Oncofertility

What is oncofertility?

Oncofertility is a specialized field that addresses the fertility concerns of individuals facing cancer treatments. It focuses on preserving fertility options and providing information to patients about fertility preservation before undergoing cancer therapies. This multidisciplinary approach aims to help individuals maintain their reproductive options while undergoing necessary medical treatments. 

How can cancer affect fertility?

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can have significant effects on fertility, leading to potential infertility or early menopause. Oncofertility recognizes the importance of preserving fertility for cancer survivors, allowing them the opportunity to start or expand a family after treatment. 

Chemotherapy and radiation

Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, can have a negative impact on an individual’s fertility potential. For female patients specifically, cancer treatment may cause irreparable damage to reproductive organs, diminish the ovarian reserve, or impact hormonal balance. For male patients, cancer treatment may cause significant damage to sperm cells or negatively influence the body’s ability to produce healthy sperm.

Surgical procedures

For patients who have been diagnosed with cancer within or near the reproductive organs, the required surgical procedures to remove cancerous tissue can be damaging to key reproductive tissues. Cancer treatments that require removal of the uterus or ovaries (female) or testicles (male) can cause infertility. If these procedures are unavoidable, patients may look into alternative family building options, such as adoption, donation or surrogacy.

Hormone therapy

Cancer treatments that involve hormonal therapies may influence a patient’s fertility during and after treatment. These therapies can have a negative effect on the body’s sperm or egg production, or can alter a female’s menstrual cycle, which affects ovulation. In extreme cases, hormone therapy may also be associated with triggering an early onset of menopause.

What types of fertility preservation options are available to people who have cancer?

Although a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, this does not always mean that an individual cannot have a successful pregnancy or build their family post-treatment. There are many options available for individuals to preserve their fertility prior to undergoing cancer treatment, including:

• Egg Freezing
• Sperm Freezing
• Embryo Freezing
• Donor Egg IVF
• Donor Sperm IUI

When should I see an oncofertility specialist?

Early action is critical to fertility preservation for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. If you are planning to undergo cancer treatment soon, it is imperative that you meet with your oncologist and fertility specialist as soon as possible to discuss options for preserving your fertility. The recommended course of action will be dependent upon the stage of your disease and treatment program, medical history, current state of health, and other factors. 

How soon after cancer treatment can I start a family?

There is no set timeline to building your family after cancer treatment. Some fertility specialists recommend waiting at least 6 months post-treatment to reduce the risk of complications; however, each patient’s journey will look a little different. If you have the desire to have children after treatment, we recommend taking a proactive approach to your family building journey and getting a consultation with a fertility specialist as soon as possible. Your fertility specialist will be able to advise you on the best plan of action based on your situation and specific needs