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Fertility Preservation Program

Fertility Preservation Program

The Fertility Preservation Program evaluates children with cancer or other medical conditions that could affect future fertility. Children undergoing certain chemotherapy and radiation treatments are at risk of impaired fertility.
Fertility Preservation Program offers several options for fertility preservation, depending on the child's age, stage of puberty, diagnosis and proposed treatment plan. The multispecialty team approach ensures quality and patient-centered care. A team can help you and your child understand:
  • Which options are available to preserve fertility
  • How to choose the best option for fertility preservation before treatment
  • How fertility will be affected by the prescribed treatment
Girls: After pubertyGirls: Before puberty
  • Ovarian tissue freezing*
  • Ovarian shielding/transposition
  • Egg freezing
  • Embryo freezing
  • Ovarian suppression
    • Ovarian tissue freezing*
    • Ovarian shielding/transposition
    Boys: After pubertyBoys: Before puberty
    • Testicular tissue freezing*
    • Testicular shielding
    • Sperm freezing
      • Testicular tissue freezing*
      *Ovarian tissue freezing and testicular tissue freezing are offered under research protocols 

      You and your child will meet with several specialists, and your child may have a variety of tests. After the evaluation and testing are complete, the cancer doctor (oncologist) or other doctor if it's another medical condition meets with you and your child to discuss the treatment plan. The plan could include one or more of these: chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or monitoring your child over time.

      Chemotherapy and radiation treatment are usually performed at Children's Hospital, although some therapy can be completed at the outpatient Pediatric Infusion Therapy Center. Radiation therapy occurs at pediatric sections of either the Proton Beam Therapy Program 

      Fertility Preservation Program team

      Which Fertility Preservation Program team members will be involved in evaluation and treatment is based on your child's needs. When applicable, one or more team members will discuss opportunities available for your child to participate in research studies. If needed, your child may be referred to other pediatric specialists, in addition to those listed below.
      • Clinical nurse coordinator/study coordinator
        • Provides education to your child and family
        • Helps you and your child understand, coordinate and implement the treatment plan
      • Pediatric oncologist or other disease specialist
        • Evaluates, orders diagnostic tests and makes diagnoses
        • Discusses treatment options and recommends the best course of treatment
        • Helps maintain quality of life by managing any pain or any treatment side effects
      • Pediatric gynecologist
        • Discusses fertility preservation options and recommends the best course of treatment
        • Provides appropriate planning and timing of storing of tissue or eggs as indicated
      • Embryologist/in vitro fertilization (IVF) lab specialist
        • Discusses timeline and process of egg, sperm or tissue storage
        • Addresses questions regarding long-term storage of eggs, sperm or tissue
      • Reproductive endocrinologist/pediatric surgeon (girls)
        • Provides appropriate planning and timing of storing of tissue and eggs as indicated
        • Discusses risks, benefits and alternatives to surgical intervention, if needed
      • Pediatric urologist (boys)
        • Discusses fertility preservation options and recommends the best course of treatment
        • Provides appropriate planning and timing of storing of tissue and sperm as indicated
        • Discusses risks, benefits and alternatives of surgical intervention, if needed
      • Social worker
        • Helps your child and family cope with the diagnosis through counseling and support
        • Helps identify community resources to help with treatment and care at home
        • Provides information on resources with medical and insurance coverage
      • Psychologist
        • Assesses the patient's and family's coping
        • Discusses strategies for dealing with the diagnosis
        • Provides emotional support and mental health services

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