Treatment Overview
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) Prevention—also known as Ovarian Function Preservation—refers to medical and surgical strategies aimed at protecting the ovaries from damage caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical interventions.
In Korea, this field has evolved into a specialized branch of oncofertility medicine, combining advanced reproductive endocrinology, hormone therapy, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Korean fertility experts focus on maintaining ovarian health, hormone balance, and fertility potential in women undergoing gonadotoxic therapy.
The approach integrates pharmacologic gonadoprotection, cryopreservation technologies, and precision radiation planning, ensuring that ovarian tissue and hormonal function are safeguarded throughout cancer care.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of premature ovarian failure prevention is to preserve hormonal and reproductive function in women receiving cancer therapy that can destroy ovarian follicles and accelerate menopause.
Key benefits include:
- Preservation of fertility: Reduces the risk of permanent infertility after chemotherapy or radiation.
- Hormonal balance maintenance: Helps sustain estrogen and progesterone levels, preventing premature menopause symptoms.
- Protection against bone loss and cardiovascular risk: Maintains hormonal stability critical to long-term health.
- Improved post-treatment quality of life: Reduces risks of fatigue, mood changes, and endocrine dysfunction.
- Compatibility with cancer therapy: Designed to protect ovarian health without interfering with oncologic efficacy.
- Psychological reassurance: Provides patients confidence and hope about future reproductive possibilities.
Korean fertility centers provide individualized ovarian protection programs tailored to each patient’s age, cancer type, and treatment urgency.
Ideal Candidates
POF prevention is recommended for:
- Women of reproductive age diagnosed with cancers requiring chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Adolescent patients who have not yet reached puberty but face treatments that threaten ovarian reserve.
- Patients with hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or ovarian cancer, needing estrogen-safe interventions.
- Women undergoing bone marrow or stem cell transplants, where gonadotoxicity risk is high.
- Individuals with strong desire for future fertility or hormonal preservation.
- Patients at genetic risk for ovarian insufficiency (e.g., BRCA mutation carriers receiving prophylactic therapy).
The program is suitable for both premenopausal and young adult women undergoing treatment that could harm ovarian function.
Possible Risks & Complications
While ovarian failure prevention strategies are generally safe, potential risks and limitations include:
- Incomplete ovarian protection: Some ovarian damage may still occur depending on cancer type and therapy intensity.
- Temporary menopausal symptoms: Hot flashes or mood swings from hormonal suppression therapy.
- Surgical risks: Mild pain, infection, or bleeding from laparoscopic preservation procedures.
- Ovarian cysts or irregular cycles: Possible after recovery from suppression therapy.
- Hormonal sensitivity issues: Special adjustments required for hormone-dependent cancers.
Korean hospitals minimize these risks through close coordination between oncology and reproductive specialists, real-time hormone monitoring, and personalized medication protocols.
Techniques & Methods Used
1. Pharmacologic Ovarian Suppression
- Use of GnRH agonists or antagonists (such as leuprolide or triptorelin) to temporarily suppress ovarian function during chemotherapy.
- Mimics a “resting phase” for ovaries, reducing metabolic activity and vulnerability to gonadotoxic agents.
- Administered 1–2 weeks before treatment and continued throughout chemotherapy.
- Reversible—normal function typically resumes within months after therapy ends.
2. Gonadoprotective Hormone Adjunct Therapy
- Supplementary hormonal agents such as aromatase inhibitors or progestins are used to balance hormone levels during suppression.
- Supports ovarian tissue resilience and minimizes premature follicular depletion.
3. Ovarian Transposition (Oophoropexy)
- Surgical repositioning of ovaries outside radiation fields for pelvic or abdominal cancer patients.
- Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure ensures ovarian protection from direct radiation exposure.
- Often combined with radiotherapy shielding techniques for maximum safety.
4. Cryopreservation Techniques
- Oocyte or embryo freezing: Mature eggs or fertilized embryos preserved before chemotherapy.
- Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: Cortical tissue containing immature follicles is surgically removed, frozen, and stored for future transplantation.
- Korean centers specialize in ultra-rapid vitrification, achieving over 90% follicle survival after thawing.
