Fertility Preservation & Counseling

Reproductive health issues — including the ability to have healthy pregnancies and children, prevent unintended pregnancies, and manage menopause or testicular failure — are all important to young cancer survivors.

Nationally Ranked Fertility Care for Cancer Patients

UC San Diego Health is repeatedly ranked among the nation's best in cancer care, obstetrics and gynecology, and urology by U.S. News & World Report. We are also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you’ll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers.

Services for Females

Reproductive Risk Counseling: Meet with a reproductive specialist to talk about your individual infertility risks and learn about fertility preservation options, as well as safe methods to prevent pregnancy.

Embryo or Oocyte Banking: This is an option for girls and young women who have started puberty. It involves stimulating ovulation and removing the egg cells (oocytes). Your unfertilized eggs may be frozen (oocyte banking) or fertilized and frozen (embryo banking) for the future. Cancer treatment can begin the next day.

Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT): For families with hereditary cancer gene mutations, pre-implantation genetic testing for single gene defects can be performed on an embryo before it is transferred to the uterus. PGT can only be performed on embryos.

Fertility Sparing Surgery: If you will receive radiation of the abdomen or pelvis, it may be possible to move the ovaries surgically out of the field of radiation (ovarian transposition). 

Ovarian Suppression: For patients with breast cancer and sometimes other types of cancer, a class of medications called GnRH agonists can be given during chemotherapy to suppress ovarian function. In breast cancer survivors, this can increase the possibility of giving birth after cancer treatment.

Ovarian Tissue Banking: One ovary or part of one ovary is removed through a minor surgical procedure and the outer surface is frozen for later use. This may be the best option for females who must start their treatments immediately, or for those who have not yet reached puberty.

After Cancer Treatment

After completing cancer treatment, we recommend periodic follow-ups with reproductive specialists to discuss questions you may have.