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Fertility preservation for oncology

Helpful tools
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Supporting you through oncology treatment

If you’re facing cancer treatment like chemotherapy, it can affect your fertility. We’re here to help by offering the option to freeze your eggs, embryos, ovarian tissue, or sperm, for those who may lose their fertility due to treatment. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible if you need urgent fertility preservation before starting your cancer therapy.

Embryo freezing

For women with a partner, freezing embryos may be a better option than freezing eggs. Clinics have more experience with embryo freezing, as it is commonly used in IVF treatment. However, if there’s any chance the relationship might end, freezing eggs and sperm separately is often a better choice than freezing embryos.

Ovarian tissue freezing

This process involves surgically removing and freezing thin slices of ovarian tissue. The tissue is later transplanted back after cancer treatment with the hope that it will respond to hormone stimulation during an IVF cycle.

Sperm freezing

Sperm freezing is straightforward, and most men produce enough sperm in one sample for multiple IVF cycles.

While it’s best to preserve your fertility before beginning cancer treatment, there may still be options available afterwards, depending on the treatment. Speaking with a fertility specialist will help ensure you’re aware of all your choices. 


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Publicly funded options

You may be eligible for publicly-funded fertility preservation, which covers the retrieval, freezing, and long-term storage of sperm if your fertility will be permanently affected by treatment for medical conditions, including cancer. 

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can book a free 20 minute consultation with one of our nurses. 

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Preparation

Often, there’s little time for lifestyle changes when facing fertility preservation. However, if possible before egg freezing, we recommend:

  • Stopping smoking

  • Taking folic acid

  • Reducing caffeine and alcohol

  • Discussing any medications with your doctor

The most important thing is to reach out to us as quickly as possible. Urgent appointments are available for those about to begin cancer treatment—call your nearest clinic to talk to one of our specialists.


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Book a free 20 minute phone consultation with one of our expert fertility nurses.

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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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