Cryopreservation - A Ray of Hope

Approximately 1.4 lakh of people under 40-45 years are diagnosed with cancer every year. In the past two decades, advancements in cancer treatments have led to a remarkable increase in survival rates. Quality-of-life issues for these survivors, such as fertility, are gaining exposure in clinical and public realms. The survivors hope to have a biological family; in fact, prior studies indicate that the process of surviving a cancer diagnosis may increase the desire to have children. However, these treatments can result in premature ovarian failure or other fertility disorders in women and men. The testicles may not produce healthy sperm, or the process of sperm ejaculation is disrupted.

Though cancer treatment can significantly impact fertility, many options are now available to cancer survivors.

For Men:

• Sperm cryopreservation

• Testicular tissue cryopreservation

For Women:

• Embryo cryopreservation

• Oocyte cryopreservation

• Ovarian tissue cryopreservation

Fertility Preservation gives hope in future reproduction and hope of life after cancer. Fertility Preservation should be discussed with the patients about to embark on this treatment. Sperm freezing and embryo freezing are the most successful method to date.