Description

Oncofertility refers to the medical field that bridges the specialties of oncology and reproductive endocrinology with the purpose of maximizing the reproductive potential of cancer patients and survivors. Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, may impair or destroy a person's ability to have children later in life. For women, these therapies can cause ovarian damage that can lead to genetically damage oocytes (eggs), ovarian failure, early menopause, or other reproductive problems. For men, treatments can similarly cause damage to the testes that interfere with sperm production and testosterone secretion. As cancer treatments improve and survivorship increases, fertility preservation options in women, men, and children become an increasing important topic. Fortunately, multiple treatment options exist to maximize your future fertility potential. Consultation with the reproductive endocrinologists should be done as early as possible after the diagnosis of cancer, and optimally prior to chemotherapy or pelvic radiation.

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