Fertility Options Available for Cancer Patients

CHARLESTON, S.C. - July 27, 2015 - PRLog -- The Fertility Center of Charleston, Dr. Stephanie Singleton and her staff,  compassionately guide each patient to parenthood using the latest advanced reproductive technologies.  They consult with patients diagnosed with cancer and help explain the fertility options available to them as soon as a diagnosis is received.

What is the Risk of Infertility for Cancer Patients?
Chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses can affect reproductive health. Surgery involving reproductive tissue may also affect fertility. The likelihood that cancer treatment will harm a patient's fertility depends on several factors, including

The type of cancer and cancer treatment
The age at the time of treatment

The regimens that threaten ovarian and testicular function are mainly radiation therapy to the pelvic area and some types of chemotherapy. The effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy depend on the drug or size and location of the radiation field, the dose, intensity of the dose and how treatment is given — orally or intravenously. Some chemotherapy is associated with high risk. These include the following: procarbazine and alkylating drugs, ifosfamide, busulfan, melphalan, chlorambucil and chlormethine. Other treatments carry a medium to low risk of infertility including doxorubicin and platinum analogs and carboplatin, plant derivatives such as vincristine and vinblastine, antibiotics such as bleomycin and dactinomycin and antimetabolites such as methotrexate, mercaptopurine and 5-fluoruracil.

With regard to age, the risk of developing premature menopause increases with the age of the woman undergoing treatment.

An oncologist can help determine whether decreased reproductive function is a high risk with proposed treatment.

When Should a Cancer Patient Seek Fertility Consultation?
Upon learning of cancer therapies associated with a risk to  fertility, patients are urged to schedule an initial consult immediately. The Fertility Center of Charleston understands the time sensitivity. We leave consultation openings in each month to accommodate patients needing fertility preservation. We expedite the process in order to not delay your cancer treatment. One oncology treatment session can have lasting fertility effects. Seeking preservation services prior to your scheduled treatment is optimal.

How Can Women Preserve Fertility Prior To Cancer Treatment?
Women who are embarking on cancer treatment may consider the following fertility preservation services and procedures:

Embryo Cryopreservation
Egg Freezing or Oocyte Cryopreservation
Gonadal Shielding
Ovarian Transposition (oophoropexy)
Trachelectomy
Hormonal therapies

How Can Men Preserve Fertility Prior to Cancer Treatment?
Men can take steps to preserve their fertility prior to cancer treatment with the following fertility preservation services:

Sperm Cryopreservation
Gonadal Shielding
Methods under research including, Testicular Tissue Cryopreservation and the use of hormonal therapies to protect testicular tissue during cancer treatment.  To learn more, contact www.fertilitycharleston.com.