Fertility Preservation: Medical Necessity
Fertility Preservation before Cancer Treatment
There are over 800,000 reproductive-aged men and women who have cancer in the United States; most have concerns about their future fertility.
The reason is that lifesaving cancer treatments may reduce fertility by destroying eggs and sperm. The likelihood of reproductive damage depends on the age and sex of the patient, along with the type and duration of treatment. Cancer patients are being diagnosed younger and younger every day, so it is important to educate those diagnosed with cancer that there are options to preserve their chance to have a family in the future.
What are my options for Fertility Preservation?
Women. In the past, embryo freezing was the only option as eggs were unlikely to survive the freezing process. New technologies, such as, vitrification makes egg freezing possible and highly successful. Eggs can be retrieved from the ovaries as soon as 2 weeks after cancer diagnosis. The eggs will be frozen and stored until the patient is ready to start a family.
Men. Cancer treatment can destroy sperm production. Many men will not recover their fertility. Semen samples may be frozen at a fertility center before starting chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Samples can be stored for years and used later for insemination or in vitro fertilization.
There are over 800,000 reproductive-aged men and women who have cancer in the United States; most have concerns about their future fertility.
The reason is that lifesaving cancer treatments may reduce fertility by destroying eggs and sperm. The likelihood of reproductive damage depends on the age and sex of the patient, along with the type and duration of treatment. Cancer patients are being diagnosed younger and younger every day, so it is important to educate those diagnosed with cancer that there are options to preserve their chance to have a family in the future.
What are my options for Fertility Preservation?
Women. In the past, embryo freezing was the only option as eggs were unlikely to survive the freezing process. New technologies, such as, vitrification makes egg freezing possible and highly successful. Eggs can be retrieved from the ovaries as soon as 2 weeks after cancer diagnosis. The eggs will be frozen and stored until the patient is ready to start a family.
Men. Cancer treatment can destroy sperm production. Many men will not recover their fertility. Semen samples may be frozen at a fertility center before starting chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Samples can be stored for years and used later for insemination or in vitro fertilization.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why would I choose Egg Freezing over Embryo Freezing
A: Both Egg and Embryo Freezing are viable choices for Fertility Preservation. Embryo Freezing requires one to have already chosen a male partner and also requires an IVF cycle. This can delay the initiation of cancer treatments a bit longer than egg freezing. Egg Freezing doesn't require a male partner. Once the patient is ready to use her eggs, they will be fertilized with her partner's sperm or donor sperm and the embryos will be transferred into her uterus.
Q: How soon do I need to seek Fertility Preservation Treatment?
A: Immediately upon being diagnosed with cancer. Fertility Preservation procedures are performed prior to cancer treatments. Discuss your options with your oncologist.
Q: How many semen samples should I freeze before cancer treatments?
A: In general, more is better. We suggest at least 2-3 collections before starting cancer treatment.
“The entire team works toward one common goal: to fulfill your family dream.” ~ Dr. Gil Wilshire
Q: Why would I choose Egg Freezing over Embryo Freezing
A: Both Egg and Embryo Freezing are viable choices for Fertility Preservation. Embryo Freezing requires one to have already chosen a male partner and also requires an IVF cycle. This can delay the initiation of cancer treatments a bit longer than egg freezing. Egg Freezing doesn't require a male partner. Once the patient is ready to use her eggs, they will be fertilized with her partner's sperm or donor sperm and the embryos will be transferred into her uterus.
Q: How soon do I need to seek Fertility Preservation Treatment?
A: Immediately upon being diagnosed with cancer. Fertility Preservation procedures are performed prior to cancer treatments. Discuss your options with your oncologist.
Q: How many semen samples should I freeze before cancer treatments?
A: In general, more is better. We suggest at least 2-3 collections before starting cancer treatment.
“The entire team works toward one common goal: to fulfill your family dream.” ~ Dr. Gil Wilshire
