Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients: The Importance of Freezing Eggs or Sperm Before Treatment

Cancer diagnosis feels daunting for many patients, especially couples who have been planning to experience parenthood. For these patients, the ability to have children in the future represents hope and a sense of normalcy amidst uncertainty. However, studies suggest that certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, compromise fertility in upto 30-40% of patients. 

In such cases, techniques for fertility preservation give hope to the patients for retaining the possibility of parenthood. A well-reputed IVF doctor in Delhi can suggest the most appropriate preservation method based on the cancer treatment and other individual needs. 

Freezing Eggs and Sperm: Effective Methods to Preserve Fertility

Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatments have known side effects on reproductive organs or the quality of eggs and sperm. In women, the reproductive side effects involve either early menopause due to treatments or reduced or damaged eggs stored in the ovaries. Men tend to have lower sperm counts or are, at times, permanently infertile. One proactive measure is frozen egg/sperm collection prior to treatment, which allows future parenthood for a cancer survivor. 

Freezing Eggs: A Reliable Option for Women

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is one of the most significant methods for preserving the fertility of women who undergo cancer treatments. The process involves the following key steps at the Best IVF Centre in Delhi: 

• Ovary stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs, 
• Egg retrieval through a minor surgery. In this step, a catheter is put through the upper part of the vagina to reach the ovary. 
• Egg freezing after evaluation of the collected eggs. 
• Once frozen, the eggs can then be thawed and fertilized with in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Studies have proven that younger women are more likely to succeed because the quality and number of egg reserves fall with advancing age. An IVF doctor in Delhi will help you through this procedure, which will take between 10 and 14 days. The process is also called egg banking. 

Please note that women’s eggs need to be collected before the last treatment for cancer starts, and that is why timing is important. Millions of women have had successful pregnancies and live births with the IVF method. 

Freezing Sperm: A Simple and Effective Choice for Men

Sperm freezing also referred to as sperm cryopreservation, is defined as the medical process through which men are enabled to save their sperm for later use. This process is especially advantageous for men who will undergo any medical treatment that could affect their fertility. The procedure is completed in the following key steps: 

• The process begins with the collection of a sperm sample. 
• Men should abstain from ejaculation for 2-5 days prior to collection to maximize sperm quality.
• Once collected, the sample undergoes an analysis to assess sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape).
• A special solution known as a cryoprotectant is added to the sperm. This agent helps protect the sperm cells from damage during the freezing process by preventing ice crystal formation and reducing osmotic stress.
• The prepared sperm is then divided into multiple vials or straws to allow for individual thawing later on.
• The freezing occurs gradually. Liquid nitrogen vapour cools the samples slowly before they are plunged into liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius for long-term storage.
• When needed, the sperm can be thawed and used in assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Sperm cryopreservation is a safe procedure with minimal risks involved in conception with frozen sperm. Research has shown success rates with frozen sperm are on par with those achieved using fresh samples.

Other Fertility Preservation Methods

In addition to egg and sperm freezing, several other options can help cancer patients protect their ability to have children. A fertility specialist at the best IVF centre in Delhi may suggest one or more of the following options: 

• Embryo Freezing
• Ovarian Tissue Freezing
• Ovarian Suppression
• Testicular Tissue Freezing

Get a Secure Fertility Preservation Experience at Nandi IVF!

Cancer and fertility preservation can be emotionally taxing. Patients often experience anxiety about the future or struggle with the possibility that preservation methods might not work. Talking to a specialist at an IVF centre in Delhi can provide reassurance and clear any doubts about the process. At Nandi IVF, we offer the most affordable options for fertility preservation. Our IVF doctor in Delhi will thoroughly guide you through the process and suggest financing options available. With careful planning and support, many cancer survivors go on to have children and lead fulfilling lives!