As more people (particularly young people) are cured of cancers, the demand for preservation of fertility through chemotherapy treatment is becoming more important. Often the last thing on a patients mind in the early diagnosis stage of cancer is their fertility and future family. However, reproductive medical techniques now offer patients several positive options to maintain their fertility for the future. These include:

In Men

Semen freezing prior to treatment. Whilst, not all cancers and not all treatments result in damage to sperm production, semen cryopreservation is a most appropriate technique and is proven to be very successful. Modern assisted reproductive techniques can cope with all levels of sperm quality from normal to very poor.

Where ejaculatory processes are not working testicular aspiration to obtain sperm can be used.  

Pre-pubescent boys can have a sample of their testes frozen before commencing treatment. In the future this may be able to be used but today is yet to be successful.

In Women

Egg freezing. Before commencing their cancer treatment, patients undertake an IVF treatment cycle where the ovaries are artificially stimulated and numerous oocytes are aspirated for freezing. These can be fertilised at a later date, when required, by partner semen.

Embryo freezing. For women with a permanent partner embryo freezing is a proven success with a 30 – 40% pregnancy rate depending on age. 

Ovarian tissue biopsy is an alternative for women who prefer not to go through IVF or with aggressive cancers which have too short a lead time for IVF. The ovarian cortex is surgically removed and frozen. At a later and safe date this tissue can be re-implanted. This technique is not yet routine, however worldwide, there have been 4 pregnancies from re-implantation.