When your child gets a diagnosis of cancer, the last thing on your mind is probably 20 years from now. You want to get them through the day, through this year, to their next birthday. But as our treatments for cancer get better and better, and as survival rates go up for childhood cancers, it's becoming more of a concern what your child's future will look like when they make it through this.
The hard facts are that often, cancer treatments affect long term fertility. Even if your child is very young, their fertility organs (testis or ovaries) are very susceptible to injury by chemotherapy or radiation. The time to think about your child's fertility is now, before any treatment. Even though this can be difficult, it is best to have all options available if possible. In an overwhelming time, you may want to take advantage of a patient advocate, the work that I do for oncofertility patients, as well as others do. There are many new advancements in the field of oncofertility have given options to parents who want to consider their children's fertility. Below, options are separated by before and after puberty for males and females.
For Children Who have Not Gone Through Puberty
For Children Who Have Gone Through Puberty
Additional Options
- Donor Egg
- Donor Sperm
- Gestational Surrogate
- Adoption
For a consult with Dr. Riegle by phone or in person regarding your child's personal risk for infertility, options for fertility preservation, and other resources, schedule here.
Dr. Jen Riegle is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) who practices in Santa Rosa, CA. Dr. Jen specializes in women's health, infertility, and oncofertility. If you live in the Bay Area and would like to make an appointment, you may schedule on our website or by calling (707)-243-8998.