4 Fertility Preservation Methods For Women Suffering From Gynaecological Cancers, As Per Doctor

How Can Women Suffering From Gynaecological Cancers Do Fertility Preservation?

Gynaecological cancers—such as cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers—pose a significant threat to women’s fertility, particularly as many women diagnosed with these cancers are of reproductive age. "Offering fertility preservation options to women with gynaecological cancers is now a critical part of their treatment journey," says Dr Mandavi Rai. This care allows women to hold onto the possibility of motherhood, even when facing the impacts of cancer.

According to Dr Rai, it’s essential for women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers to consult with fertility experts. "A knowledgeable expert can guide you through suitable options to achieve pregnancy, even after undergoing cancer treatment," she explains. Cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation may be necessary, but fertility preservation strategies can be employed before these procedures begin. Understanding these methods empowers women to take proactive steps to preserve their fertility.

4 Fertility Preservation Methods for Women Suffering from Gynaecological Cancers

Here are four key fertility preservation methods that experts recommend for women facing gynaecological cancer diagnoses:

Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is one of the most common methods used for fertility preservation. It involves harvesting a woman’s eggs and freezing them for future use. "This technique is a proactive choice for women who aren’t ready to have children yet but want to keep that possibility open after cancer treatment," notes Dr Rai. Before undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, women can undergo egg retrieval, where eggs are collected and stored at sub-zero temperatures. The frozen eggs can later be thawed, fertilised with sperm, and implanted through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) when the woman is ready.

Embryo Freezing (Embryo Cryopreservation)

Similar to egg freezing, embryo freezing involves the fertilisation of eggs with sperm to create embryos, which are then frozen for future use. "Embryo cryopreservation is often recommended for women who have a partner or are using donor sperm, as embryos have a higher success rate of implantation compared to eggs," says Dr Rai. This method can be ideal for women who are already in a committed relationship or have chosen a donor. Once frozen, these embryos remain viable for years, allowing women to pursue pregnancy when they feel prepared and healthy.

Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is a promising method, particularly for younger women or those who must start cancer treatment immediately. This involves surgically removing and freezing ovarian tissue, which contains thousands of immature eggs. "The ovarian tissue can be re-implanted once cancer treatment is complete, potentially restoring hormonal function and natural fertility," Dr Rai explains. While still experimental, this technique is a viable option for women who may not have time for traditional egg retrieval processes before cancer treatment begins.

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In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

IVF is a well-established technique that may be suitable for women who want to preserve their fertility and are able to produce viable eggs. "In IVF, eggs are fertilised with sperm outside the body, and the resulting embryos are then implanted into the uterus," Dr Rai says. For women undergoing IVF as a preservation method, it’s possible to freeze embryos or even opt for a later embryo transfer. IVF can also be used in conjunction with egg or embryo freezing, adding flexibility to a woman’s fertility options after cancer treatment.

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For women with gynaecological cancers, fertility preservation offers a pathway to maintain the hope of future motherhood. Dr. Rai emphasises the importance of early consultation with fertility experts to determine the best preservation method. “Many women are unaware of their options and might assume that cancer treatment means the end of their fertility journey, but this is not the case,” she says.

By considering the various preservation methods available—such as egg freezing, embryo freezing, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, and IVF—women can work with specialists to find the right approach that aligns with their health and personal preferences. “Each woman’s case is unique, and the type of cancer and treatment plan will play a large role in determining which method is best for her,” concludes Dr. Rai.

Image Credits: Freepik

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