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Oocyte Cryopreservation

Possible damage to the ovaries is not the only way cancer treatment puts fertility at risk. Some treatments continue for many years, delaying pregnancy during peak years of fertility. For example, about 70 percent of breast cancers are the type treated with drugs like Tamoxifen that block the action of estrogen. These drugs are taken for five to ten years, during which time women are advised to avoid pregnancy. This is another reason many women explore their options for preserving fertility before cancer treatment.

Normal Ovarian Function

The ovaries are two small organs, about the size of your thumb, that are located in the female pelvis. They are attached to the uterus, one on each side, near the opening of the fallopian tube. The ovaries contain the female gamete cell, called the oocyte. In non medical terms, the oocyte is called the “egg”.

For Female Patients

Cancer and Female Infertility


Obstetric gynecologist Molly Moravek and Rogel Cancer Center fertility preservation coordinator, Erin Ellman, talk about the importance of fertility preservation for those of child bearing age who have cancer.

Future Use of Samples

Banked cryopreserved semen can be used for reproduction in several ways. The particular method chosen will depend on the quality and quantity of sperm cryopreserved. The age of the patient and his partner are important factors as well.

If there is an adequate number of samples of good quality available most couples will just attempt to initiate a pregnancy with intra-uterine insemination (IUI).

For Partners of Male Cancer Patients

Your partner has just been diagnosed with cancer. To hear this word in the same sentence as his name is terrifying. Many people are in a state of shock, angry, sad or some combination of all three. However, once the initial shock has worn off, the reality that cancer therapy will begin and offers the chance of long term survival brings hope.

For Parents of Male Cancer Patients

Your adolescent son has just been diagnosed with cancer. To hear this word in the same sentence as your child's name is terrifying. Many parents are in a state of shock, angry, sad or some combination of all three. However, once the initial shock has worn off, the reality that most children with cancer will be cured of their disease should bring hope.

Emotional Aspects of Sperm Banking

Semen for cryopreservation is obtained by masturbation. The subject can be quite embarrassing or uncomfortable for many men. Some men may decide against sperm banking because of their discomfort with obtaining the sample. Our sexual practices are very personal, private parts of our lives. Typically, we don't talk about our sexuality, especially masturbation, with anyone, much less our medical team.

Collecting a Sperm Sample

1. Refrain from any sexual activity (including masturbation) for at least 2 days and no more than 10 days. Longer or shorter periods of abstinence may result in a lower sperm count or decreased sperm motility.

2. A private room is available for semen collection within close proximity of our laboratory and is recommended for collection.

Semen Analysis

Semen is the yellow-white fluid that is released from the penis at the time of ejaculation. Semen is composed of seminal fluid and sperm. Sperm are the male reproductive cells that fertilize a female egg. A semen analysis will be performed on all specimens prior to cryopreservation. The analysis examines the color, viscosity (how thick the semen is), and the time until the specimen liquefies.

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