A New Hope: Cancer Patients Now Have the Chance to Conceive

In a recent discovery, cancer patients now can have the chance to conceive after the treatment. So, what's the catch? How It's Done In general, cryopreservation is a process that preserves cells in a low temperature. In this case, this process is used to extract eggs and sperms in cancer patients. With injection of a specific hormone, the extracted eggs and sperm are to be stored in liquid hydrogen. The patients may proceed with the procedure once they have done with their cancer treatment. And this treatment isn't only fixed on extracting eggs or sperm, either. Women can get their ovarian tissue to be extracted and stored in frozen temperatures. They may go through a procedure that involves a light surgery. During this surgery, surgeons may remove the ovarian cortex, the egg-producing portion of the ovary. The doctor uses a laparoscope to remove the tissue. When the patient is ready to conceive after treatment, the tissue is to be thawed and put back into their body. If the fallopian tube of the patient isn't damaged and they ovulate normally, they may be ready for conception. Despite its rarity, this procedure can be done to men too if the isolating of sperms isn't an option. Factors of Success Though it's fact that cancer easily lowers fertility, it depends on what organ it effects. Susanne Weg-Remers of German Cancer Research Centre (DFKZ) states: 'The degree of risk that you’ll become infertile depends on the organ affected and treatment used'. According to Susanne, those who are diagnosed with cancers that affects the brain or hormonal structures may have a bigger risk in infertility. Chemotherapy itself affects this as well. This treatment works by stopping or slowing cancer cells that are in your body. For cancer cells to be eliminated, chemotherapy affects the entire body. Due to this, many parts of the body and cells are damaged. This affects one's fertility as well. Penn Medicine states that a woman is considered infertile when they're below the age of 35 and isn't able to conceive in a year of attempts. Another factor is when their eggs aren't strong enough for conception. A man is considered to infertile when their sperm count is under 15 million per millilitre of semen. Despite the possible pregnancy, it may still be difficult for predictable conception. A Chance for Everyone Everyone who wants a child deserves a second chance, even for cancer patients. There are other risks to come when they go through this treatment. Despite that, this procedure gives a new hope for them to give a life on this earth. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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