The practice of conserving eggs, sperm, or embryos for potential use in fertility treatment is known as "fertility preservation." People or couples who want to put off having children for personal or medical reasons frequently do this.

Various techniques can be used to preserve fertility, depending on the needs and circumstances of the individual. In the case of women, this may entail freezing their eggs or embryos or temporarily suppressing ovulation with drugs during cancer treatment or other medical procedures that can have an impact on fertility. Sperm for men can be frozen and kept for future use.

For people undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy that could damage their fertility, such as fertility preservation can be a significant choice. It can also be used by people or couples who want to put off having children for personal reasons including completing education, achieving job objectives, or achieving financial security.