What Is Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients?
This process involves collecting and freezing reproductive cells (eggs, sperm, or embryos) before cancer treatment begins. These cells are stored for future use in assisted reproductive treatment such as IVF. Preservation plans are adjusted based on your diagnosis, age, and medical timeline.
Why Is It Important Before Cancer Treatment?
Chemotherapy, radiation, and some surgeries can damage the ovaries, testes, or reproductive hormones — reducing or eliminating fertility. Taking action before treatment is the most effective way to preserve the chance of having a biological child later. Even a short delay in treatment for egg or sperm retrieval can make a meaningful difference.
What Options Are Available?
Preservation depends on biological sex and clinical situation:
- For women: Egg freezing or/and Embryo freezing (if using partner or donor sperm)
- For men: Sperm freezing (via ejaculation or surgical retrieval)
- For couples: Embryo freezing
At Reproart, all of these procedures are available on an urgent timeline when needed.
How Is It Coordinated with Oncology Care?
We work directly with your oncologist to coordinate timing and avoid unnecessary treatment delays. Where appropriate, we use modified stimulation protocols to reduce preparation time. All procedures — from testing to retrieval — are handled in one location, which helps streamline care during a difficult period.
When Should It Be Done?
Fertility preservation should be completed before cancer treatment starts. In most cases, we can begin evaluation and prepare for egg or sperm collection within a few days. Early action increases the chance of retrieving healthy reproductive cells before damage occurs.
After treatment, frozen eggs, sperm, or embryos can be used in IVF.
Success Rates and What to Expect
Sperm: After thawing, ~50% of sperm typically retain motility, which is enough for IUI or IVF with ICSI.
Eggs: Around 80–90% survive thawing. Younger patients often produce 15–30 eggs, while older patients may produce fewer.
Embryos: Blastocyst survival after thawing is over 95%. Pregnancy rates vary based on the woman’s age and embryo quality.
International Patients: How It Works
- Initial testing may be completed in your home country
- You can travel to Georgia for egg or sperm freezing on a short stay (typically 5–10 days)
- Remote consultations are available with both our Reproductive Endocrinologists and your Oncologist
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask.
Will this delay my cancer treatment?
Usually not. We act quickly, and most cases can be completed without delaying oncology care.
Is fertility preservation safe before cancer therapy?
Yes. We use adjusted protocols and only proceed when medically appropriate, in full coordination with your oncology team.
What if I need to start treatment immediately?
In urgent cases, we may consider ovarian tissue cryopreservation or explore alternate options.
