Infertility might no longer be inevitable for youth with cancer
Preventive removal of ovarian or testicular tissue are the techniques that allow patients to hope that one day they they can become parents. It is still necessary that doctors make it a priority!
Imagine being told you have cancer, and that by following the treatment you may become infertile. A degree of horror is added. Doctors do not always raise the issue of infertility with their young patients. If treatments against cancer such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can affect the reproductive function, there are several techniques now that allow preserving fertility.
The problem is that these techniques are rarely offered to cancer patients such as children and teenagers, since the priority of doctors is, above all, to eradicate the disease. However, today the rate of long-term survival rate of pediatric cancer patients is 75% as opposed to 20% in the early 60's.
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The issue is that no one is informing the child or the teenager, that he might have fertility issues in the future, and it’s only when he gets to the age of having babies that he discovers his infertility. The situation has changed since 2008: freezing of testicular and ovarian tissues has progressed in the context of a research protocol. But grafting techniques are still considered experimental due to the risk of reintroducing cancer cells during surgery.
Recently, a new drug called goserelin, was developed to protect the ovaries by shutting them down temporarily. In this clinical trial, women who were given goserelin injections along with the chemotherapy, had less ovarian failure and gave birth to more babies than the women receiving only chemotherapy.
Even if this treatment is not efficient enough, having secondary effects and not concerning the men yet, could lead to a solution in the future. The miracle solution does not yet exist but we must remain positive because research is rapidly advancing.
Since a real treatment does not yet exist, we can only recommend you to use Conceive Plus.
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Shop Now →What cancer treatments can affect fertility in young patients?
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain surgical procedures can all impact reproductive function in cancer patients. The extent of fertility damage depends on the type of treatment, dosage, and the patient's age at the time of treatment. Young patients undergoing these therapies should discuss potential fertility preservation options with their oncology team before beginning cancer treatment.
What fertility preservation options are available for young cancer patients in the US?
The main FDA-approved options include egg freezing (for females) and sperm banking (for males), which have well-established success rates. Ovarian and testicular tissue freezing are emerging techniques still being refined through clinical trials, while medications like goserelin show promise in protecting ovarian function during chemotherapy. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that all cancer patients of reproductive age be informed about these options before beginning treatment.
Should I ask my oncologist about fertility preservation before cancer treatment?
Yes, absolutely—fertility preservation should be discussed as part of your comprehensive cancer care plan before starting treatment whenever possible. Many US fertility clinics work closely with oncology centers to offer rapid fertility preservation procedures, sometimes within days of a cancer diagnosis. If your oncologist does not bring it up, you should initiate the conversation or request a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist.
Does insurance cover fertility preservation for cancer patients?
Coverage varies significantly by insurance plan and state, though many insurers recognize the medical necessity of fertility preservation in cancer care. Some states have passed legislation requiring coverage of egg and sperm banking for cancer patients, but you should verify your specific plan's coverage before treatment begins. Organizations like LIVESTRONG and the American Cancer Society can help patients navigate insurance coverage and find financial assistance programs.
Is testicular tissue freezing an effective fertility option for boys with cancer?
Testicular tissue freezing is a promising experimental technique, but it is not yet widely available outside of clinical trials in the US. Currently, sperm banking remains the most reliable option for adolescent males who can produce sperm, while pre-pubertal boys may be candidates for testicular tissue preservation through research protocols. Talk with your oncology team about clinical trial opportunities at major US cancer centers if you're interested in experimental tissue preservation.
What is goserelin and can it protect my ovaries during cancer treatment?
Goserelin is an FDA-approved hormone injection that temporarily shuts down ovarian function, which may reduce chemotherapy-related damage to eggs. Clinical studies have shown that women receiving goserelin alongside chemotherapy experienced less ovarian failure and higher birth rates compared to chemotherapy alone. While it shows promise as an additional protective measure, it is not yet a standard recommendation and works best when combined with other fertility preservation methods.
What should I do if I wasn't offered fertility preservation before cancer treatment?
If you've already completed cancer treatment, consult with a fertility specialist to assess your current reproductive function through hormone testing and imaging. Depending on your diagnosis and treatment type, options like egg or sperm banking may still be possible if you have viable gametes, or adoption and surrogacy remain alternative paths to parenthood. Many US fertility clinics have experience working with cancer survivors and can discuss all available options tailored to your situation.
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