Why is Fertility Preservation Important?
For patients who require chemotherapy or other aggressive cancer treatments, the potential impact on fertility can be significant. Chemotherapy, in particular, can damage eggs and decrease ovarian function, which can limit future options for building a family. However, through fertility preservation techniques, such as egg freezing or embryo freezing, we can help safeguard a patient’s ability to have biological children in the future.
Fertility Preservation Options for Breast Cancer Patients
- Egg Freezing Egg freezing is a great option for individuals who are not yet ready to start a family. During this process, the patient takes ovulation induction medications to stimulate the ovaries and produce multiple mature eggs. A fertility specialist then retrieves the eggs in a short outpatient procedure, and a lab specialist flash-freezes them for future use. This option allows patients to preserve their fertility and focus on their health without the pressure of immediately finding a sperm source.
- Embryo Freezing For patients who have a partner or are comfortable using a sperm donor, embryo freezing is another viable option. The process begins similarly to egg freezing, with ovulation induction and egg retrieval. The retrieved eggs are then fertilized in the lab using the patient’s partner’s sperm or donor sperm to create embryos. These embryos are frozen for future use. When the patient is ready to start a family after treatment, an embryo can be thawed and transferred into the uterus.
Surrogacy and Egg Donation: An Alternative for Breast Cancer Survivors
Sometimes, chemotherapy or other cancer treatments can significantly reduce a patient’s ovarian reserve or impact the quality of their eggs. In these cases, using an egg donor might be the best way to pursue a pregnancy. In an article by Living Beyond Breast Cancer, surrogacy with donor eggs is an effective option for those whose cancer treatment has diminished their chances of conceiving with their own eggs.
When considering egg donation, the following points should be kept in mind:
- Timing and Treatment Plans: Fertility preservation and treatment options should be discussed with your oncologist. Fortunately, the egg retrieval process can often be completed in a couple of weeks and doesn’t typically delay cancer treatment.
- Costs: The cost of an IVF cycle can vary depending on the specific circumstances and whether an egg donor is involved, which can make the process costly for some patients. However, at YourEggs, we offer success programs and flexible options to help make family-building more accessible. Reach out to us directly to learn more about our pricing and support programs tailored to your needs.
- Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Considerations: For patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, pregnancy timing can be complex. Doctors may recommend 5 to 10 years of hormone therapy, and it’s crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of temporarily interrupting treatment to attempt pregnancy.
- Age and Eligibility: Some fertility centers may have age restrictions for patients using egg donors. It’s essential to clarify these details with your fertility specialist.
- Partner or Donor Requirements: You will need sperm from either a partner or a sperm donor when you are ready to create embryos.
When is the Right Time to Explore Your Options?
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, timing is everything. Connecting with a fertility specialist as soon as possible can help ensure that your fertility preservation plan aligns with your cancer treatment timeline. At YourEggs, we can guide you through the options and work closely with your oncologist to develop a personalized plan.
Ready to Start Your Family After Treatment?
When a breast cancer survivor with frozen eggs is ready to pursue parenthood, our fertility specialists will thaw the eggs, fertilize them with sperm from a partner or donor, and create embryos for transfer. For patients who preserved embryos, the process is even simpler, as a specialist will thaw and transfer the embryo directly into the patient’s uterus.
For those whose own eggs are no longer an option, using donor eggs can still provide a path to parenthood. At YourEggs, we have the world’s largest egg donor database, allowing patients to select from a diverse range of donor profiles.
Get Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
We hope Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an opportunity for patients and families to learn about how fertility preservation and egg donation can provide hope for future family-building. With the right planning and support, having children after breast cancer treatment is possible.
To learn more about fertility preservation or using donor eggs, contact our compassionate team today. We’re here to help you take control of your fertility and family-building options every step of the way.
