Fertility Preservation In Cancer Survivors
The occurrence and course of cancer cannot be predicted. Early detection is the key. A recent study reveals the increased occurrence of cancer in reproductive age. With advancements in medicine, the cancer survival rate has significantly increased. The improved therapies aim to kill cancer cells effectively, but they have detrimental effects on male and female fertility.
Females are born with one million eggs stored in the ovaries. Advancing age decreases the number of eggs. With a natural process of declining fertility, it is crucial to preserve the eggs before undergoing any treatment procedure for cancer because these therapies increase the risk of damaging the eggs and infertility.
Effects of Radiotherapy:
Eggs are extremely sensitive to radiations used in cancer treatment, and stored eggs are tremendously reduced and damaged by the end of the treatment.
Changes are evident in the uterus as well. Multiple fibroids, scarring and decreased blood supply, are seen. This results in infertility, miscarriages and increased chances of premature birth. In males, radiotherapy given near the pelvis damages testicles and sperm-producing cells.
Effects of Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy destroys the eggs in the ovaries. It may not completely eliminate all the eggs, but it increases the chances of birth defects or congenital disabilities. The need for fertility preservation in older females has never been greater. In males, chemot
The fertility preservation treatment options in females are:
Cancer therapies affect the female reproductive system in the following way:
- Embryo Cryopreservation: It is the most suitable option for single women who want to give time to their career or plan a baby with a partner laterwards. In this procedure, eggs are extracted from ovaries and frozen before fertilization. The frozen eggs can be later thawed when the woman is ready for pregnancy.
- Changes in The Digestion: It is entirely normal to experience constipation and loose stools during treatment. Follow your recommended diet plan. Drink plenty of water to minimize the bloating and flush out the toxins.
Fertility sparing surgeries aims to preserve one uterus and one ovary. It is advised in women with early-stage ovarian or cervical cancers.
The fertility preservation treatment options in males are:
How to prepare for IVF?
Fertility treatments are an excellent choice for couples who have struggled with fertility for a long time. Before you start your IVF journey, prepare yourself physically and mentally.
- Embryo Cryopreservation: It is a ‘Gold standard’ fertility treatment option for preserving reproductive capacity. In this method, eggs are taken out from the ovaries and later fertilized by the sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are frozen and can be used in the future.
- Egg-freezing or Oocyte Cryopreservation: It is the most suitable option for single women who want to give time to their career or plan a baby with a partner laterwards. In this procedure, eggs are extracted from ovaries and frozen before fertilization. The frozen eggs can be later thawed when the woman is ready for pregnancy.
Fertility sparing surgeries aims to preserve one uterus and one ovary. It is advised in women with early-stage ovarian or cervical cancers.
The fertility preservation treatment options in males are:
- Sperm Cryopreservation or Sperm freezing: It is the process of freezing a sample to semen and storing it for later use. This technique is essential to preserve male fertility before chemo or radiation therapy. It has achieved the highest success rate over the years.
The idea of not having own child can be distressing for couples. If the options for fertility preservation are not discussed before undergoing any cancer treatment, step forward and ask your healthcare provider about it. A fertility specialist can guide you with the most fitted option. Infertility due to cancer treatment is prevalent in males and females. Fertility preservation helps from the emotional and psychological trauma that comes along with cancer and keeps the eggs, sperm and embryo in a viable state.