Oncofertility

Oncofertility is a field of medicine that specializes in the preservation of fertility in individuals who have or are at risk of developing cancer. It encompasses the management of reproductive health in cancer patients, including fertility preservation options, and care for survivors of cancer who wish to have children after their treatment.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause damage to the ovaries or testes, which can lead to infertility. Oncofertility aims to provide cancer patients with the opportunity to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatment, so they can still have biological children in the future. This can be done through methods such as ovarian tissue cryopreservation, egg freezing, sperm freezing, or embryo freezing.

Oncofertility also deals with management of symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment that may affect reproductive health and quality of life, such as early menopause or sexual dysfunction. It also provides guidance for cancer survivors who wish to have children after their treatment, including information about the risks and benefits of various fertility options, as well as the potential impact of cancer treatment on pregnancy and the health of the baby.