Cancer & Fertility
Significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer as well as other chronic diseases have rendered fertility preservation of acute interest to increasing number of men and women.
In some cases the disease itself may impair future fertility while in many others the standard treatments, such as chemo- or radio-therapy, may impair future ability to have children. While each patient and each condition requires an individualized approach, a few general rules apply to most situations.
It is important to assess the current reproductive potential as well as the ability to carry a pregnancy and raise children after treatment. The value placed upon preserving a genetic link to the offspring is key to determining the available alternatives and their optimal timing.