A cancer diagnosis can bring about many unexpected changes. Among the concerns you may face is how treatment might affect your ability to have children in the future. If starting or growing a family is part of your long-term plan, there are ways to preserve your fertility before beginning treatment. Understanding your options early on can help you take control and make informed choices.
Understanding the Impact of Cancer on Fertility
When you're diagnosed with cancer, there are many important decisions to make. From choosing the right treatment to building your support system. One aspect that’s sometimes overlooked in the urgency of care is how treatment can impact fertility. Chemotherapy, radiation, and certain surgeries may affect your reproductive health, sometimes temporarily, and in other cases, more permanently.Cancer therapies work by targeting fast-dividing cells. While this is effective against tumours, it can also affect healthy reproductive cells. For women, this may result in reduced egg reserves, early menopause, or infertility. For men, sperm production may be lowered or stop altogether, depending on the treatment.Thinking about fertility at this stage may feel overwhelming, but taking a moment to understand your options can help preserve the possibility of parenthood in the future.Fertility Preservation Options for Women
When preparing for cancer treatment, you can explore several effective fertility preservation methods.1. Egg freezing (Oocyte cryopreservation): This method involves hormone stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and frozen unfertilised. The process usually spans two weeks and allows you to store eggs for future fertilisation through IVF. This is often recommended for single women or those who prefer not to freeze embryos.2. Embryo freezing: If you have a partner, you can choose embryo freezing as an option. Eggs are retrieved and fertilised in a lab, and the resulting embryos are frozen. This method has a slightly higher success rate than egg freezing and is ideal when fertilisation is a shared decision.3. Ovarian tissue freezing: When immediate treatment doesn’t allow time for egg stimulation, ovarian tissue freezing becomes a practical alternative. In this approach, part of your ovarian tissue is surgically removed and frozen for future reimplantation.4. Ovarian suppression with medication: Certain medications can temporarily suppress ovarian function during chemotherapy, possibly reducing damage. While this is not a standalone solution, it’s often used alongside other preservation methods.Fertility Preservation Options for Men
If you’re a cancer patient, you also have some proactive steps you can take.1. Sperm banking (Cryopreservation): This is the most established and accessible method. A sample of the semen is obtained and frozen for future use.2. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE): When providing a semen sample isn’t possible due to medical or physical limitations, a minor surgical procedure can extract sperm directly from the testicular tissue. These sperm cells are then frozen and stored for later use.3. Shielding during radiation: If radiation is part of your treatment plan, protective shielding can help limit exposure to the reproductive organs. This non-invasive approach helps maintain fertility potential when treatment areas are nearby.Fertility and Children
Your fertility isn’t just about biology, it’s about preserving a part of your identity and long-term goals. Whether you’re already a parent or hoping to become one, knowing that you have options for your future can provide comfort and confidence during a challenging time.You can also explore family-building alternatives such as surrogacy or adoption after getting treatment. While these routes involve different processes, they still honour your desire to start or expand a family. Fertility preservation doesn’t guarantee a child in the future, but it significantly improves the chances of having a biological child if that’s your preference.Working with a Fertility Specialist
Getting a consultation from a fertility specialist as soon as possible will help you determine your personal risk and select the best and most suitable method for you. Various factors, such as your age, type of cancer, and treatment plan, can affect your treatment.Fertility specialists work closely with your oncology team to ensure that timelines align, risks are minimised, and no delays occur in starting treatment. Many cancer centres now include fertility counselling as part of their standard protocol for patients of reproductive age.Financial support is another factor to consider. Some insurance plans cover fertility preservation; many hospitals have programs or partnerships to assist with costs.Emotional Considerations and Support
Getting prepared for fertility preservation decisions during cancer treatment can be emotionally very complex sometimes. Grief and anxiety are mainly experienced by patients during the process, specifically when time is limited. You’re managing both a life-disturbing diagnosis and a potential threat to your family-building plans.Support from counsellors, social workers, or patient advocacy groups can help you manage these emotions. Fertility preservation is not just a medical decision but also a deeply personal one. Having emotional and psychological support while experiencing fertility preservation ensures that your decisions are good for your long-term well-being.Taking Action: Steps to Follow
- Ask your oncology team to refer you to a fertility specialist.
- The early referral ensures that time-sensitive procedures like egg or sperm freezing can occur before treatment begins.
- Understand your fertility risks.
- Each cancer type and treatment affects fertility differently. A fertility specialist can evaluate your individual risk profile.
- Discuss the logistics.
- Learn the procedure, how long it takes, what it costs, and the long-term considerations.
- Connect with a support network.
- Whether through family, friends, a therapist, or a patient support group, emotional backing can make the process smoother.
- Make your decision based on your priorities.
- Choose the method that aligns with your timeline, comfort level, medical needs, and vision for the future.
Fertility preservation is one of the hardest decisions to make during your cancer diagnosis, but it is one of the most important decisions to make in this situation for your future. Making decisions early, staying informed, and seeking support from medical professionals and your loved ones will help you safeguard the possibility of becoming a parent after cancer treatment.Thanks to medical advancements, many patients have options to consider parenthood after cancer. By taking the right steps now, you can keep the door open to a life beyond cancer, one that includes the family you have always hoped for.FAQs On Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients
- Is fertility preservation safe while undergoing cancer treatment?Fertility preservation methods are generally performed before treatment starts. Once chemotherapy or radiation starts, the risk to reproductive cells increases. Procedures like egg or sperm freezing are considered safe.
- Does fertility preservation delay cancer treatment?aIn most cases, fertility preservation can be completed within a few weeks, allowing treatment to begin shortly afterwards. Fertility clinics and oncology departments often work together to avoid unwanted delays.
- What if I can’t afford fertility preservation procedures?Financial support is often available. Some insurance policies cover part of the cost, and various non-profit organisations offer grants or discounted services.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Rujul Jhaveri, Consultant – Obstetrics & Fetal Medicine, at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, Mumbai
