By Dr. Eden Rauch
Many reproductive-aged women with newly diagnosed cancer, who have not completed their childbearing, may choose to preserve their fertility. What is fertility preservation? A report in the journal Fertility and Sterility describes it as a process that may “increase the chances that [females] could someday become parents even after exposure to chemotherapy or other agents that can cause infertility.”
Through the IVFNJ fertility preservation program, the center is offering a new affordable option designed to help women who have been diagnosed with cancer and will be receiving treatment (chemotherapy or radiation) that could adversely affect their future fertility. The physicians at IVFNJ work with local oncologists in a team approach to inform cancer patients about the effects of cancer treatment on future fertility at the time of cancer diagnosis. A timely consult may be arranged with one of the IVFNJ physicians to discuss fertility preservation options available to the patient.
Several options are available to help preserve fertility in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The most appropriate option will be based on the patient’s age, cancer diagnosis, type of chemotherapy, time available before chemotherapy begins, and family situation.
The fertility preservation program at IVFNJ allows women to freeze their eggs or embryos (fertilized eggs) prior to the onset of cancer treatment, to hopefully preserve the ability to become pregnant in the future. This process requires specialized ovarian stimulation protocols similar to those protocols used with in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. Fertility preservation treatment involves a two-week time period for ovarian stimulation beginning with the onset of the patient’s menstrual cycle.
For those women who meet the criteria and have insurance coverage, IVFNJ will perform medical and professional services associated with the necessary IVF treatment free of charge. For those patients without coverage, the center will offer a steep discount for services. This will significantly reduce the financial commitment associated with egg/embryo freezing for couples faced with the challenge of cancer treatment.
Learn more about cancer treatment and fertility
Source: Lamar CA, DeCherney AH. Fertility preservation: state of the science and future research directions. Fertil Steril 2009;91(2):316–9.
IVF New Jersey (IVFNJ) is pleased to announce the launch of its new fertility preservation program for women who are newly diagnosed with cancer. IVF New Jersey has joined Fertile Hope as a Sharing Hope center.
Dr. Eden Rauch joined the IVF New Jersey team after completing her subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility – a designated Center of Excellence within one of the world’s leading teaching hospitals and medical research facilities, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Rauch is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Endocrinology (ASRM), and a member of the Fertility Preservation Special Interest Group of the ASRM. Her clinical and research interests include fertility preservation, in vitro fertilization, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian reserve screening and the treatment of diminished ovarian reserve in young poor responders, and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Dr. Rauch provides on-site, full care primarily in IVF NJ’s Freehold area office.
