Why Fertility Preservation Matters for Cancer Patients
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and certain surgeries can significantly affect reproductive organs and fertility. These treatments, while life-saving, may lead to:
Reduced egg quality and quantity
Damage to ovaries or testicles
Hormonal disruption
Early menopause
Reduced sperm count or complete infertility
Loss of reproductive organs after surgery
By choosing fertility preservation before treatment, patients can maintain the possibility of having biological children once they have recovered and are ready to start a family.
Who Should Consider Fertility Preservation?
Fertility preservation is recommended for:
Women diagnosed with:
Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Cervical cancer
Lymphoma
Leukemia
Bone or soft tissue sarcoma
Autoimmune conditions requiring aggressive therapy
Any condition requiring chemotherapy or pelvic radiation
Men diagnosed with:
Testicular cancer
Prostate cancer
Lymphoma
Leukemia
Brain tumors
Any cancer requiring chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Children and adolescents:
Sparsh Hospital also supports young patients (pre-pubertal and adolescent) who may undergo cancer treatment that threatens future fertility. We coordinate with pediatric oncology teams to offer age-appropriate fertility options.
Fertility Preservation Options for Women at Sparsh Hospital
We provide advanced, evidence-based reproductive technologies to protect and preserve fertility.
1. Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
Egg freezing is the most widely used and successful method of fertility preservation for women.
How it works:
Hormonal stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs
Egg retrieval through a minimally invasive procedure
Freezing the eggs using vitrification, an ultra-rapid freezing method
Safe, long-term storage
Benefits:
High success rate
Allows women to use eggs whenever they are ready
Ideal for unmarried women or those not ready for parenthood
2. Embryo Freezing
For married couples or those with a partner, embryo freezing is a suitable option.
How it works:
Hormonal stimulation
Egg retrieval
Fertilization with partner’s sperm
Embryo formation and freezing
Advantages:
Highest pregnancy success rate
Embryos remain viable for many years
Couples can plan parenthood after cancer treatment
3. Ovarian Tissue Freezing
This is recommended for young girls or women who cannot delay cancer treatment long enough for egg retrieval.
Procedure:
A small portion of ovarian tissue is removed laparoscopically
Tissue is frozen and stored
Re-implanted later to restore fertility and hormonal function
Benefits:
Suitable for patients who cannot undergo hormonal stimulation
Only method for pre-pubertal girls
4. Ovarian Transposition (Oophoropexy)
This surgical procedure moves the ovaries away from the radiation field to protect them.
When recommended:
Patients undergoing pelvic radiation therapy
Outcome:
Reduces the risk of ovarian damage
Can preserve natural fertility
5. Medications to Protect Ovaries During Chemotherapy
Certain hormonal injections (GnRH agonists) temporarily suppress ovarian function to reduce chemotherapy-related damage.
Benefits:
Easy and non-invasive
Used alongside chemotherapy
Helps preserve ovarian reserve
Fertility Preservation Options for Men at Sparsh Hospital
1. Sperm Freezing (Semen Cryopreservation)
A simple and reliable method that stores sperm for future use.
Process:
Collection of a semen sample
Analysis and freezing
Secure, long-term storage
Benefits:
Fast—completed in one day
Ideal before chemotherapy or surgery
Can be used for IVF or ICSI later
2. Testicular Tissue Freezing
For boys who have not reached puberty or men unable to produce sperm.
How it works:
Testicular tissue is surgically removed
Frozen for future use
This is still considered an experimental method but offers hope for future fertility restoration.
3. Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)
Used when sperm is not present in semen due to blockage or cancer-related issues.
Procedure:
Minor surgical extraction of tissue directly from the testicle
Sperm is retrieved and frozen
Why Choose Sparsh Hospital for Fertility Preservation?
At Sparsh Hospital, our focus is compassionate, coordinated, and specialized care for cancer patients. Our multidisciplinary team ensures the most effective fertility preservation strategies while prioritizing your cancer treatment timeline.
1. Multidisciplinary Expertise
Our program brings together:
Fertility specialists
Oncologists
Gynecologists
Urologists
Embryologists
Counselors
This ensures a holistic, personalized approach to every case.
2. Advanced Fertility Technologies
We offer:
State-of-the-art IVF lab
Modern cryopreservation equipment
Vitrification techniques for high survival rates
Latest surgical fertility procedures
3. Rapid Treatment Planning
Cancer treatment cannot be delayed. At Sparsh Hospital:
Fertility procedures are fast-tracked
Egg retrieval cycles can be initiated immediately
Semen freezing is available the same day
4. Safe & Secure Storage
We provide long-term, high-security storage with continuous monitoring to ensure your gametes and tissues remain protected.
5. Emotional & Psychological Support
Cancer and fertility decisions are emotionally heavy.
We provide:
Counseling
Family guidance
Stress management
Support from trained fertility coordinators
Fertility Preservation Process at Sparsh Hospital
Step 1: Initial Consultation
A fertility specialist reviews your medical condition, cancer type, treatment timeline, and reproductive goals.
Step 2: Fertility Assessment
Includes:
Hormonal evaluation
Ultrasound for women
Semen analysis for men
Step 3: Customized Recommendations
A personalized fertility preservation plan tailored to:
Cancer type
Urgency of treatment
Age
Marital status
Fertility goals
Step 4: Rapid Procedure Scheduling
Egg retrieval, sperm freezing, or surgical options are initiated without delay.
Step 5: Safe Storage
All reproductive tissues are stored securely in our cryobank.
Step 6: Follow-Up Support
We stay connected even after treatment, guiding patients when they are ready to use their preserved fertility.
Fertility Preservation for Pediatric & Adolescent Cancer Patients
Children facing cancer treatments are also at risk of future infertility.
Sparsh Hospital provides supportive, family-focused care with appropriate options such as:
Testicular tissue freezing
Ovarian tissue freezing
Counseling for parents and caregivers
Future fertility planning
Using Preserved Eggs, Embryos & Sperm After Cancer Treatment
Once patients recover and decide to start a family, preserved reproductive tissues can be used for:
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Surrogacy (if medically required)
Our fertility specialists guide patients through every step, ensuring safe and successful conception.