Being diagnosed with cancer is no longer a death sentence, thanks to medical advancements. Several treatments have seen dramatic improvements in survival rates. However, some cancer treatment therapies can threaten your fertility, and you should seek fertility preservation, especially if you are young and you desire to extend your family in the future. If you are yet to undergo chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, you can consider oncofertility in Encino to understand how you can effectively preserve your fertility. Here is more information below about the services offered.

What it Is

Oncofertility involves considering fertility preservation if you are diagnosed with cancer and have yet to begin your treatments. It combines reproductive health and oncology to allow you to get a high chance of bearing biological children in the future after your surgery treatments. While you can still enjoy parenthood through embryo donation, adoption, or foster care, oncofertility expands your options by presenting a chance to have genetic children. An oncologist will empower you to make the right decision for your future family.

Why Timing is Crucial

It is essential to talk about fertility preservation before you begin cancer treatments. Some treatment options like chemotherapy contraindicated sperm banking and egg freezing which means you might be too late to save the sperm, embryos, or eggs once you have already started the treatment regime. But talking with oncologists before you begin your treatment will help you understand your fertility preservation options early and help you understand treatments that require you to seek the service. It increases your chances of fertility preservation success.

Critical Information Required for Oncofertility

If you consider fertility preservation before beginning your cancer treatment, your provider will want to know your family goals and how you picture your future family. Additionally, your family’s reproductive health is crucial to understanding your chances for successful fertility preservation. Gather information about any infertility cases or genetic disorders in your family and provide accurate information to your provider. Additionally, your oncofertility specialist will conduct a baseline fertility assessment to dig more about your reproductive health history.

What You Can Ask

Understand that it is crucial to consult your provider adequately when considering fertility preservation to make informed decisions. Ask about how your cancer treatment will affect your fertility and if it will be safe for you to try having a baby in the future. Also, ask about any possible complications associated with children born from family preservation. Seek also to understand all the necessary steps you can take to secure your fertility during your cancer treatment.

Fertility Tests Involved

Depending on your cancer treatment to undergo and your fertility goals, your provider will recommend several tests before and after your treatment. As a woman, you might undergo a fertility blood test or a baseline ultrasound to help your doctor understand your fertility potential. As a man, you can undertake a semen analysis to understand how your sperm can be used in the future.

Fertility Preservation Options

You have several fertility preservation options if you want to have biological children after cancer treatments. If you are a woman, you can ask your provider about embryo freezing, egg freezing, hormonal medications, ovarian transposition, and freezing ovarian tissue. But ask your oncologist about sperm freezing, cryopreservation, or freezing of testicular tissue as a man.

Learn your fertility preservation options if you have been diagnosed with cancer by contacting California Center for Reproductive Health. Your oncofertility specialist will evaluate your needs and advise you respectively.