A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Understandably, the immediate focus is usually on treatment and recovery, but it is also natural to think about what life might look like afterwards. For many people, the possibility of having children in the future is an important part of that picture.
Some cancer treatments, including certain types of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, can affect fertility temporarily or permanently. The level of risk depends on several factors, including your age, the type and location of the cancer and the treatment you are due to receive.
Where appropriate, fertility preservation before cancer treatment can provide the opportunity to protect some of your reproductive options for the future.
Why Is Fertility Preservation Important Before Cancer Treatment?
Cancer treatment often needs to begin quickly, which can mean there is only a short window in which to consider fertility preservation.
Not every cancer treatment will affect fertility in the same way. However, some treatments can damage eggs, sperm or reproductive organs, and this damage may be permanent. This is why it is important to discuss fertility with your oncology team as early as possible and, where appropriate, obtain advice from a fertility specialist before treatment begins.
Even when starting a family feels a long way away, understanding your options now may give you greater choice in the future.
Fertility Preservation Options for Women
The most appropriate approach will depend on factors including your age, ovarian reserve, diagnosis, treatment plan and how quickly your cancer treatment needs to begin.
Options may include:
- Egg freezing: The ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs, which are collected and frozen for possible future use. This can be particularly suitable for women who do not have a partner or do not wish to create embryos at this stage.
- Embryo freezing: Eggs are collected and fertilised using sperm from a partner or donor. Suitable embryos can then be frozen and stored for potential use in the future.
- Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: In certain circumstances, ovarian tissue can be surgically removed and frozen before cancer treatment, with the possibility of transplantation at a later date. This is a more specialist procedure and will not be appropriate for everyone.
- Ovarian suppression: Medication may sometimes be given during chemotherapy with the aim of reducing ovarian activity. Your medical team can advise whether this is appropriate in your individual circumstances. It should not necessarily be considered a replacement for established fertility preservation methods such as egg or embryo freezing.
Fertility Preservation Options for Men
For men who are due to undergo cancer treatment that could affect sperm production, fertility preservation is often relatively straightforward.
Sperm freezing is the most established option. One or more semen samples can be collected and frozen before treatment begins. These samples can then be stored for future use in fertility treatment, such as IUI, IVF or ICSI, depending on the circumstances and quality of the sample.
Where producing a semen sample is not possible, specialist teams may be able to discuss other options for sperm retrieval or preservation.
Fertility Preservation for Children and Teenagers
Fertility preservation may also need to be considered when a child or teenager is diagnosed with cancer.
For young people who have gone through puberty, egg or sperm freezing may be possible. For pre-pubertal children, the options are more specialised and may include ovarian or testicular tissue preservation in appropriate circumstances.
These are complex decisions and require careful discussion between the young person, their family, oncology specialists and a specialist fertility preservation team.
The Emotional Side of Fertility Preservation
Being asked to make decisions about future fertility immediately after a cancer diagnosis can be extremely difficult. You may be processing a great deal of information about your diagnosis and treatment while suddenly being asked to think years into the future.
There is no single decision that is right for everyone.
Some people know that having children is very important to them, while others may be uncertain. There can also be personal, ethical, cultural or religious considerations surrounding options such as embryo freezing.
A fertility specialist can explain the practical options, likely timescales and what may be achievable without unnecessarily delaying your cancer treatment. Counselling and emotional support can also be valuable when making these decisions.
Accessing Fertility Preservation in the UK
Fertility preservation may be available through the NHS for some patients undergoing treatment that could affect their fertility. Eligibility and access can vary, so it is important to speak to your oncology team about a referral as early as possible.
Private fertility preservation may also be an option, particularly where NHS eligibility criteria are not met or where rapid access to an appointment is important.
Whichever route you consider, communication between your oncology team and fertility specialist is essential. Your cancer treatment and safety must always remain the priority.
Looking Beyond Cancer Treatment
Thinking about fertility at the time of a cancer diagnosis can feel daunting, but discussing it does not mean making a decision about having children now. It is about understanding whether there are steps you can take today that may preserve more options for the future.
At Concept Fertility Clinic, we understand that patients seeking fertility preservation following a cancer diagnosis may be working within very limited timescales. Our team can discuss fertility testing and preservation options, including egg freezing and sperm freezing, and work alongside your medical team to determine what may be appropriate for you.
If you have recently received a cancer diagnosis and are concerned about your future fertility, speak to your oncology team and contact a fertility specialist as early as possible. Timely advice can help you understand your options before treatment begins.
Contact our team to book a consultation or find out which first step may be right for you.