October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of breast cancer on women’s health. It’s also an opportunity to shed light on an important but often overlooked aspect: fertility preservation for those diagnosed with breast cancer.
At Main Line Fertility, we understand that receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially for women who are still planning to start or grow their families. The treatments that save lives—chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—can sometimes affect fertility, making it harder for women to conceive after cancer treatment. That’s why fertility preservation is an essential option to consider for those facing breast cancer.
How Breast Cancer Treatment Affects Fertility
Breast cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, can have side effects that impact fertility. These treatments can damage a woman’s eggs, affect hormone levels, and in some cases, lead to early menopause. This makes it difficult or even impossible to conceive naturally after treatment.
For women who want the option to have children in the future, taking steps to preserve fertility before starting cancer treatment is crucial.
Fertility Preservation Options
There are several fertility preservation options available, and the best choice will depend on the individual’s diagnosis, treatment plan, and personal goals. Here are the most common options:
Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
Egg freezing allows women to preserve their eggs before cancer treatment. In this process, the eggs are retrieved and frozen for future use. This option is ideal for women who are not yet ready to have children but want to keep the possibility open for the future. The eggs can be thawed and fertilized when the woman is ready to start a family, either naturally or through IVF.
Embryo Freezing
Similar to egg freezing, this process involves retrieving eggs, but they are fertilized with sperm before being frozen as embryos. This option is best for women who have a partner or who want to use donor sperm. Embryo freezing may have a slightly higher success rate than egg freezing, as the embryos are already fertilized and more likely to result in pregnancy when thawed and implanted.
When Should You Consider Fertility Preservation?
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and are concerned about your fertility, it’s essential to speak with both your oncologist and a reproductive endocrinologist as soon as possible. The earlier you start the conversation, the more options you’ll have available. Main Line Fertility prioritizes fertility preservation for cancer patients, allowing prompt cancer treatment initiation while securing future fertility options within a few days/weeks.
Emotional Considerations
It’s normal to feel a range of emotions when faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, especially when it comes to fertility and family planning. Balancing cancer treatment with future family goals can be emotionally challenging. That’s why we provide compassionate support throughout the fertility preservation process, offering counseling resources to help you make informed decisions.
Take the First Step
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our fertility specialists. Together, we can discuss your unique situation and create a plan that supports your treatment and future family goals.
