Oncofertility

Gonadotoxicity is a frequent consequence of cancer treatment. The risk of infertility or sterility depends on many factors, including the patient’s age, type of therapy, doses used, and duration of the treatment.

Radiotherapy leads to a high risk of damage to the ovaries and premature ovarian failure. Often, patients experience irregular menstrual cycles and damage to the uterus. In men, radiotherapy can also result in temporary or permanent problems with sperm production (spermatogenesis disorder).

Chemotherapy often causes a decrease in sperm production. In women, chemotherapy may result in amenorrhea, a significant reduction in the ovarian reserve, and damage to the eggs.

Oncofertility combines oncology with reproductive medicine. It allows patients to preserve fertility and to give birth to a healthy child in the future. Oncofertility helps both men and women.

•  Women may choose to freeze their eggs before they become damaged by anti-cancer therapy. It is possible to freeze the ovarian tissue, which can be replanted after successful cancer treatment. It potentially gives her a chance of fertility and to maintain the hormonal functions of the body.
• Men undergoing oncological treatment can deposit their sperm for future use in insemination or in vitro fertilization.
• When the Patient – a woman or a man – is in a relationship, it is possible to perform in vitro fertilization, create and freeze embryos but postpone embryo transfer.

Oncofertility gives cancer patients great hope to be able to have children after the treatment. This awareness is of great emotional importance. According to research, it may increase the success of cancer therapy.