Fertility Blog by Illume Fertility

Everything you need to know about reproductive health, fertility testing, fertility treatment (like IUI and IVF) and how to navigate fertility challenges.

Fertility Preservation

Preserving Fertility, Preserving Hope

By: Joshua Hurwitz, MD
February 13th, 2018

Some of the most emotionally difficult conversations I have in my office on a weekly basis are those with patients who are diagnosed with cancer and come to me for fertility preservation. There is a psychological “double blow” hitting them all at once: not only is their cancer itself scary, but they are also worried that they will not be able to have children afterwards because chemotherapy and radiation – while life saving – can damage their sperm and eggs. Fertility preservation is a paramount concern for both men and women faced with cancer treatments. This is why it is important to tackle these difficult issues even in younger patients who are not planning to have children until the distant future. Cancer patients are understandably focused on their treatments, but fertility preservation should not be overlooked. Here are some common misconceptions and insights that often surprise patients and even some of my medical colleagues.

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