Cancer… It’s an unexpected storm that changes women’s lives in innumerable ways. Beyond the pain of losing their precious locks – a crown of confidence, it also threatens ladies something deeply personal – their ability to have children. But what if we told you there’s still a ray of hope? *Enters oncofertility*
Heard of it for first time? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This transformative option has been making strides in providing women a chance to embrace motherhood even after chemotherapy or radiation.
In this blog, Apex Hospital will tell you everything about oncology fertility. From meaning to process and benefits to precautions, we will cover them all! We want to help cancer patients make informed, hopeful decisions for their future.
Let’s start.
What is Oncofertility?
A specialized branch of medicine, Oncofertility yokes oncology and reproductive science to assist cancer patients in preserving their fertility. Although undergoing treatments like chemotherapy and radiation helps eliminate cancer, they can damage the ovaries. Thus, affecting the natural capability to conceive in the future.
Oncofertility changes that. It offers fertility preservation options like egg, sperm, or embryo freezing before starting these treatments. Young men and women who are fighting the battle against cancer see this treatment as an ultimate plan for parenthood. Oncology fertility ensures nothing takes away their dream of having a family in the future.
What Goes Into the Oncofertility Process?
Since therapies like chemo and radiation can affect reproductive cells and functions, doctors often recommend starting the process as quickly as possible after diagnosis. Often, within days to avoid delays in cancer care.
Here are the steps involved in the oncofertility process:
Consultation with specialists
The first step is the consultation. An oncologist and an obstetrician-gynaecologist are involved. They will assess your medical condition, type of cancer, treatment plan, and your reproductive health. You can discuss family planning goals, preservation options available, and timelines to make sure that all things fit your cancer treatment regimen.
Fertility assessment
Ladies have to go under ultrasound scanning to check ovarian reserve and blood tests to determine level of hormones like AMH and FSH. For men, doctors will do a semen analysis to check the health of sperm. These oncofertility tests make it easy to identify most appropriate mode of preservation.
Choosing a preservation method
Egg freezing is the most prevalent choice for women. Hormone shots are given to them to stimulate the ovaries for about 10-12 days. The goal here is to develop several fertilized eggs. Meanwhile, in men, sperm is collected and kept frozen. In some cases of the oncofertility process, embryos are produced by fertilizing the eggs with the partner’s sperm or a donor and subsequently, they are frozen.
Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval
When it comes to freezing eggs, hormone medications are used to help ovaries yield a number of eggs. At the age of maturity, they are retrieved using minor surgical intervention under sedation. Mature eggs are then briskly cooled and stored in liquid nitrogen at ultra-low temperatures.
Cryopreservation
Alright, this is main part of the oncology fertility process. Eggs, sperm, and embryos are kept in special storage tanks. There, they last a long period. And by that, we mean many years! The preservation time allows cancer patients to revisit for use when they are willing to create or expand their family after the recovery.
Coordination with cancer treatment
Timing is critical. In this final step, gynacologists collaborate with oncologists in order to make sure that the preservation procedure does not postpone necessary cancer therapies. Quick-start stimulation protocols can shorten preparation time so that the treatment can be resumed promptly.
Make sure to give these resources once over after you’re done reading this blog:
When should I go to a gynaecologist
Here’s how to deal with pregnancy cravings
High TSH levels during pregnancy
Embryo freezing for securing future fertility
What are the Benefits of Oncology Fertility?
Now that we’ve told you about what goes into the planned process, it’s quite obvious to discuss the benefits in detail. Sure, you are able to pave the way to parenthood again. But benefits don’t just end there. There’s more to the story:
Fertility preservation pre-treatment
Among the greatest benefits of oncology fertility is the fact that it protects eggs, sperm, and embryo prior to them being destroyed by chemotherapy or radiation. These preserved cells or embryos can be utilized in the future. Making sure that the cancer treatment doesn’t cord off your potential of having a biological child.
Emotional and psychological well-being
Even thinking about having the ability to perceive after fighting cancer gives you a huge emotional relief. The awareness that fertility can be preserved assists in alleviating anxiety and depression that are normally brought about by the fear of never becoming a parent. You’ll feel that sense of control at a time when majority of patients feel their lives to be unpredictable
Empowering future family planning
Oncofertility gives one autonomy in decision-making and choice. After successfully recovering from cancer, patients can use their stored eggs, sperm, or embryos when they are physically and emotionally prepared to have children. This liberation is a guarantee that parenthood remains a choice, not a missed opportunity due to medical circumstances.
Advancements in medical technology
Fertility preservation nowadays is more effective and reliable, thanks to modern oncofertility treatments like egg vitrification (rapid freezing). These techniques have led to an improved survival rate of frozen eggs and embryos. Increasing chances of pregnancy in the future.
Inclusive for both genders
Even though most people think that fertility preservation is a phenomenon that applies to women, men can also benefit from it. This inclusivity makes the male survivors of cancer also capable of having biological children post-treatment.
What are the Precautions to Take Beforehand?
Although the process is risk-free, we still want cancer patients to consider taking a few measures beforehand:
– Consult an oncologist and a gynaecologist/urologist for planning the process without delaying treatment
– Do share your full medical history. If you’re on medications currently and have any existing issues, discuss them too.
– It’s always better to get blood tests, hormone evaluations, and ovarian or semen examinations done earlier.
– Don’t take herbal supplements and self-prescribed medicines while preparing for fertility
– Make sure the foods that you consume are rich in nutrients. Also, take adequate rest before starting
– Plan for emotional support through family, friends, and counseling.
Visit Apex Hospital For Oncofertility
There you go!
We told you everything important about undergoing oncology fertility treatment before chemotherapy or radiation. If you’re someone from Sirsa or nearby areas, the best place to start your parenthood journey safely is Apex Hospital. Serving to patients for 15+ years, we are equipped with avant-grade technology and a team of skilled gynaecologists who understand your urgency and emotional sensitivity of fertility preservation for cancer patients.
Call us on (+91) 91680-39000 or (+91) 96196-42000 to schedule an appointment today.
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