Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients: Options Before and After Treatment

A cancer diagnosis changes everything — but it doesn’t have to put your dreams of parenthood on hold. For individuals of reproductive age, one of the biggest concerns is how cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery will affect fertility. The good news is that fertility preservation options exist both before and after treatment, giving patients a chance to protect their ability to have children in the future.

From freezing sperm or eggs to protecting ovaries during treatment, there are a range of options tailored to each patient’s unique situation. Whether you’re looking to plan ahead before treatment or explore options afterward, understanding your choices can offer peace of mind during an already difficult time. This guide breaks down the most effective fertility preservation methods into four parts, starting with the essential steps you can take before cancer treatment begins.

Fertility Preservation Options Before Cancer Treatment 🧊💫

Taking action before cancer treatment starts gives patients the best chance of preserving their fertility. By freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos before chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, patients can protect their future ability to have children. Here’s a look at the most effective options available before treatment begins.

1️⃣ Sperm Cryopreservation (Sperm Banking) 💧

For males, sperm banking is one of the most simple, effective, and widely available fertility preservation methods.

How It Works:

🧪 The patient provides a sperm sample, which is processed, frozen, and stored in a cryogenic facility.
❄️ The sperm can remain frozen indefinitely, maintaining its viability for years.
🔄 Multiple samples are often collected to increase the chances of future conception.

Key Benefits:

✅ Proven Success: Sperm cryopreservation has been used for decades with high success rates for future pregnancies.
✅ Quick and Non-Invasive: No need for surgery or extensive treatment delays.
✅ Low Cost: It’s one of the most affordable fertility preservation methods available.

2️⃣ Embryo Cryopreservation (Freezing Embryos) 🧫

For patients with a partner (or access to donor sperm), freezing embryos offers a powerful option for fertility preservation.

How It Works:

💉 The patient undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs.
🥚 The eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm (partner or donor) in a laboratory.
❄️ The resulting embryos are frozen and stored for later use.

Key Benefits:

✅ High Success Rates: Embryos have higher survival rates during the freezing/thawing process compared to unfertilized eggs.
✅ Established Technology: This method has been used in IVF (in vitro fertilization) for decades, giving it a proven track record.
✅ Flexibility: The embryos can be stored for years and used when the patient is ready to have children.

Considerations:

⚠️ Embryo creation requires fertilization with sperm, which may require input from a partner or donor.
⚠️ Patients may need to delay cancer treatment by 2-3 weeks to allow for ovarian stimulation.

3️⃣ Oocyte (Egg) Cryopreservation (Freezing Eggs) 🥚❄️

If you don’t have a partner or prefer to avoid embryo creation, egg freezing is a strong alternative for women. It offers the same flexibility as embryo freezing but without the need for sperm.

How It Works:

💉 The patient undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs.
🥚 The eggs are retrieved and immediately frozen using a process called vitrification (a fast freezing technique).
❄️ The frozen eggs can be thawed, fertilized, and implanted later.

Key Benefits:

✅ No Partner Required: Unlike embryo freezing, egg freezing doesn’t require sperm.
✅ Flexibility and Control: Patients maintain full control over their reproductive choices.
✅ Advanced Technology: Vitrification (fast freezing) greatly improves egg survival rates during thawing.

Considerations:

⚠️ Patients may need to delay cancer treatment for 2-3 weeks for egg retrieval.
⚠️ Not all frozen eggs survive the thawing process, so it’s recommended to freeze multiple eggs.

4️⃣ Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (Freezing Ovarian Tissue) 🌿

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an innovative option, especially for young girls or women who don’t have time to undergo egg retrieval.

How It Works:

✂️ A small piece of ovarian tissue is removed via a minimally invasive surgery.
❄️ The tissue is frozen and stored.
🔄 After cancer treatment, the tissue can be re-implanted, allowing for natural ovulation and hormone production.

