A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, not only because of the disease itself, but also due to the life-altering moment it creates. While immediate priority is to treat and overcome the disease, many young women and men also worry about their future fertility. Thankfully due to the massive advancement in medical science, patients are getting hope by preserving their ability to conceive even after undergoing cancer therapy.
As a specialist dedicated to women’s health, Dr. Sharmistha believes that every patient deserves the chance to build a family. This blog aims to help you understand what fertility preservation is, why it matters, and which options may be right for you.
Why Cancer Treatment Affects Fertility?
Cancer therapies target fast-growing cells including reproductive cells (gametes). Cancer treatment affects fertility of both women and men.
In Women:
- Chemotherapy can reduce ovarian reserve (egg count).
- Radiation may damage ovaries or uterus.
- Surgeries (ovarian or uterine removal) can directly affect the ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy.
In Men:
- Chemotherapy and radiation can decrease sperm count or quality.
- Surgery involving testicles or prostate can impact reproductive function.
Because of these risks, fertility preservation discussions should ideally happen before treatment begins.
Why Should One Consider Fertility Preservation?
Fertility preservation is a very important option for:
- Young adults and adolescents who are diagnosed with cancer
- Women wishing to delay pregnancy after treatment
- Individuals facing surgeries that may impact reproductive organs
- Patients at risk of premature menopause due to therapy
If you’re unsure whether your treatment may affect your fertility, a consultation with a fertility specialist is a very crucial step.
Fertility Preservation Options for Women:
Egg Freezing: This is ideal for women who wish to delay pregnancy or have not started a family yet. This is one of the most successful methods which involves stimulating the ovaries, retrieving the eggs, and storing them for future.
Embryo Freezing: This method is ideal for couples or women who have chosen a sperm source. Here, retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm (from a partner or donor) and frozen as embryos.
Ovarian Tissue Freezing: Here, a portion of ovarian tissue is surgically removed and frozen. After cancer treatment, it can be reimplanted to restore fertility and hormone production. This is ideal for prepubertal girls or women who cannot delay cancer treatment.
Ovarian Suppression during Chemotherapy: This method is ideal for women who cannot undergo egg retrieval before treatment.
Fertility Preservation Options for men:
Sperm Freezing: A simple, effective, and widely used method where semen samples are collected and frozen. It is ideal for any male patient before starting cancer therapy.
Testicular Tissue Freezing: An emerging option for boys who haven’t reached puberty and cannot produce sperm yet.
Why is Early Counselling Important?
The window between diagnosis and starting cancer therapy may be very short. Fertility preservation measures such as egg or sperm freezing can often be completed within 10–14 days. Patients are encouraged to speak with a fertility specialist as early as possible to explore safe and appropriate options without delaying cancer treatment.
Dr. Sharmistha’s Approach to Fertility Preservation:
- First Conversation:
I start by explaining how your cancer treatment may affect your fertility. We talk openly about your future family plans and what are the options you have so that you can preserve your fertility. - Quick Coordination With Your Cancer Doctors:
Next, I connect with your oncology team to make sure we fit fertility preservation into your treatment plan without delaying your cancer care. - Choosing the Right Procedure for you:
Depending on your situation:
   a) Women may freeze eggs, embryos, or ovarian tissue.
   b) Men may freeze sperm.
- Support After Cancer Treatment
Once your cancer treatment is over, we check how your fertility is recovering. If you’re ready to plan a pregnancy, we guide you through using your stored eggs, embryos, or sperm. - Helping You Understand and Feel Supported
Throughout the process, my goal is to make sure you feel informed, supported, and in control. I help you understand the emotional, practical, and financial parts of fertility preservation.
Fertility decisions during cancer treatment can be emotionally overwhelming. At this difficult time, compassionate counseling plays an important role in helping patients understand their options and make informed choices. Under the guidance of Dr. Sharmistha, patients receive not just medical advice but also emotional support throughout their entire journey.
Cancer may change your life, but it doesn’t have to take away your dreams of parenthood. Advances in medical science now allow patients to preserve fertility safely and effectively even in urgent situations.
Take control of your future today!
If you’re facing cancer treatment and worried about fertility, compassionate guidance is just a consultation away.
Book an appointment with Dr. Sharmistha to explore your fertility preservation options now.
