{"id":23319,"date":"2022-02-16T22:22:43","date_gmt":"2022-02-16T22:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/?page_id=23319"},"modified":"2026-02-09T23:41:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T23:41:06","slug":"oncofertility","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/oncofertility\/","title":{"rendered":"Oncofertility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Oncofertility Resources<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

At Progyny, we know that when you are faced with a cancer diagnosis, future family building may not be top of mind. Due to earlier detection and improved treatments, survival rates among reproductive age patients diagnosed with cancer have steadily increased over the past four decades. As a result, focus has shifted from immediate treatment to life after cancer too, including future family building. Since many cancer treatments can impact your future fertility, it\u2019s important to explore your options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve compiled these resources so you know why it may be important to preserve your fertility and what to consider as you begin the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your dedicated Progyny Care Advocate (PCA) is here to support you and to help you navigate the process. If you ever feel overwhelmed, please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out. And, if your friend or loved one is diagnosed with cancer, please share these resources with them.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Jump to:<\/h4>\n Fertility preservation treatment \u2192<\/a>\n Patient stories \u2192<\/a>\n Support resources \u2192<\/a>\n Frequently asked questions \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Fertility Preservation Treatment Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Options for Cis Females and Trans Males<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Egg Freezing (oocyte cryopreservation)<\/strong>
Egg freezing <\/a>allows individuals, both cis women and trans males, who require cancer treatment to freeze their eggs for later use. Cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can impact a patient\u2019s ovarian reserve and, in some cases, can cause premature menopause post treatment. Egg freezing is a way to preserve fertility. The patient will undergo ovarian stimulation, which is started by administering daily injections of FSH and hMG for 9\u201312 days. When instructed, a trigger shot is given to mature the eggs and 36 hours later a minor surgical procedure, called an egg retrieval, is performed under anesthesia. All mature eggs are frozen and stored for future use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the patient is ready for parenthood, the eggs are thawed, fertilized and biopsied for genetic testing (if desired) and transferred to the uterus. The egg freezing process typically lasts two weeks. The patient\u2019s fertility doctor will discuss the proposed treatment and timeline with their oncologist to ensure that the timing is appropriate. Patients should let their cancer care team know that fertility preservation is important to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embryo Freezing<\/strong>
Embryo freezing allows patients to create and freeze embryos for transfer at a later date. Although similar to egg freezing, we have more information about the future success rates with embryos since they are further along in the process, so freezing embryos is typically recommended for those already partnered or who have a sperm donor picked out. Eggs remain the property of the patient and they alone decide what will be done with them in the future. Embryos created with a partner\u2019s sperm mean that both partners have to agree on their disposition (to attempt pregnancy, discard, etc.). Speak to your doctor to see if both egg and embryo freezing is an option for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embryo freezing starts with ovarian stimulation by administering injections daily of FSH and hMG for 9\u201312 days. When instructed, a trigger shot is given to mature the eggs and 36 hours later a minor surgical procedure, called an egg retrieval, is performed under anesthesia. All mature eggs are fertilized using a semen sample from their significant other or a sperm donor. The embryos are observed in the embryology lab for 5\u20136 days. Then, viable embryos are biopsied for genetic testing (if desired) and frozen and stored for future use. At a later date, a frozen embryo can be thawed and transferred to the uterus. The patient\u2019s fertility doctor will discuss the proposed treatment and timeline with their oncologist to ensure that the timing is appropriate. Patients should let their cancer care team know that fertility preservation is important to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ovarian Suppression<\/strong>
Ovarian suppression<\/a> is used when patients cannot or choose not to freeze eggs or embryos. Instead, physicians will focus on protecting the ovaries during treatment. This will stop ovaries from ovulating temporarily, which decreases the blood flow to them and protects the eggs, ultimately minimizing potential chemotherapy damage. Ovaries are suppressed with a GnRH agonist like Leuprolide or Goserelin injections, which are given either monthly or every three months. When recommended, ovarian suppression is often initiated two to four weeks prior to beginning the first chemotherapy treatment and continued throughout the duration of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ovarian Shielding<\/strong>
