Considering future fertility in cancer survivors    

After fighting and winning the battle against cancer, we know you want to be fully present to enjoy life’s biggest moments, which can include the thrill of parenthood. Thanks to advances in the area of fertility in cancer survivors, Texas Fertility Center (TFC) is helping an increasing number of former patients become parents. 

After hitting its peak in 1991, the U.S. cancer death rate has dropped by about a third, according to the American Cancer Society. That means that men and women who fight successfully against cancer can fully embrace their long-term quality of life, which for many includes dreams of parenthood. 

While cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and other therapies are effective in destroying cancer cells, they also can negatively impact reproductive organs and impact future fertility. It is important to know each individual case is different, and our fertility doctors at TFC are ready to learn how we can best help. 

We customize our care for each patient

Our Austin fertility doctors appreciate that everyone has a unique story, and we individualize care when considering fertility in cancer survivors. Cancer treatment is different for each person, varying in location, type of treatment and associated dosages, and these factors can impact fertility in different ways. 

In some instances, we do not connect with our patients until after they have successfully been treated for cancer. We are here to support patients at whatever stage they find themselves in the fight against cancer or as survivors. This can include: 

• Patients who are unable to preserve fertility because his or her medical team needed to immediately begin aggressive treatment, meaning fertility options have to be considered later.
• Patients who did not understand the impact of radiation or chemotherapy on fertility until after treatment.
• Patients who have had surgery affecting reproductive organs.

We can provide support and extra help

In situations where patients were unable to preserve fertility, they may need a bit of outside help. TFC has third-party reproductive options available to increase the chances of fertility in cancer survivors. 

Here are some ways we can help:

• Our Austin fertility center offers an in-house egg donor program with highly qualified donors and extensive medical and psychological screening. These can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF). 
• A sperm donor can help those facing male infertility. 
• A gestational carrier is an option when a female partner cannot carry a pregnancy. We work with reputable agencies that thoroughly screen both the physical and psychological health of women who might be your carrier. 

These processes can involve many steps, and our compassionate and experienced team will expertly guide you every step of the way. Contact us to learn how we can help.