of.
Don’t wait for the “right time.” Start the conversation with a specialist, understand your options, and make an informed decision that suits your body and your goals.

FAQs on Fertility Preservation in POI: What Are Your Options?


  1. Can I get pregnant naturally if I have POI?
    Yes, but not often. Occasional ovulation may occur in some women with POI, and natural pregnancies are possible. But it is unpredictable, which is why fertility preservation is frequently advised in case you want children in the future.
  2. How do I know if I’m a good candidate for egg freezing with POI?
    As long as you still have some ovarian activity (e.g., irregular periods or positive hormone tests), you can freeze your eggs. The decision will be facilitated by the AMH levels, FSH, and antral follicle count, which a fertility specialist will assess.
  3. Is fertility treatment for POI very expensive?
    Depending on the method and location, the cost will change. Freezing of eggs or embryos can be quite expensive, particularly when multiple cycles are required. There is a possibility that some government or private hospitals offer support programmes, and thus, it is advisable to utilise the available options early.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Bhavna Banga, Director – Department of Fertility at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, Kailash Colony