Preserving Fertility for Cancer Patients: Things to Know

Fertility preservation is becoming increasingly important in helping cancer survivors to improve their quality of life. Despite guidelines recommending that fertility preservation be discussed previous to beginning cancer treatments in India, there has been a lack of implementation in this field. A variety of methods for fertility preservation are available, and they can be used separately or in combination in the same patient to maximise efficiency. 

Fertility preservation, in summary, means preserving an individual’s or couple’s ability to start a family at their convenience. “Oncofertility” is a word used to describe the preservation of fertility in cancer patients. Oncofertility has become necessary as cancer treatment has improved and survival rates have increased.

Introduction

Certain types of cancer and their treatments can have an impact on male and female reproduction. When a cancer patient wishes to have children after treatment, some preparation is required. This can sometimes include fertility protection. 

“Fertility preservation is the process of saving or protecting eggs, sperm, or reproductive tissue in order to use them to have children in the future.”

It is preferable to have discussions regarding preserving fertility before cancer surgery or treatment begins.  Don’t expect your doctor or carer to inquire about your fertility. Because they don’t always remember to bring it up, you may have to bring it up yourself.

Fertility Preservation in Women

Particular types of cancer surgery may result in the removal of organs required for pregnancy, and certain treatments may alter hormone levels or harm a female’s eggs. These side effects cause some females to lose their fertility during treatment, which can be temporary or irreversible. Some women may choose to take measures to preserve their fertility in order to have children after treatment.

Females who were fertile prior to therapy may recover naturally after treatment. It may be capable of maintaining or restoring regular hormonal cycles and develop mature eggs that can be fertilized and inserted into the uterus to form a fetus. The medical care team may advise waiting 6 months to 2 years before attempting to conceive. Waiting 6 months may lower the chance of birth defects caused by damaged eggs from chemotherapy or other treatments. The 2-year period is typically based on the fact that the risk of cancer recurrence is usually greatest in the first two years after treatment. The duration is determined by the type of cancer and the treatment used.

Women who have had chemo or radiation to the pelvis, on the other hand, are at risk for sudden, early menopause, even after they resume menstrual periods. Menopause may begin 5 to 20 years earlier than anticipated. As a result, women should consult their doctors about how long they should wait to attempt to conceive and why. It’s best to have this conversation before proceeding with a pregnancy planning.

There are several options available to preserve your fertility and improve your chances of having a biological child in the future. Not all women beginning cancer treatment will need or want to think about these choices.

Making the choice to seek fertility preservation is entirely personal. We want you to be aware of your choices. This will provide you with all of the information you require to make the best choice for yourself and avoid future regrets.

Female fertility preservation methods include:

• Freezing of eggs or embryos
• Freezing of ovarian tissue
• Suppression of the ovaries
• Transposition of the ovaries
• Treatment options for certain early-stage gynecologic cancers

Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos is a well-established method, but it has limitations. Although considered experimental at the moment, ovarian tissue cryopreservation has a broader clinical application and the benefit of keeping the fertility window open for a longer period of time. 

Fertility Preservation in Men

In males who were fertile prior to therapy and receive certain types of treatment, the body may not be affected or may recover naturally. It may be feasible to maintain or restore normal sperm production in these men. This is dependent on the patient’s age, period of life, type of cancer, type and dose of treatment, and other health issues. Determine whether fertility issues are a risk based on your treatment plan and health state.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are all options for cancer care. Treatment involving reproductive systems such as the testicles, prostate, penis, and reproductive tract can have an effect on fertility. 

Theoncosurgeons may need to remove reproductive organs or other organs essential for fertility and/or sexual function depending on where the tumors are located. In the case of prostate cancer treatment in India, for example, a specialist will remove the prostate and seminal vesicles. These men will still experience orgasm, but they will no longer ejaculate (the release of sperm from the penis) or generate semen (the fluid released from the penis during ejaculation containing sperm).So, It is important to talk with your cancer surgeon your wish to have children in the future as well as the possibility of conservative surgical approaches.

Fertility preservation methods for adult men with cancer includes:

• Collection and banking of frozen sperm
• Radiation Shielding
• Using Donor Sperm in case of non-fertility after treatment

The success rates of frozen sperm infertility treatment in India differ and are dependent on the quality of the sperm after it has been thawed, as well as the health and age of the female receiving it. In general, sperm acquired prior to cancer treatment is just as likely to initiate a pregnancy as sperm collected after cancer treatment. It’s essential to maintain optimism because sperm banking has resulted in numerous pregnancies. Once stored, sperm is typically good for decades.

Bottom Line

When a person is dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, having children later in life may seem like a low concern. However, an essential part of cancer treatment is carefully evaluating each person’s medical situation, parenting goals, and cancer treatment plan. This can assist in determining the best path for each individual before cancer treatment starts and options are limited.

Coordination and communication among the cancer treatment team, the patient, and the fertility preservation staff are essential.

We trust this has answered some of your questions about options for continuing to have children after cancer treatment.