Oncofertility is a fertility preservation option that gives hope to cancer patients

Unfortunately, cancer can strike at any age, including during peak fertility years. Robert Anderson MD and Don Royster MD, our Newport Beach fertility center experts, believe patients shouldn’t have to worry about family planning while fighting for their lives. Oncofertility, which bridges oncology and reproductive medicine, allows our doctors to help patients pursue fertility preservation.

The unseen consequences of a cancer diagnosis

Damage to fertility is one of the often-overlooked results of battling cancer. Lifesaving treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can affect the reproductive systems of both men and women.

Dr. Anderson and Dr. Royster use oncofertility and partner with our patients to create fertility preservation plans. These plans protect dreams of parenthood during cancer treatment.

Exploring fertility preservation options

Advances in reproductive medicine and oncofertility allow our Newport Beach fertility center experts to offer our patients various options for fertility preservation. With this advanced technology, we can help patients store eggs, sperm and embryos for future use.

Sperm freezing. Reproductive technology has made sperm banking a viable option for decades. Usually, male patients will provide a semen sample before beginning cancer treatment. After collection, andrologists will assess, process and freeze the sperm for the future.

Egg freezing. Thanks to advances in cryopreservation, egg freezing is a viable option for young women who want to protect their ability to have children after cancer treatment. With vitrification, patients can freeze their eggs for later use.

Embryo freezing. For couples who are facing a cancer diagnosis, embryo freezing enables them to thwart potential barriers to family building in the future. We will retrieve the female patient’s eggs and combine them in the laboratory with the male partner’s sperm. Healthy embryos are then cryopreserved and stored until the patients are ready to use them.

Taking the next steps

As you evaluate the best course of action for cancer treatment, we recommend that you explore oncofertility too. Although it may feel unnerving to delay cancer treatment, our Newport Beach Fertility center experts will work with your oncologist. Before executing a fertility preservation plan, Dr. Anderson and Dr. Royster will consult with your oncologist to discuss your cancer treatment regimen and coordinate appropriate timing for fertility preservation.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis changes your life, but we can help. The Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine team can help you protect your fertility so that you can focus on defeating cancer. Contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.