Onco Fertility
The medical field that bridges the specialties of oncology and reproductive endocrinology.
Onco Fertility
Oncofertility is a specialized field that addresses the reproductive concerns of individuals, often young adults and adolescents, who are facing cancer treatments that may threaten their fertility.
Overall, oncofertility plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for cancer survivors by offering options to preserve their fertility and reproductive potential.
Overall, oncofertility plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for cancer survivors by offering options to preserve their fertility and reproductive potential.
Purpose :
The primary goal of oncofertility is to provide options for preserving fertility before cancer treatment begins. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can damage reproductive organs and impair fertility.
Methods :
Oncofertility techniques include:
- Freezing eggs or embryos before cancer treatment to be used later for fertility treatments.
- Collecting and freezing sperm for future use in assisted reproductive techniques.
- Freezing ovarian tissue that can later be transplanted back or used to extract eggs.
Multidisciplinary Approach :
Oncofertility involves collaboration between oncologists, reproductive endocrinologists, fertility specialists, psychologists, and other healthcare providers. This ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both their cancer treatment and fertility preservation needs.
Patient Considerations :
Oncofertility decisions are time-sensitive and must be balanced with cancer treatment urgency. Factors such as cancer type, treatment plan, patient age, and fertility status influence the choice of preservation methods.
Ethical and Social Considerations :
Oncofertility raises ethical issues regarding informed consent, decision-making under stress, and the societal implications of fertility preservation technologies.
