Marta Jansa-Perez, Director of Embryology at BPAS Fertility, said:
“BPAS Fertility support these NICE recommendations. The reimplantation of ovarian tissue with the aim of delaying menopause is novel and unsupported by professional societies or the necessary research.
“The removal, preservation and subsequent reimplantation of ovarian tissue within the context of fertility preservation can assist patients who wish to resume ovulation and endocrine function and removes the need for hormone replacement therapy. However, efficacy is very dependent on the age of the person a the time of storage of tissue and there is still limited data on endocrine outcomes.
“We strongly agree that there is not enough research to support this procedure being used for the purpose of preventing symptoms of the menopause and believe the potential complications associated with laparoscopy pose an unnecessary risk for the healthy women that could potentially be persuaded to undergo this procedure for the purpose of menopause symptom treatment. Clinics should not be allowed to offer or advertise reimplantation of ovarian tissue for the treatment of menopause symptoms. Clients should be provided with evidence-based information regarding treatment of symptoms for the menopause.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Katherine O’Brien, BPAS Associate Director of Campaigns and Communications, on katherine.o’brien@bpas.org or 07881 265276.
About BPAS
BPAS is a charity that sees over 100,000 women a year for reproductive healthcare services including pregnancy counselling, abortion care, miscarriage management and contraception at clinics across Great Britain. It supports and advocates for reproductive choice. BPAS also runs the Centre for Reproductive Research and Communication, which seeks to develop and deliver a research agenda that furthers women’s access to evidence-based reproductive healthcare, driven by an understanding of women’s perspectives and needs. You can find out more here: https://www.bpas.org/get-involved/centre-for-reproductive-research-communication/
In 2021, BPAS launched BPAS Fertility, England’s first not-for-profit fertility service, to provide ethical, evidence-based, person-centred care that supports patients. We provide a safe, high-quality, and accessible service, without profiteering from patients. Our service gives those ineligible for NHS funding an affordable option to access the care they need.
