A cancer diagnosis can be a life-altering event. Patients must make difficult decisions regarding their treatment and often face the possibility of fertility loss or other long-term side effects of chemotherapy or radiation. Onco-freezing or cryopreservation is a solution that allows cancer patients to preserve their healthy cells, including eggs, sperm, and embryos, for future use.
What is Onco Freezing?
Onco-freezing, also known as fertility preservation or cryopreservation, is a method of preserving healthy cells for future use. The process involves freezing and storing healthy cells, such as eggs, sperm, or embryos, for a patient undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. These treatments can damage healthy cells, leading to fertility loss, so patients opt for onco-freezing to preserve their chances of having children in the future.
How Does Onco Freezing Work?
Onco freezing typically involves four main steps: consultation, hormone therapy, egg retrieval, and freezing.
- Consultation: The patient meets with a doctor to discuss their fertility preservation options. The doctor will explain the process and answer any questions the patient may have.
- Hormone Therapy: Women undergo hormone therapy to stimulate their ovaries to produce more eggs. Men do not require this step.
- Egg Retrieval: Once the ovaries have produced a sufficient number of eggs, the doctor retrieves them using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle. The process takes around 20-30 minutes and is performed under sedation.
- Freezing: The eggs are then frozen and stored in a laboratory until the patient is ready to use them. The same process applies to sperm and embryos.
Symptoms of Cancer and Fertility Issues
The symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type of cancer, but some common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, lumps or masses, and changes in bowel or bladder habits. In addition to these symptoms, women undergoing cancer treatment may also experience fertility issues, including irregular menstrual cycles, early menopause, and difficulty conceiving.
Types of Cancer that can Affect Fertility
Cancer can affect any part of the body, and different types of cancer can affect a woman's fertility in different ways. Some of the most common types of cancer that can affect fertility in women include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine cancer. Other types of cancer such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and leukaemia can also affect a woman's fertility.
Benefits of Onco Freezing:
The primary benefit of onco-freezing is that cancer patients can preserve their healthy cells and maintain their chances of having children in the future. Additionally, onco-freezing can also provide cancer patients with peace of mind, knowing that they have a backup plan for their fertility if they need it. Furthermore, onco-freezing is a simple process that is minimally invasive and can be done quickly, allowing patients to focus on their cancer treatment.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing any symptoms of cancer, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are concerned about your fertility, you should discuss your options with your oncologist and a fertility specialist.
Risk Factors for Fertility Issues in Cancer Patients
The risk factors for fertility issues in cancer patients include the type and stage of cancer, the location of the cancer, the age of the patient, and the type of cancer treatment. Women who have a family history of early menopause or fertility issues may also be at increased risk.
Possible Complications
The complications of cancer treatment can vary depending on the type of cancer and the treatment used. Some possible complications of cancer treatment that can affect fertility include early menopause, decreased ovarian function, and damage to the reproductive organs.
Patients who are about to undergo chemotherapy or radiation and wish to preserve their fertility are good candidates for onco-freezing.
No, onco-freezing cannot guarantee a pregnancy. However, it does increase the chances of pregnancy in the future.
Onco-freezing can be costly, but many insurance plans cover part or all of the cost. Patients should consult with their insurance providers to learn more about coverage options.
Onco freezing does not typically affect cancer treatment. However, patients should consult with their doctors to determine if onco-freezing is a viable option for their specific cancer treatment plan.
Onco freezing is a safe and effective method of preserving healthy cells for future use. Patients should consult with their doctors to determine if onco-freezing is the right choice for them.
