Introduction

Cancer changes lives in many ways—but for many young men and women, one of the most heartbreaking fears is losing the ability to have children. Chemotherapy and radiation, while life-saving, can damage eggs, sperm, and reproductive organs.

The good news? Modern fertility preservation techniques now make it possible for cancer survivors to still achieve their dream of parenthood. At New World Fertility, we help patients explore options like egg freezing, sperm banking, embryo preservation, and ovarian/testicular tissue freezing—before or after treatment.

This guide will walk you through:

How cancer treatment affects fertility
The latest fertility preservation methods
Success rates and timing considerations
Realistic pathways to parenthood after cancer

How Chemotherapy and Cancer Treatments Affect Fertility

Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells. Unfortunately, reproductive cells—eggs in the ovaries and sperm in the testes—are also rapidly dividing.

Women may experience reduced ovarian reserve, premature menopause, or damage to the uterus.
Men may face reduced sperm count, poor motility, or permanent infertility.
Radiation to the pelvic area can damage reproductive organs or hormone production.
Surgery for certain cancers may involve removing reproductive organs.

The degree of impact depends on:

Age at diagnosis
Type and dosage of chemotherapy
Treatment duration
Overall health

Fertility Preservation Options for Cancer Survivors

1. Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)

Best option for women who can delay chemotherapy for 2–3 weeks.
Involves stimulating the ovaries, retrieving eggs, and freezing them.
Eggs can be fertilized later through IVF.
Ideal for unmarried women or those not ready to create embryos.

2. Embryo Freezing

Requires both egg and sperm at the time of preservation.
Retrieved eggs are fertilized with partner’s or donor’s sperm, then frozen.
Offers higher success rates compared to egg freezing because embryos are more resilient.

3. Sperm Banking

Simple, quick, and highly effective for men.
Sperm is collected, analyzed, and stored in liquid nitrogen.
Even one sample may be enough for future IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF cycles.

4. Ovarian Tissue Freezing

Suitable for pre-pubescent girls or women who cannot delay chemotherapy.
A part of ovarian tissue containing immature eggs is surgically removed and frozen.
Later, the tissue can be reimplanted to restore fertility or natural hormone function.

5. Testicular Tissue Freezing

An option for boys who have not yet started producing sperm.
Immature testicular tissue is preserved for future use when technology allows sperm development.

6. Ovarian Suppression During Chemotherapy

Medications like GnRH agonists temporarily “shut down” the ovaries.
Reduces risk of chemotherapy damage but not as reliable as freezing methods.

When Should Fertility Preservation Be Done?

Timing is critical. Ideally, preservation should happen before chemotherapy begins. But even after treatment, options may still exist:

Before chemotherapy: Egg/sperm/embryo freezing offers the best outcomes.
During treatment: Ovarian suppression may reduce risk.
After treatment: Survivors may explore IVF with donor eggs/sperm, surrogacy, or adoption.

At New World Fertility, our experts work closely with oncologists to ensure fertility preservation doesn’t delay critical cancer treatment.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

For many patients, preserving fertility isn’t just about biology—it’s about hope. Knowing there is a chance to become a parent later can:

Reduce anxiety during treatment
Improve mental health during recovery
Give survivors a sense of control and normalcy

Support groups, counseling, and fertility coaching can further empower patients through this journey.

Success Rates and Future Parenthood

The success of fertility preservation depends on factors like age, number of eggs/sperm preserved, and cancer type.

Egg freezing: Women under 35 have higher chances, with 70–90% survival after thawing.
Embryo freezing: Higher live birth rates compared to egg freezing.
Sperm banking: Even a small sample can achieve pregnancy through ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
Ovarian tissue reimplantation: Over 200 live births worldwide so far, with success improving every year.

With continuous advancements, the chances for cancer survivors to become parents are better today than ever before.

Alternative Family-Building Options

If fertility preservation was not possible before treatment, cancer survivors still have paths to parenthood:

Donor eggs, sperm, or embryos
Gestational surrogacy
Adoption

At New World Fertility, we provide ethical guidance and counseling to help patients make informed choices.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Can I undergo fertility preservation if I’ve already started chemotherapy?
It is less effective, but some options may still exist—like ovarian tissue freezing or donor programs.

Q2. How long can frozen eggs or sperm last?
Indefinitely. There’s no evidence of decreased viability with long-term storage.

Q3. Will fertility preservation delay my cancer treatment?
Egg or embryo freezing typically takes 2–3 weeks. In urgent cases, oncologists may adjust timing.

Q4. Is fertility preservation safe for cancer patients?
Yes, procedures are minimally invasive and designed to not interfere with cancer care.

Q5. How much does fertility preservation cost?
Costs vary, but many centers offer packages and financial support programs. At New World Fertility, we guide patients through insurance and financing options.

Conclusion: A Second Chance at Parenthood

Cancer no longer has to mean the end of parenthood dreams. Thanks to advanced fertility preservation methods, men and women can take proactive steps before or after treatment to secure their future family.

At New World Fertility, we believe every survivor deserves the chance to embrace life after cancer—with the possibility of becoming a parent.

Book a fertility consultation today and let our experts design a personalized preservation plan for you.

How Cancer Survivors Can Still Become Parents: Fertility Preservation After Chemotherapy