What is Oncofertility?
Oncofertility is the intersection between cancer care and reproductive health. We’re talking about the impact of cancer on a patient’s ability to have biological kids. Some cancer treatments can harm your reproductive system, making it hard or impossible for you or your partner to get pregnant in the future.
TAKE MORE IN!
Thinking through your fertility options is just the first step and will likely open a pandora’s box of questions for you. Visit our Resources page to get all the information you need.
The hardest part about oncofertility is knowing what the next step is. There are so many to-do’s and different ways things can turn out.
Oftentimes, you feel like you’re on a scavenger hunt. Sometimes you meet people along the way, from nurses to lawyers to doctors, and they’ll point you in the right direction. But, the truth is, everyone’s journey is different and there are no guarantees. You’re taking a gamble every step of the way while at the same time trying to make sure you stay on track.
– Jess, Ovarian Cancer Patient
Your options
Fertility might be the last thing on your mind when you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer.
Unfortunately, oncologists don’t always talk to their patients about family planning or how treatment could impact their fertility. If you are interested in having a child after cancer, regardless of your gender, it is critical to advocate for yourself by talking to your medical team about your fertility options.
Taking some time to think through your fertility options now will help you create the family you want later. Whether you want to preserve your fertility to have the best possible chances of having a biological child, choose to have non-biological children through adoption or surrogacy, or decide that your family looks perfect as is, your oncofertility is just that – yours.
See your options
Healthcare Providers
Talking to your patients about their fertility options is a critical part of their care.
No matter what your role is on the cancer care team, it’s important to bring this topic to your patient’s attention and help them think through their fertility options. However, it’s essential that you keep your personal biases and assumptions out of the conversation. Your patients’ voice should be the loudest in the room and their desires should be heard.
Learn more