Oncofertility refers to fertility preservation options available to cancer patients, particularly those facing fertility-threatening treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The goal of Oncofertility is to allow cancer patients to have the opportunity to have biological children after they have completed their cancer treatment.
Who qualifies for the procedure?
Oncofertility is an option for cancer patients of reproductive age facing fertility-threatening treatments. This includes individuals of all genders and couples who wish to have biological children in the future. This can include men who want to store sperm, women who wish to undergo ovarian tissue or egg freezing, or both. However, it is essential to note that not all patients can safely or effectively preserve their fertility, such as those with advanced Cancer or a specific type of tumour.
Why the procedure is conducted?
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be toxic to the reproductive system, potentially causing infertility. Oncofertility options like sperm and egg freezing, ovarian tissue freezing and in-vitro maturation are conducted to help preserve the patient's ability to have biological children after they complete their cancer treatment. It allows them to have the option of starting a family in the future.
Benefits of the procedure
There are numerous benefits of Onco Fertility. Here are the primary few: · One of the main benefits of Oncofertility is that it allows cancer patients to have the option to have biological children in the future, even if cancer treatment has made them infertile. · It also gives them more control over their reproductive choices and gives them hope for a brighter future. · It is beneficial for individuals and couples with a strong desire to have children or those who may have already had children and wish to have more. · It allows patients to focus on their cancer treatment without the added stress of worrying about their future fertility. · It’s beneficial for patients undergoing treatments with a high risk of causing infertility, such as high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Risks associated with the procedure
The risks associated with Oncofertility procedures vary depending on the specific procedure. For example, ovarian tissue freezing carries a slight chance of complications from the surgery to remove the tissue, and egg and sperm freezing carries a small risk of damage to the eggs and sperm during the freezing and thawing process. Additionally, there's a possibility that the stored samples may not survive the freezing process or may not be viable enough to create a pregnancy. It is also important to note that Onco-fertility is not guaranteed success, as there is no way to know if the eggs, sperm or ovarian tissue will survive the freezing process. Also, there is no surety whether a patient can become pregnant or father a child using the stored material.
Wrapping up
Oncofertility is a medical option for cancer patients of reproductive age facing fertility-threatening treatments. It includes options like sperm and egg freezing, ovarian tissue freezing, and in-vitro maturation. Oncofertility allows cancer patients to have biological children once they have finished their cancer therapy. This can benefit those who strongly desire to have children or those who already have children and wish to have more. However, it's essential to remember that not all patients can preserve their fertility safely or effectively, and there are associated risks with the procedure. Patients should consult with their doctor about Oncofertility's potential benefits and risks to decide if it is a suitable option.
Oncofertility is a medical speciality that aims to preserve a patient's fertility before, during and after cancer treatment.
Cancer patients of reproductive age who wish to have biological children after cancer treatment can benefit from Oncofertility
Methods used in Oncofertility include egg freezing, sperm freezing, embryo freezing, ovarian tissue freezing and ovarian suppression.
There are risks associated with Onco-fertility, such as complications during the fertility preservation procedure.
Coverage for Oncofertility varies depending on the insurance company and the patient's plan. It's best to check with your insurance provider.
