Advances in cancer treatment are enabling more people than ever to survive their cancer and go on to lead long, prosperous lives. Many therapies that improve the survival of patients with cancer and other serious illnesses have side effects that include loss of fertility and early menopause. Fortunately, advancements in reproductive technology enable us to provide effective fertility preservation options to our patients.
SRM launches first ovarian tissue cryopreservation program in the pacific northwest. SRM is working with Seattle Children’s to provide ovarian tissue freezing for patients undergoing treatment for cancer and other conditions that can cause infertility.
“For these patients, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is a vitally important option for preserving their fertility,” said Dr. Lynn Davis, who leads SRM’s Fertility Preservation Program. “SRM is proud to partner with Seattle Children’s, which is one of the only institutions in our region that currently offers this choice to girls and young women who have no other fertility preservation option.”
“IT’S GOING TO BE OK!” – FERTILITY, FAMILY, AND FACING CANCER WITH KIKKAN RANDALL
Fertility Preservation
Kikkan Randall’s Cancer Journey – and the road to her future fertility
Fertility, family and facing cancer with Kikkan Randall
Infertility Risks
Many factors are involved in determining the risk of infertility after cancer treatment; they include age, type of cancer, type of treatment, and underlying fertility potential. Treatments such as high dose radiation to the abdomen and pelvis, and chemotherapy with alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide and procarbazine are associated with a high risk of amenorrhea, premature ovarian failure, or early menopause. Non-alkylating chemotherapy poses less of a risk.
Fertility Preservation Services
At SRM, we understand that fertility preservation is a serious concern for those facing cancer treatment. We focus on supporting, educating, reassuring and providing the latest in fertility treatment to those who hope to build their family after they beat cancer.
SRM offers the following services for fertility preservation:
- IVF
- Egg Freezing
- Embryo Freezing
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer
- Sperm Freezing
- Testicular Aspiration and Freezing
- Ovarian Tissue Freezing
- Hormonal Treatment
- Donor Egg Treatment
- Gestational Carrier Treatment
First Steps
Time is often of the essence when scheduling fertility preservation appointments. Please call 877-777-6002 to schedule an appointment. When you contact us be sure to let us know the urgent nature of your situation and we will schedule you within a day or two.
If you are freezing sperm, you will not need to see a physician. We will schedule you for the next available collection. Our fertility preservation coordinator will assist you with arrangements for semen collection.
If possible, please bring your medical records to your appointment. We understand that, in many cases, your diagnosis is new and things are moving quickly. If your records are not readily available your SRM physician will contact your oncologist when needed.
Costs
We offer expedited, compassionate care at a discounted rate for sperm, egg or embryo freezing prior to cancer treatment. SRM is a proud member of Livestrong’s financial assistance network. As a participating center, SRM works with Livestrong to increase access to fertility preservation services for patients with cancer. To apply or for more information, please visit Livestrong Fertility for Men and Women.
