Fertility Preservation
Fertility preservation before cancer treatments at a glance
- Fertility preservation procedures (sometimes called oncofertility) are performed before cancer treatments (which can impair or end fertility) so that the woman can conceive after treatment.
- Cancer treatments that compromise fertility include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to remove reproductive organs.
- The likelihood of fertility impairment depends on the type of cancer and the woman’s age, and the effects can be permanent or temporary.
- Fertility preservation methods may involve egg or embryo freezing (cryopreservation) or physically moving reproductive organs in the body to protect them from radiation.
- Most research suggests that the fertility preservation methods do not affect a woman’s ability to fight cancer.
- Sometimes cancer treatment must be delayed in order to complete fertility preservation procedures.
Fertility preservation procedures can help cancer patients have children in the future by cryopreserving (freezing) their sperm, eggs or ovarian tissue prior to receiving their life-saving cancer treatments. In vitro fertilization or third-party reproductive options such as egg donation or surrogacy may also help survivors become parents after cancer treatment.
The CU Anschutz Fertility Preservation and Reproductive Late Effects (FPRLE) Program specializes in fertility preservation, ovarian response to medical therapies, and assisted reproduction outcomes. The CU Anschutz Oncofertility team sees patients to discuss their family planning options as cancer survivors.
For more information, contact the CU Anschutz FPRLE program online.
University care is driven by its patients, not profits.
The Division of Gynecologic Oncology at CU Anschutz provides comprehensive treatments and services for all patients.
Because the University of Colorado Anschutz is a research-backed institution, our doctors can take on even the most complex cases, and patients receive the best and most modern care available.
Patients may also participate in the many available cancer research and clinical trials.
The CU Anschutz Cancer Center Difference
You're in expert hands with our Gynecologic Oncology team.
Studies show that patients with gynecologic cancers experience better outcomes and higher survival rates when treated by a gynecologic oncologist, especially at the start of care.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center is one of only 26 centers nationwide designated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of leading cancer centers committed to setting the highest standards in patient care.
As an NCCN member, CU Anschutz Gynecologic Oncology offers patients access to the latest technologies, innovative treatments, and clinical expertise, all delivered with compassionate, personalized care.
Treating Cancers at CU Anschutz
The CU Anschutz Cancer Center Difference
You're in expert hands with our Gynecologic Oncology team.
Studies show that patients with gynecologic cancers experience better outcomes and higher survival rates when treated by a gynecologic oncologist, especially at the start of care.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center is one of only 26 centers nationwide designated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of leading cancer centers committed to setting the highest standards in patient care.
As an NCCN member, CU Anschutz Gynecologic Oncology offers patients access to the latest technologies, innovative treatments, and clinical expertise, all delivered with compassionate, personalized care.