Key Benefits:

✅ No Delay in Cancer Treatment: Surgery to remove the tissue is quick, so cancer treatment can start immediately afterward.
✅ Natural Restoration of Fertility: Unlike egg or embryo freezing, ovarian tissue may allow for natural conception after re-implantation.
✅ Best for Young Patients: It’s an ideal option for prepubescent girls who aren’t eligible for egg freezing.

Considerations:

⚠️ This method is still considered experimental, with limited data on long-term pregnancy success rates.
⚠️ It requires surgery, which comes with associated risks.

5️⃣ Gonadal Shielding (Protective Shields) 🛡️

When radiation is required for cancer treatment, it’s possible to shield the reproductive organs from exposure.

How It Works:

🔒 Lead shields are placed over the patient’s ovaries or testicles during radiation therapy to block harmful radiation from reaching these organs.

Key Benefits:

✅ Non-Invasive and Simple: No surgery or freezing required.
✅ Fast and Immediate Protection: No treatment delays are needed to implement shielding.

Considerations:

⚠️ This method does not protect against chemotherapy — only localized radiation.
⚠️ It’s not 100% effective, as some scattered radiation may still reach reproductive organs.

6️⃣ Ovarian Suppression (Temporary Ovary Shutdown) 💤

This option involves the use of medications to “shut down” the ovaries during chemotherapy, reducing their exposure to damage.

How It Works:

💉 A medication called a GnRH agonist is administered before and during chemotherapy.
💤 The drug temporarily “shuts down” ovarian function, putting the ovaries in a dormant state.

Key Benefits:

✅ No Delays in Cancer Treatment: Treatment can begin right away, with no need to delay for procedures or retrievals.
✅ Protects Natural Fertility: By putting the ovaries to “sleep,” it minimizes exposure to toxic chemotherapy.

Considerations:

⚠️ Effectiveness varies by patient, cancer type, and chemotherapy used.
⚠️ It may not be as reliable as other options, and fertility may not be fully preserved.

Choosing the Right Option: Factors to Consider 📋

When deciding which option is best, patients should consider:

📅 Time Available: Some methods (like egg freezing) require 2-3 weeks, while others (like ovarian tissue freezing) can be done immediately.
💰 Cost: Fertility preservation costs can range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the method and storage fees.
🧪 Type of Cancer: Certain cancers (like ovarian cancer) may not allow for certain preservation methods.
🧍 Patient Age: Young children may benefit from ovarian tissue freezing, while older women may prefer egg freezing.

Fertility Preservation Options After Cancer Treatment 🌱💪

If cancer treatment has already begun — or even finished — it’s natural to wonder if it’s too late to preserve fertility. The good news is that there are still options available. Advances in fertility science mean that even after chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, individuals may still have a path to parenthood.

This section highlights the key fertility preservation options after cancer treatment. Whether you’re looking to restart natural fertility or explore assisted reproductive technologies, there are several ways to keep your dream of having children alive.

1️⃣ Egg and Embryo Freezing (Post-Treatment) 🧫❄️

Even after cancer treatment, women may still be able to retrieve and freeze eggs or create embryos using in vitro fertilization (IVF). While chemotherapy and radiation can reduce ovarian reserve (the number of eggs in the ovaries), many people are surprised to learn that not all eggs are destroyed.

How It Works:

💉 Ovarian stimulation is used to produce mature eggs.
🥚 Eggs are retrieved and either frozen directly or fertilized with sperm to create embryos.
❄️ The frozen eggs or embryos are stored for future use.

Key Benefits:

✅ Still Possible After Treatment: If a woman still has viable eggs, this process can be successful.
✅ Option to Create Embryos: Embryos have a higher survival rate than eggs after freezing and thawing.
✅ Can Be Done Anytime After Treatment: Once menstrual cycles resume, ovarian function can be assessed for eligibility.

Considerations:

⚠️ Egg quality may be lower after chemotherapy or radiation, which can affect success rates.
⚠️ Some people may need hormone therapy to stimulate ovulation, which could be risky depending on cancer type.
⚠️ IVF and egg retrieval can be costly, and the process may take several weeks.

