Fertility Preservation After a Cancer Diagnosis: Your Options Explained

A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and the last thing you may want to think about is your future fertility. But taking time to explore your options before starting treatment can make a big difference in your ability to build a family later. At University Reproductive Associates, we help patients navigate these decisions quickly and compassionately, so they can move forward with both cancer care and future family-building in mind.

Why cancer treatment can affect fertility

Many cancer treatments—especially chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—can impact reproductive health.

• Chemotherapy can reduce egg supply in women and damage sperm in men.
• Radiation to the pelvis can affect the ovaries, uterus, or testes.
• Certain surgeries may involve removing reproductive organs or blocking normal function.

Because these effects can be long-lasting, fertility preservation is best considered before treatment begins.

Fertility preservation options for women

There are several ways women can protect their fertility:

• Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation): Eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use.
• Embryo freezing: Eggs are retrieved, fertilized with sperm (from a partner or donor), and the resulting embryos are frozen.
• Ovarian tissue freezing: In some cases, a portion of ovarian tissue can be removed and frozen, then reimplanted after cancer treatment.
• Ovarian suppression with medication: Certain medications may temporarily protect the ovaries during chemotherapy, though this approach is less reliable than egg or embryo freezing.

Fertility preservation options for men

Men also have options to safeguard their fertility:

• Sperm freezing: The most common and effective approach. Sperm samples are collected and stored for later use.
• Testicular tissue freezing: For boys who have not yet gone through puberty, experimental approaches may be available.

Timing matters

Fertility preservation typically needs to be done quickly—sometimes within just a couple of weeks—so it does not delay cancer treatment. Many clinics, including University Reproductive Associates, can accommodate urgent appointments to start this process right away.

Emotional considerations

Thinking about fertility during a cancer diagnosis can be stressful. It’s common to feel pressured by time, worried about outcomes, or unsure about the right choice. Our team helps guide patients through these decisions, offering counseling and support so that you can make an informed choice that feels right for you.

Cost and insurance coverage

Some states require insurance companies to cover fertility preservation for patients undergoing medical treatments that can cause infertility. Our team can help you understand your coverage and explore financial assistance programs if needed.

The bottom line

Fertility preservation gives patients the chance to focus on cancer treatment today while keeping the door open for family building in the future. Acting quickly and working with a team experienced in oncofertility care can make all the difference.

Next steps

If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with cancer, the specialists at University Reproductive Associates can guide you through your fertility preservation options. Contact us today to schedule an urgent consultation.