It is a relatively new field that focuses on the intersection of oncology (the study and treatment of cancer) and fertility preservation. It addresses the impact of cancer treatment on reproductive health and aims to provide options for preserving fertility in cancer patients.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can have significant impacts on fertility. These treatments can damage reproductive organs, disrupt hormone levels, and impair the production of sperm or eggs, leading to infertility or reduced fertility after treatment. For individuals of reproductive age who have been diagnosed with cancer, preserving fertility before starting treatment can be crucial for their future reproductive options.
Oncofertility specialists work with cancer patients to discuss their fertility preservation options before they begin cancer treatment. These options may include sperm banking for males, egg or embryo freezing for females, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, and hormonal treatments to protect fertility during cancer treatment. The goal is to help patients make informed decisions about their reproductive health and provide them with the opportunity to have biological children in the future, if they choose to do so.
Treatment for Oncofertility involves strategies to preserve fertility in cancer patients before they undergo cancer treatment that may impact their reproductive health. These treatments aim to protect the ability to have biological children in the future.
Here are some common approaches:
For males, sperm banking is a common and relatively straightforward method of fertility preservation. Sperm samples are collected and frozen for future use in assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Also known as oocyte cryopreservation, this technique involves stimulating a woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use. Egg freezing is suitable for women who are not in a relationship with a male partner or who prefer not to use donor sperm.
In this approach, eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries, fertilized with sperm (either from a partner or a donor) to create embryos, and then frozen for later use. Embryo freezing is often used by couples undergoing IVF who have surplus embryos or by single women who wish to preserve their fertility.
This technique involves surgically removing and freezing ovarian tissue, which contains immature eggs. The tissue can be transplanted back into the woman’s body in the future, where it may resume its normal function and allow for natural conception.
These medications may be used to temporarily suppress ovarian function during cancer treatment, reducing the risk of damage to the ovaries and preserving fertility. They are sometimes used in conjunction with other fertility preservation methods.
Oncofertility specialists work closely with fertility experts to develop individualized treatment plans for cancer patients. They provide counseling, education, and support to help patients make informed decisions about their reproductive options before starting cancer treatment.
At Dr. Pankaj Talwar’s IVF Centre , it’s essential for cancer patients to discuss fertility preservation options with our healthcare team as early as possible after diagnosis to maximize the chances of success. Each patient’s situation is unique, and the choice of fertility preservation method depends on factors such as age, cancer type, treatment plan, and personal preferences.
Pls feel free to consult Dr. Pankaj Talwar, Best IVF Specialist in Delhi NCR