2️⃣ Ovarian Tissue Transplantation (For Women) 🌿🔄

If ovarian tissue was preserved before treatment, it can be re-implanted after cancer treatment to restore natural fertility. This approach allows women to ovulate naturally and even conceive naturally in some cases.

How It Works:

🥼 Previously frozen ovarian tissue is thawed and surgically re-implanted into the body (often near the fallopian tubes).
🌿 The ovarian tissue resumes normal hormonal function, allowing natural ovulation.
🤰 Women may be able to conceive naturally, without the need for IVF.

Key Benefits:

✅ Restores Natural Fertility: Unlike egg freezing, this option allows natural ovulation and pregnancy.
✅ Restores Hormone Function: Helps restart regular menstrual cycles and balances hormone levels.
✅ Best for Young Patients: Effective for prepubescent girls or women who froze tissue before puberty.

Considerations:

⚠️ This method is still considered experimental in some countries.
⚠️ Success rates are improving, but pregnancy rates are still lower than with egg or embryo freezing.
⚠️ The patient must undergo surgery to re-implant the ovarian tissue, which comes with associated surgical risks.

3️⃣ Using Donor Eggs, Sperm, or Embryos 🌟

For cancer survivors whose reproductive cells (eggs or sperm) were significantly impacted, donor eggs, donor sperm, or donor embryos offer a path to parenthood. This option is often recommended if chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery permanently affects fertility.

How It Works:

🧪 Donor eggs or sperm are fertilized using in vitro fertilization (IVF).
🤰 The resulting embryos are implanted into the patient or a gestational surrogate.
👶 The child will have a genetic link to one parent (if a partner’s sperm or eggs are used) or may be from a donor embryo.

Key Benefits:

✅ Reliable Option for Cancer Survivors: If ovarian function or sperm production is no longer possible, donor cells are a great alternative.
✅ High Success Rates: Success rates with donor eggs are typically higher than using a patient’s own post-treatment eggs.
✅ Multiple Choices: Patients can use donor sperm, donor eggs, or even a fully fertilized donor embryo.

Considerations:

⚠️ Genetic Connection: If both sperm and egg are from donors, the child may not have a biological link to the parents.
⚠️ Legal & Ethical Issues: Using donor sperm, eggs, or embryos may require additional legal documentation.
⚠️ Emotional Considerations: It’s important to work with a counselor to discuss the emotional aspects of using donor gametes.

4️⃣ Surrogacy (For Men and Women) 🤱

If carrying a pregnancy isn’t possible due to the effects of cancer treatment (like a hysterectomy), patients may still become parents through gestational surrogacy. In this process, a surrogate carries and delivers the child, but the baby is biologically linked to one or both parents.

How It Works:

🧫 An embryo is created using IVF with the intended parent’s sperm and/or egg (or donor sperm/egg).
🤱 The embryo is implanted into a gestational surrogate (a person who carries the pregnancy).
👶 The child is delivered by the surrogate, and custody is transferred to the intended parents after birth.

Key Benefits:

✅ Option for People Without a Uterus: Ideal for women who have had a hysterectomy or for male cancer survivors.
✅ Genetic Connection: Parents can still have a biological link to their child if they use their own sperm or eggs.
✅ Legal Custody: Legal custody is established before birth, ensuring parental rights.

Considerations:

⚠️ Costly Process: Surrogacy is one of the most expensive fertility options, often costing $50K to $100K+.
⚠️ Legal Complexity: Legal agreements must be established between parents and the surrogate.
⚠️ Emotional Aspects: It’s essential to prepare for the emotional journey of surrogacy.

5️⃣ Adoption and Foster Care ❤️

If biological reproduction is no longer an option, adoption and foster care provide a meaningful way to grow a family. Adoption offers both infants and older children a safe and loving home.