Ovarian shielding is used when patients undergo radiation therapy. A protective cover is placed over the outside of the body during treatment\u2014specifically the ovaries\u2014in order to protect the ovaries and minimize damage from the radiation. This may be covered through medical insurance. Please speak to your PCA about available options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ovarian Transposition<\/strong>
Ovarian transposit<\/a>i<\/a>on<\/a> is a surgical procedure where a patient\u2019s ovaries are repositioned outside of the pelvic radiation treatment field to reduce exposure and minimize damage. This is performed in patients with treatment that includes pelvic radiotherapy for Hodgkin\u2019s disease and other gynecologic malignancies. Ovarian transposition may be covered through medical insurance. Please speak to your PCA about available options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ovarian Tissue Freezing<\/strong>
Ovarian tissue freezing<\/a> is used in some circumstances where patients are unable to undergo ovarian stimulation for egg or embryo freezing, and the only viable option is to surgically remove and preserve ovarian tissue. One whole ovary (or parts of the ovary) are removed. The tissue that contains the eggs is separated from the rest of the ovary, frozen, and stored for future family building. If the patient is no longer fertile after cancer treatment, using this tissue may help the patient have a biological child. It is usually used by female patients who do not have adequate time for egg or embryo freezing and pre-pubertal females who are not able to undergo ovarian stimulation. Ovarian tissue freezing is not covered by the Progyny benefit. Please speak to your PCA about available options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options for Cis Males and Trans Females<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sperm Cryopreservation<\/strong>
Sperm cryopreservation is offered to patients, both cis males and trans females who are post puberty, prior to starting cancer treatment. It enables them to preserve healthy sperm to use at a later time for family building. For sperm cryopreservation, as many sperm samples as time permits are collected and a semen analysis is completed on each. The sperm samples are frozen and stored at a sperm bank for future use. When the time is right, the sperm is thawed and can be used for IUI or IVF with a partner or gestational carrier (surrogate).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Testicular Tissue Freezing<\/strong>
Testicular tissue freezing<\/a>, which is still considered an experimental procedure, may offer prepubertal boys who are not producing sperm the opportunity to preserve their fertility. It requires a surgical procedure to obtain a biopsy of the teste (tissue), which is then frozen and stored at a tissue bank for use if desired. Although it is still an experimental procedure, as science and technology improve specialists are studying ways to form sperm from the tissue that\u2019s removed. Testicular tissue freezing is not covered through the Progyny benefit. Please speak to your PCA about available options.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n <\/i>\n Patient Stories <\/h2>\n
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A cancer diagnosis can be a scary and isolating experience but remember\u2014you\u2019re not alone. Sometimes it can be comforting to hear stories of those who have been on a similar journey. We\u2019ve compiled some inspiring stories of fertility in the face of cancer on our podcast, This is Infertility.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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\n \n \"Emily <\/a>\n
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Oncofertility: On Building a Family after Cancer<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n \"Dr. <\/a>\n
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Fertility preservation before undergoing cancer treatment<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n \"Tricia <\/a>\n
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Donor Eggs, Surrogacy, and a New Plan<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n \"Kristin <\/a>\n
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Helping patients navigate between oncology and fertility<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n
\n \n Listen to all podcasts <\/i>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n
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Support for your journey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t underestimate the value of a good support system on your cancer journey. In the aftermath of a diagnosis and throughout your treatment journey, a solid support system can leave you with a sense of normalcy and emotional stability, which can be important for your recovery. Surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones and having the support from dedicated cancer resources can be comforting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Progyny Care Advocate<\/strong> (PCA) is always available to provide ongoing emotional support throughout your fertility preservation journey. Whether you\u2019d like help setting up appointments, or you just need someone to talk to, your PCA is here for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n