5. Precision Radiation Planning
- Use of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to minimize ovarian radiation exposure.
- Advanced imaging and dosimetry ensure precise targeting of tumors while sparing reproductive organs.
6. Antioxidant and Cellular Protection Therapy
- Supplementation with antioxidants and cytoprotective agents (e.g., CoQ10, melatonin) to reduce oxidative damage to ovarian tissue.
- Supports follicular health and recovery post-therapy.
7. Regenerative Ovarian Therapy (Emerging)
- Some Korean research centers explore platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem-cell-based interventions to rejuvenate ovarian tissue and extend fertility potential after treatment.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Post-treatment hormonal evaluation: Regular blood tests to monitor estrogen, AMH, FSH, and LH levels.
- Cycle monitoring: Menstrual patterns observed for signs of ovarian recovery.
- Bone and cardiovascular health checks: Preventive screening for osteoporosis and heart health in long-term survivors.
- Emotional support: Oncofertility counselors provide psychological care during recovery.
- Fertility follow-up: When remission is confirmed, patients are guided toward natural conception or assisted reproduction (IVF).
Korean fertility programs emphasize holistic aftercare, ensuring the patient’s physical, hormonal, and emotional health are restored.
Results & Longevity
Korean oncofertility programs report high success in maintaining ovarian function through integrated POF prevention strategies:
- Ovarian function preservation: Achieved in over 70–90% of patients treated with GnRH therapy during chemotherapy.
- Menstrual cycle recovery: Most premenopausal women regain menstruation within a year post-treatment.
- Hormonal balance maintenance: Normal estrogen levels restored in the majority of cases.
- Reduced risk of premature menopause: Delayed or prevented in most young cancer patients.
- Post-treatment pregnancies: Many patients achieve successful conception naturally or via IVF after remission.
Korea’s reputation for advanced reproductive endocrinology and patient-centered care contributes to these exceptional outcomes.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Oncofertility Consultation
- Comprehensive evaluation by both oncologists and reproductive specialists.
- Assessment of cancer type, therapy timeline, and fertility goals.
- Explanation of all available ovarian protection methods.
Step 2 – Personalized Protection Plan
- Decision made between hormonal suppression, cryopreservation, or surgical transposition depending on treatment urgency.
- Hormone baseline and ovarian reserve tests performed.
Step 3 – Implementation During Cancer Therapy
- GnRH injections or hormone therapies administered during chemotherapy.
- Radiation planning includes ovarian shielding or repositioning when necessary.
Step 4 – Cryopreservation (Optional)
- If time permits, eggs, embryos, or ovarian tissue collected and stored before cancer therapy.
Step 5 – Post-Treatment Monitoring
- Hormonal recovery monitored after therapy ends.
- Fertility restoration planned when remission is stable.
Why Korea Is a Global Leader
- Advanced hormone modulation technology ensuring precision ovarian protection.
- Integration between oncology and reproductive medicine under unified care models.
- High success rates in ovarian function recovery and post-cancer conception.
- Innovative vitrification laboratories for long-term tissue preservation.
- Cost-effective treatment packages combining protection, storage, and follow-up care.
- Patient-centered care philosophy, offering both medical and emotional support.
These advantages make Korea a top destination for ovarian failure prevention and fertility preservation in cancer patients.
Cost Range
Costs depend on treatment type and complexity:
- GnRH suppression therapy: USD 500 – 1,000 per cycle
- Hormonal adjunct and monitoring: USD 800 – 1,500
- Ovarian transposition surgery: USD 3,000 – 5,000
- Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: USD 5,000 – 9,000
- Comprehensive ovarian protection package: USD 4,000 – 8,000
Korean clinics offer affordable, transparent pricing while maintaining global standards in fertility preservation.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul, Bundang): Pioneer in ovarian protection and integrated oncofertility services.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Offers hormonal suppression, ovarian tissue freezing, and fertility counseling.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Specialized in personalized ovarian protection and hormone recovery programs.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic: Focused on reproductive endocrinology and regenerative ovarian treatments.
- Seoul Women’s Hospital: Provides comprehensive ovarian function preservation for local and international patients.
