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Fertility preservation for oncology

Helpful tools
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For those going through oncology treatment

If you might have to undergo cancer treatment with chemotherapy, this may have a detrimental impact on your eggs or sperm. We are able to freeze eggs, embryos, ovarian tissue and sperm for people who face losing their fertility because of such treatment. Talk to us urgently if you need fertility preservation at short notice prior to cancer treatment.

Embryo freezing

If a woman has a partner, it is sometimes better to freeze embryos than eggs. Embryo freezing has been around longer than egg freezing and clinics have a lot more experience with embryo freezing as it is part of routine IVF treatment. However, if there is any possibility that your relationship might break up in the future, it's better to freeze eggs and sperm separately, and not embryos.

Ovarian tissue freezing

This technique involves removing one or both ovaries surgically and freezing thin slices of ovarian tissue. The slices are transplanted back to the women once cancer treatment has finished, with the idea that they will respond to hormone stimulation as part of an IVF cycle.

Sperm freezing

Sperm freezing is straightforward and many people will have enough sperm in one ejaculate for several IVF cycles. 

Options for fertility preservation may exist prior to and after cancer treatment, however it is very important that if you have time before you start your treatment, you speak with a fertility specialist - to ensure you have the full picture. Many options for fertility preservation may be funded through the public health system.

Access to publicly-funded fertility preservation for the retrieval, freezing and long-term storage of sperm is available for people whose fertility will be permanently impaired by publicly-funded treatment for medical conditions, such as by cancer treatment.

Preparation

Most people facing fertility preservation won’t have enough time to make changes to lifestyle or to follow the tips for becoming ‘fertility fit’ If you do have time before egg freezing, the key messages are:

  • stop smoking
  • take folic acid
  • reduce caffeine and alcohol
  • discuss medications with your doctor

The important thing is to talk to us quickly - call your nearest clinic. Urgent appointments are available for those about to undergo cancer treatment.

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early
  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI
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