Fertility Preservation for Teens and Young Adult Oncology Patients

Some types of cancer treatment can harm the ovaries or testicles. This means that some men and women who have had cancer treatment may have fertility problems and may not be able to have children. 

 Ask your child's doctor if the treatment they will have may cause fertility problems.

What affects fertility?

• Type and amount of chemotherapy (chemo)

• Dose and site of radiation therapy 

• Site of surgery

• Age 

• Other fertility risk factors

Although not all treatments cause this problem, we want you to be aware of your child’s options.

Methods to Preserve Fertility

Women

There is medicine women can take to protect the ovaries during treatment. This medicine will stop your menstrual period.

Young women who had their ovaries "turned off" are more likely to have periods come back or become pregnant after cancer treatment.

Some trial treatments include freezing eggs or part of an ovary. Your doctor will talk with you about these options. 

Men

Men who have gone through puberty can freeze sperm.

• You should freeze sperm before starting chemo. 

• The cost, about $1500, is not covered by insurance. 

• You will need to fill out a form, have an exam, blood and urine tests. 

Who to Call

If your child would like to freeze sperm call: UW Generations Clinic: (608) 824-6160.

Our staff can explain the process, the cost, and tests needed to help you decide if freezing sperm is right for your child.