Fertility preservation can be expensive, and is often not covered by insurance. The cost of freezing eggs or embryos can be from $8,000 to $15,000 for each cycle, including medication and initial storage costs. Ovarian tissue freezing costs are about the same. Ongoing storage costs can be a few hundred dollars per year.
There are several financial assistance opportunities available to young women with breast cancer:
For more Information on fertility and family planning, check out these resources or search our ResourceLink database:
American Pregnancy Association offers a wide variety of information on pregnancy and fertility, including in vitro fertilization and adoption.
Heart Beat Fertility Preservation Program provides select fertility medications at no cost if minimal qualification requirements are met.
Livestrong Fertility is dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.
Oncofertility Consortium is a national, interdisciplinary initiative designed to explore the reproductive future of cancer survivors. Their website provides patient education and lists of resources.
Connect with other young women affected by breast cancer who have dealt with fertility preservation and ask questions about family planning on our Discussion Boards.