Cancer and Fertility Preservation: What to Know
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, bringing a flood of emotions and concerns. Among these concerns, fertility may not always be the first thought, but it’s an important consideration, especially for those who dream of starting or growing a family in the future.
Cancer and Fertility Preservation: What to Know
Understanding how cancer and its treatments can impact fertility, and knowing your options for fertility preservation, is crucial in making informed decisions during this challenging time.
How Cancer Can Impact Your Fertility
Cancer and its treatments can significantly affect fertility in both men and women. The extent of the impact depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, the treatment plan, and your age at the time of diagnosis.
Chemotherapy and Radiation: These treatments, while effective in fighting cancer, can also harm reproductive organs. Chemotherapy, particularly with alkylating agents, can damage eggs in the ovaries or sperm in the testes. Radiation therapy, depending on the area being treated, can also impact fertility by harming the reproductive organs directly or affecting hormone production necessary for fertility.
Surgery: Surgical procedures to remove cancer may involve the removal of reproductive organs such as the ovaries, uterus, or testes, which can lead to infertility. In some cases, surgery may also affect the surrounding structures, impacting future fertility.
Hormone Therapy: Some cancers are treated with hormone therapy, which can interfere with reproductive hormones and, consequently, fertility. This therapy can be temporary or, in some cases, result in permanent infertility.
Fertility Preservation Options
For those who wish to preserve their fertility before undergoing cancer treatment, there are several options available. These options allow you to safeguard your ability to have biological children in the future, even if your fertility is affected by cancer treatment.
1. Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
Egg freezing is a widely used method for preserving fertility in those assigned female at birth. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving the eggs through a minor surgical procedure, and then freezing them for future use. The frozen eggs can later be thawed, fertilized with sperm, and transferred to the uterus through IVF.
Who It’s For: Egg freezing is ideal for those who are not in a position to start a family right away but want to preserve the option for the future. This is particularly relevant for younger individuals with cancer, as egg quality is closely related to age.
Considerations: The process typically takes a few weeks, so it’s essential to discuss this option with your oncologist and fertility specialist as soon as possible after diagnosis.
2. Sperm Freezing (Sperm Cryopreservation)
Sperm freezing is a straightforward and effective method for preserving fertility in those assigned male at birth. It involves collecting a semen sample, analyzing it for quality, and then freezing the sperm for future use. The frozen sperm can be used later for insemination or IVF.
Who It’s For: Sperm freezing is suitable for anyone who may face fertility risks due to cancer treatment. It’s a quick process and can be done even if treatment is urgent.
Considerations: Like egg freezing, it’s important to discuss sperm freezing with your healthcare team as soon as possible. Even a single sample can provide a valuable opportunity for future parenthood.
3. Embryo Freezing
Embryo freezing involves fertilizing eggs with sperm to create embryos, which are then frozen for future use. This method is often chosen by those who are in a stable relationship and prefer to have a ready-to-use embryo rather than frozen eggs or sperm separately.
Who It’s For: This option is ideal for couples who want to preserve their ability to have biological children together in the future. It’s also an option for individuals who prefer to have embryos frozen rather than eggs or sperm alone.
Considerations: Embryo freezing requires coordination with your partner or a sperm donor, and like egg freezing, the process takes a few weeks.
4. Ovarian Tissue Freezing
Ovarian tissue freezing is an experimental method where a piece of ovarian tissue is removed and frozen before cancer treatment. The tissue can later be reimplanted to restore fertility or hormone production.
Who It’s For: This option is often considered for those who cannot delay cancer treatment long enough for egg retrieval or for younger individuals, including children, for whom egg or embryo freezing is not feasible.
Considerations: This is still considered an experimental procedure, and the success rates are not as established as with egg or sperm freezing.
Resources for Support
Navigating a cancer diagnosis while considering fertility preservation can be emotionally and physically taxing. It’s important to seek support and utilize resources that can help you through this process.
Oncologists and Fertility Specialists: Your healthcare team is your first line of support. Oncologists can provide information on how your treatment plan may affect fertility, while fertility specialists can guide you through preservation options tailored to your needs.
The IVF Warrior Community: Our community is here to support you every step of the way. Connect with others who have faced similar challenges, find educational resources, and share your story with people who understand what you’re going through.
Chick Mission: A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving fertility for those diagnosed with cancer. Chick Mission offers emotional support, financial assistance, and educational resources to help navigate the complex decisions surrounding fertility preservation.
Livestrong Fertility: This program offers resources and financial assistance to those diagnosed with cancer who are interested in preserving their fertility. They provide educational materials and help connect patients with fertility clinics.
CancerCare: Provides free, professional support services, including counseling, support groups, and educational workshops for people with cancer and their loved ones.
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association: Offers support groups, educational resources, and advocacy for those dealing with infertility, including those impacted by cancer.
Taking Control of Your Future
Facing cancer is incredibly challenging, and the added concern of potential infertility can feel overwhelming. Taking steps to educate yourself and seek support can help you better understand your options to preserve your fertility. Remember, you’re not alone—there are resources, support networks, and professionals ready to help you navigate this journey.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
