How long can eggs or sperm be stored?

Frozen eggs and sperm can be correctly preserved for a period that usually extends to 10–15 years or possibly longer, depending largely on company policies and local legislation. When kept properly, their quality will never decrease.

Can I freeze eggs or sperm after starting cancer treatment?

Generally, it is best to freeze before treatment commences. Once chemotherapy or radiation has begun, your reproductive cells may already be affected. However, depending on your circumstances, doctors may sometimes explore other options.

Egg or Sperm Freezing Before Cancer Treatment: What You Need to Know

Thousands and thousands of questions about health, treatment, and survival may be running through your mind when you are told cancer has struck. Fertility, however, could have very well dropped off the list of things worthy of your time and consideration.

Treatments for cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can compromise one's reproductive capability. You might not want children at this time. But the fact of preserving fertility before treatment is keeping that door open for you to, far down the road, after you have recovered, actually get to make a choice.

How Cancer Treatments Affect Fertility

Before learning about freezing your eggs or sperm, it's important to understand how different treatments may impact your reproductive system:

Chemotherapy may damage ovarian eggs or reduce sperm counts. The medicine and dosage will determine whether the damage is permanent or transient.
Radiation therapy, especially in the pelvic area, can harm reproductive organs or affect hormone levels.
Surgery to remove parts of your reproductive system, such as ovaries or testicles, may result in permanent infertility.
Targeted therapies or immunotherapies may also affect fertility, although research is still ongoing in this area.

What Is Fertility Preservation?

Fertility preservation means taking steps to save or protect your ability to have biological children in the future. One of the most effective and commonly used methods is freezing eggs or sperm before you start treatment.

For Women: Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)

If you’re a woman and haven’t gone through menopause, you can choose to freeze your eggs. Here's what the process typically involves:

Ovarian stimulation – Hormone injections are administered for 10–14 days to encourage the production of numerous eggs from your ovaries.
Egg retrieval – A simple process is used for taking eggs from your ovaries.
Freezing – The collected eggs are frozen and stored for future use.

This process takes about two to three weeks, so you need to talk to your doctor early.

For Men: Sperm Freezing (Semen Cryopreservation)

For men, freezing sperm is a quicker and easier procedure. It usually involves:

Creating a Semen Sample: Masturbation is how you offer the sample.
Testing and freezing – The sample is tested for quality, then frozen and stored.

When Should You Start the Process?

Time is crucial. Ideally, you should talk to your oncologist or a fertility specialist as soon as you're diagnosed. Some cancer treatments need to begin quickly, so starting the freezing process early gives you the best chance of success.

Even if your doctor hasn’t brought it up, don’t hesitate to ask about fertility preservation. You have the right to be informed and to make decisions.

Is the Procedure Safe?

Yes. Both egg and sperm freezing are considered safe, especially when done before cancer treatment. The procedures have been used for years and are supported by medical guidelines worldwide.

It’s also worth knowing that using frozen eggs or sperm later through assisted reproductive technologies (like IVF) can result in healthy pregnancies and babies.

Costs and Accessibility

Cost can be a major concern, especially if you’re from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city. The prices vary depending on the clinic and location, but here’s a general idea:

Including medicine and first-year preservation, egg freezing might cost anywhere from ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs.
Sperm freezing is less expensive, typically costing between ₹10,000 and ₹30,000, however there are annual storage costs.

Some hospitals and NGOs may offer financial support or discounted services for cancer patients. Don’t be afraid to ask about payment options or assistance programs.

What Happens After Freezing?

Your sperm or eggs are kept in specialised medical freezers after they have been frozen. They can remain there for several years, and you can use them when you're ready to start a family.

If you need help in the future, fertility clinics will guide you through assisted reproductive options like IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).

Emotional Support Matters

The decision to freeze your eggs or sperm is not solely a medical decision; feelings also come into play. You may feel overwhelmed, confused, or anxious, especially when you're already dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Consult an advisor or sign up for a support group. Many people in similar situations have faced the same decisions. You're not alone, and talking about your concerns can help ease the stress.

Talking to Your Family

If you’re young or unmarried, you might feel hesitant to bring this up with your family. But involving your loved ones can be helpful. They can support your decision and help you find the right medical advice or financial assistance.

Remember: it’s your future. And preserving your fertility is about giving yourself choices later in life.

Before starting cancer treatments, it is worth thinking about your fertility in the long term. Freezing eggs or sperm is a secure procedure that guarantees the right to have children in the future. The following advice will help you:

Speak to your oncologist early.
Consult a fertility specialist who can enlighten you about what options exist.
Ask them about costs, timelines, and support available near you.
Gain emotional support-it helps.

Even through the battle with cancer, one still has the power to plan for their future. Fertility preservation gives an individual a sense of control and hope to begin the life that they envision for themselves post-recovery.

FAQs on Egg or Sperm Freezing Before Cancer Treatment: What to Know

How long can eggs or sperm be stored?
Frozen eggs and sperm can be correctly preserved for a period that usually extends to 10–15 years or possibly longer, depending largely on company policies and local legislation. When kept properly, their quality will never decrease.
Can I freeze eggs or sperm after starting cancer treatment?
Generally, it is best to freeze before treatment commences. Once chemotherapy or radiation has begun, your reproductive cells may already be affected. However, depending on your circumstances, doctors may sometimes explore other options.