Patients undergoing various treatments for cancer may have a hard time getting pregnant. This is due to the agents used in many cancer treatments. Women may experience premature menopause or a reduced ability to carry a pregnancy due to damage to their reproductive tract.  Men may experience a permanent loss of sperm production or function, which makes them infertile. 

Our program offers a variety of options for cancer patients facing potential reproductive risks caused by their cancer therapy. We will always work closely with your oncology team. After meeting with you and reviewing your case, we can help estimate your risk of infertility based on your cancer treatment.

For women

Appropriate fertility preservation may include freezing eggs prior to treatment, which offers hope for building a family at a later date.  This requires that you have time to undergo an IVF cycle prior to the onset of your cancer treatment.  If you have a partner, you may also undergo an IVF cycle and freeze all of your embryos produced in the cycle for later transfer. If your cancer therapy cannot be delayed, you may also be a candidate for freezing ovarian tissue for later transplantation when cancer therapy has been completed. OHSU Fertility Consultants offers all of these options. We also offer expedited consultation with our doctors to discuss the appropriate reproductive preservation option. 

Contact us at 503-418-3700 for complete information.

For men

For men, fertility preservation means sperm cryopreservation (freezing).  Men generally will have time to bank at least one semen specimen before starting cancer treatment. It is important to understand that one frozen/thawed specimen will usually provide enough sperm for several IVF procedures. However it probably will not be enough sperm for a single intrauterine insemination attempt.

You may have already started your cancer treatment.  You may only be learning about these options for preserving your fertility after you have been admitted to the hospital. If you are unable to come into our offices due to a hospital admission, we also have processes for receiving your sperm.  Please call us and we can make appropriate plans with you. Contact us at 503-418-3700.

Success rates, scheduling and more

Learn more about freezing and storing semen.

Funding assistance

Learn more about possible sources of funding for fertility preservation.