CANCER. This term alone induces a shudder down one’s spine. Your life is thrown into disarray when you receive a diagnosis, and treatment becomes your primary concern. However, a latent concern may persist in the midst of the conflict: what about the prospect of having children?
Though life-saving, cancer therapies sometimes affect fertility. On top of a challenging path, this can be a terrible blow. The good news is that oncofertility, an area of medicine, gives cancer survivors who aspire to be parents hope.
Oncofertility: Your Bridge to Parenthood
The combination of reproductive medicine with oncology (cancer treatment) is a fast expanding profession, Dr Puneet says. This area is known as Oncofertility. With this knowledge, you can plan for your future family.
Understanding the Impact
The impact of cancer treatment on fertility varies depending on several factors:
- Type of cancer: Reproductive system cancers naturally have more chance of affecting fertility.
- Treatment type: Radiation treatment can impair ovaries, testes, or the uterus; chemotherapy can harm egg and sperm production
- Age at diagnosis: Younger patients are generally at lower risk.
- Treatment dosage and duration: Higher doses and longer durations raise the danger in treatment.
It is essential to maintain open talk with your oncofertility specialist. Discuss potential fertility concerns and investigate fertility preserving options prior to the commencement of treatment. These may encompass:
Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation):
This technique involves retrieving eggs before treatment and freezing them for future use in IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).
Dr. Puneet possesses specialised knowledge in providing counselling and managing women who are having oocyte cryopreservation prior to cancer treatment, often known as oncofertility. The clinic prides itself on having top-notch facilities and a staff of distinguished professionals to assist you at every stage.
Embryo Freezing:
If you have a partner, eggs can be fertilized with sperm and the resulting embryos frozen for later implantation.
Ovarian Transposition:
For some cancers, doctors can move the ovaries out of the radiation field to minimize damage.
Sperm Banking:
Men undergoing treatment can bank sperm samples before treatment begins.
Hope Beyond Egg Freezing
While egg freezing is a popular option, oncofertility offers solutions even if you haven’t preserved your eggs. Here’s how:
- IVF with Donor Eggs: If your eggs are affected, you can use IVF with donated eggs and your partner’s sperm (or donor sperm if needed).
- Gestational Surrogacy: If you cannot carry a pregnancy due to uterine issues, surrogacy allows another woman to carry an embryo created with your egg and sperm (or donor materials). Current surrogacy laws allows altruistic surrogacy..
- Adoption: Adoption is a beautiful way to build a loving family and provide a child with a forever home.
Choosing Your Path While Consulting with an Oncofertility Specialist in India
The right oncofertility treatment depends on various factors, including your specific situation, remaining fertility potential, financial considerations, and emotional well-being.
After consulting with Dr. Punnet Rana Arora, a reproductive endocrinologist specializing in fertility after cancer treatment, she will advise and assess your health, explain the treatment options, and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your desires and medical situation.
The Power of Support
The emotional toll of infertility after cancer treatment can be significant. Here are some resources for support:
Cancer & IVF Support Groups:
Connect with other survivors facing similar challenges. Our support groups serve as safe havens for individuals who convene to exchange experiences, offer encouragement, and offer emotional support to one another regarding topics such as motherhood, fatherhood, the process of IVF, overcoming stigmas, shattering barriers, and coping with extended family.
Fertility Counselling:
Fertility counselling enables couples to confer with professionals regarding their emotions and concerns, and to obtain suitable advice. It also aids couples in understanding the treatment process they are currently or will shortly undergo. A therapist can assist you in navigating the emotional turmoil of infertility and examining all available options while prioritising your mental health.
Oncofertility Support Groups:
Under Dr. Puneet Rana Arora, we at the CIFAR IVF Centre provide a secure environment for individuals to exchange experiences, derive strength from their community, and acquire knowledge from others who have traversed similar terrain.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
Building a family after cancer treatment may take a different road than you anticipated. It could include medical intervention, adoption, or a mix of the two. But the important thing is that you have options. Don’t be scared to ask for help and direction.
Having children is a tremendous dream, and oncofertility is here to help you make that dream a reality. With the correct information, support systems, and medical intervention, you can turn your survivor experience into parenting.
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Additional Resources:
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fertility-women
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/cancer-treatment-and-fertility
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/fertility-and-women-with-cancer/how-cancer-treatments-affect-fertility.html
