A cancer diagnosis changes everything.
In an instant, priorities shift, decisions feel urgent and the future can seem uncertain. For those hoping to start or grow their family, an additional question often arises:
Will cancer treatment affect my ability to have children?
The answer depends on the type of cancer, the treatment plan and how quickly treatment must begin. But one thing is certain — there are options.
Fertility preservation allows patients to safeguard their ability to build a family after cancer. When time is of the essence, knowing those options can make all the difference.
How Cancer Treatments Affect Fertility
Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are powerful tools in fighting cancer, but they can also impact reproductive health.
Chemotherapy can damage eggs and sperm, reducing fertility potential.
Radiation near the reproductive organs can affect ovarian or testicular function.
Surgery to remove reproductive organs may eliminate the possibility of natural conception.
The good news?
With fertility preservation, patients can take proactive steps to protect their future family-building opportunities.
Fertility Preservation Options
The right approach depends on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and personal goals. At Columbia Fertility Associates, we offer several options:
Egg Freezing
For patients who can delay treatment for a few weeks, egg freezing is a highly effective option. The process involves:
- A short cycle of ovarian stimulation (about two weeks).
- Retrieval of mature eggs under mild sedation.
- Freezing eggs using vitrification, an advanced rapid-freezing method.
Once frozen, eggs remain viable indefinitely, allowing patients to use them when they’re ready.
Sperm Freezing (Sperm Cryopreservation)
Sperm freezing is quick and simple — often requiring just one or two visits. A semen sample is collected, processed and frozen for future use in IUI or IVF.
For male patients undergoing chemotherapy or surgery that could impact fertility, sperm freezing provides a reliable safety net.
Embryo Freezing
Patients with a partner or those using donor sperm may opt for embryo freezing, where eggs are fertilized before being frozen. This method offers higher success rates since fertilized embryos are more resilient to freezing and thawing.
Time Matters — Acting Quickly is Key
Fertility preservation is most effective before starting cancer treatment. But even if treatment has already begun, it’s worth discussing options with a specialist.
We prioritize urgent fertility consultations for newly diagnosed patients. We work closely with oncologists to ensure preservation treatments fit within tight treatment timelines.
Navigating cancer treatment is overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure out fertility preservation alone.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, contact Columbia Fertility Associates as soon as possible. Our fertility specialists are ready to help you explore your options and take proactive steps to protect your future family.
Because cancer may change your path, but it doesn’t have to close the door to parenthood.
