Fertility preservation before treatment is an option for women who want to protect their ability to have genetically related children in the future. There are a number of options to consider, though each has its pros and cons.
Involves using a woman’s own eggs and the sperm of a male partner or donor.
To achieve a pregnancy:
Since egg or embryo freezing may be timed with the start of your period, your cycle may dictate the amount of time needed for these processes. If you are having chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant treatment), talk with your doctor about whether it is possible to delay treatment to complete embryo freezing.
Women who do not have a male partner or do not want to use donated sperm may choose to freeze eggs over embryos.
To achieve a pregnancy:
Ovarian tissue freezing is an experimental procedure for women who feel they do not have the time to go through a cycle of egg or embryo freezing.
Ovarian suppression is an experimental option that may protect your fertility while you undergo treatment.
Learn about your options for motherhood after breast cancer treatment.