Preserving Fertility Amid Cancer Treatments with Oncofertility Care

A cancer diagnosis brings life to a halt, filling patients and their families with questions about treatment, survival, and the future. Amid this overwhelming journey, one question often goes unasked until it’s too late: Will I still be able to have children? For many individuals facing cancer in their reproductive years, fertility preservation is a vital but time-sensitive consideration. This is where oncofertility comes in—a medical field that bridges oncology and reproductive medicine to give patients the chance to build a family after cancer.

What Is Oncofertility?

Oncofertility is a specialized area of care that focuses on preserving the fertility of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Since chemotherapy, radiation, and some surgeries can harm reproductive organs or impair hormone function, fertility preservation is often recommended before treatment begins. Oncofertility services help individuals explore options to safeguard their ability to conceive in the future, even if cancer therapies affect their natural fertility.

This care is not limited by gender. Both men and women, as well as individuals of all gender identities, can benefit from fertility preservation consultations when facing treatment that may impact reproductive health.

How Cancer Treatments Affect Fertility

Cancer treatments are powerful and, unfortunately, not selective. While they target fast-growing cancer cells, they may also damage healthy reproductive tissue.

For women, potential risks include:

• Loss of ovarian function (premature ovarian insufficiency)
• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Damage to eggs or ovarian tissue
• Uterine scarring, which may affect embryo implantation or pregnancy

For men, treatment may:

• Reduce sperm count or motility
• Cause temporary or permanent infertility
• Disrupt testosterone production

Age, type of cancer, and treatment method all factor into the degree of fertility risk.

Fertility Preservation Options for Cancer Patients

Thanks to advancements in reproductive medicine, there are multiple fertility preservation methods available. Choosing the right one depends on the patient’s age, diagnosis, treatment timeline, and personal preferences.

For female patients:

• Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) - Mature eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use.
• Embryo freezing - Eggs are fertilized with sperm and then frozen as embryos.
• Fertility Medication – Medications are used to stimulate the ovaries and increase the number of mature eggs retrieved for freezing. These medications are an essential part of both egg and embryo preservation cycles.
• Donor Sperm Insemination – Patients who wish to create embryos but do not have a male partner may choose to use donor sperm in conjunction with IVF for embryo freezing.
• Ovarian tissue freezing - Involves surgical removal and freezing of ovarian tissue before treatment, which can be re-implanted later.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) – When embryos are created, PGT can be used to screen for certain genetic conditions. This may be especially important for individuals with a family history of cancer or known hereditary risks.

For male patients:

• Sperm banking - The most common and effective method; samples are collected and frozen before treatment begins.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – After treatment and when planning to conceive, frozen sperm can later be used for IUI, a less invasive fertility treatment.
• Testicular tissue freezing - An experimental option for boys who have not yet reached puberty or cannot produce a sperm sample.
• Advanced Reproductive Technology (ART) – This includes assisted methods like IVF using frozen sperm, providing options when natural conception is difficult after cancer treatment.

Timing Is Critical

The window for fertility preservation is often short, as cancer treatment usually begins soon after diagnosis. However, many fertility procedures such as sperm banking or egg retrieval can be completed within days to a couple of weeks. This makes early consultation with a fertility specialist essential. Coordinated care between oncology and reproductive teams can help minimize delays in cancer treatment while giving patients a chance to protect their future family-building plans.

Emotional and Practical Considerations in Fertility Preservation

Preserving fertility is not just a medical decision. It is also a deeply personal one. Many patients feel overwhelmed when asked to make choices about their reproductive future, especially when those decisions come shortly after a life-changing diagnosis. Emotional readiness, cost, and time constraints can all weigh heavily in the process.

At Palm Beach Fertility Center, we understand how complex and emotional this journey can be. Supportive counseling and clear information can help patients feel more confident and less alone in their choices. Our team includes financial coordinators and patient advocates who can assist with navigating insurance and creating a plan that fits your needs, offering compassionate support when it matters most.

A Future Beyond Cancer

Survivorship often brings thoughts of what comes next, and for many, that includes the possibility of starting or growing a family. Oncofertility offers real, hopeful options by preserving fertility through advanced methods before cancer treatment begins. Children born from frozen eggs, embryos, or sperm are healthy and thriving. With continued advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, building a family after cancer is more achievable than ever.

Including fertility preservation in early cancer care conversations gives patients a chance to reclaim a sense of control during an otherwise uncertain and overwhelming time. While treatment may need to begin quickly, there is often a small but critical window where fertility options can be explored. Having the right support team can make a meaningful difference in how informed and empowered patients feel during these time-sensitive decisions.

At Palm Beach Fertility Center, we offer compassionate, individualized oncofertility care, whether that involves egg and embryo freezing, sperm banking, or other advanced preservation techniques. We provide timely consultations, explain your options clearly, and work closely with your oncology team to help minimize treatment delays.

If you or a loved one is facing a recent cancer diagnosis, schedule a consultation with our fertility specialist by calling (888) 819-5177. Personalized guidance and advanced preservation techniques can help you keep the door open to future parenthood.