Preserving Fertility After a Cancer Diagnosis
with Dr. Meggie Smith

Fertility preservation options

Fertility preservation is the Cryopreservation of Oocytes (eggs), the Cryopreservation of Sperm, or the Cryopreservation of Embryos for use in the future to attempt pregnancy. There are many reasons an individual or couple may seek fertility preservation.

Cryopreservation options for men

A man who has cancer may need to freeze sperm before undergoing cancer treatments that would result in sterility or sub-fertility. Indeed, many cancer patients have a high chance of surviving, and think about parenting in their future. Also, a man may freeze a semen sample for use in IVF or IUI if he will be unavailable during his partner’s treatment cycle.

Soldiers facing deployment may also choose to freeze sperm as well as men about to undergo vasectomy. Sperm cryopreservation is a viable option for these patients.

Egg and embryo cryopreservation options for women

Women now have more options for preserving their fertility too. At NFC we are excited to offer oocyte cryopreservation. Historically, a woman facing cancer or other illnesses could either freeze embryos or use donor eggs to attempt pregnancy in the future. Due to advances in oocyte freezing techniques, female cancer patients may now choose to freeze their own eggs before beginning cancer treatment. Their eggs can be thawed in the future when they are ready to attempt pregnancy. Also, women concerned about aging and fertility may choose to ‘stop the biological clock’ and freeze their eggs for future use.

Learn more about fertility preservation in the video below

Another option for couples or women who want children in the future, but are unable to seek pregnancy at the current time, is embryo cryopreservation.

Resources:

If you have a cancer diagnosis and are planning to do IVF, apply for free fertility medicines by clicking this link and fill out the online intake form.

Click here for an ASRM resource: Cancer and Fertility Preservation
www.fertilehope.org is “dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.”