How It Works:

🧸 Parents can pursue domestic adoption, international adoption, or foster-to-adopt programs.
📋 Legal procedures are followed to transfer custody to the adoptive parents.
🤝 Adoption agencies and social services guide parents through the process.

Key Benefits:

✅ No Genetic Limitations: No need to worry about the biological impact of cancer treatment.
✅ Multiple Pathways: Options include adopting infants, older children, or children from other countries.
✅ Permanent Family Building: Adoption provides a lasting family structure and parental rights.

Considerations:

⚠️ Lengthy Process: Adoption may take 6-18 months or longer, depending on the path chosen.
⚠️ Costs: Domestic and international adoption can be expensive, with costs ranging from $20K to $50K.
⚠️ Emotional Journey: Adoptive parents must be prepared for the emotional ups and downs of the process.

How Do You Know Which Option Is Right for You? 🤔

After cancer treatment, the best fertility option depends on:

🔬 Treatment Type: If your ovaries or testes are still functioning, egg retrieval or sperm production may still be possible.
🕒 Time Since Treatment: It’s often recommended to wait 6-12 months after treatment to assess ovarian and sperm health.
🧪 Medical Tests: Blood tests and imaging can assess ovarian reserve, sperm health, and natural hormone production.
💰 Financial Factors: Surrogacy, adoption, and donor options have different costs, which may impact your decision.

Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients 💛🧠

Fertility preservation is more than a medical procedure — it’s an emotional journey. For cancer patients, the idea of potentially losing the ability to have children can be as emotionally taxing as the cancer diagnosis itself. The combination of medical decisions, financial costs, and emotional uncertainty can take a toll on mental well-being.

But it’s important to know that you’re not alone. With the right support network, mental health resources, and a clear plan for the future, patients can navigate this emotional journey with confidence. This part of the guide explores the key emotional and psychological challenges associated with fertility preservation for cancer patients, along with strategies to stay strong.

1️⃣ Emotional Impact of Fertility Preservation 🌧️💛

Cancer patients already face the stress of their diagnosis, and the prospect of potential infertility adds an extra layer of anxiety. Here’s a look at the most common emotions patients may experience:

Shock and Grief: The idea that fertility may be affected can feel like a sudden loss, leading to a grieving process.
Fear of the Unknown: The uncertainty of cancer outcomes and fertility preservation success rates can feel overwhelming.
Pressure to Make Decisions Quickly: Patients often have limited time to make preservation decisions before starting cancer treatment.
Financial Stress: Fertility treatments like egg freezing, sperm banking, and surrogacy can be costly, leading to financial anxiety.
Emotional Fatigue: Juggling medical appointments, fertility consultations, and financial planning can leave patients mentally drained.

2️⃣ How to Cope with the Emotional Challenges 🌿💪

The emotional weight of fertility preservation can feel heavy, but there are ways to lighten the load. Here are some of the best strategies for maintaining mental well-being throughout the process:

1. Build a Support Network 🫂

No one should go through this journey alone. Having a support system of family, friends, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals can provide emotional stability.

How to Build Your Support Network:

Talk to Loved Ones: Share your concerns with close family and friends. Let them know how they can support you.
Lean on Healthcare Providers: Your oncology team and fertility specialists are there to support you emotionally as well as medically.
Consider a Mental Health Counselor: Speaking with a therapist or counselor experienced in cancer-related fertility issues can be a game-changer.

2. Address Grief and Uncertainty 🌀

It’s okay to grieve. The potential loss of fertility is a form of loss, and it’s natural to experience sadness, frustration, or anger.

How to Cope with Grief and Uncertainty:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Don’t suppress emotions. Let yourself feel them so you can begin to process and heal.
Talk It Out: Speaking to a counselor or therapist can help you process these emotions.
Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling can reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity.

3. Stay Informed and Empowered 📚

Fear of the unknown is one of the biggest emotional stressors. But the more you understand about fertility preservation, the more in control you’ll feel.

How to Stay Empowered:

Ask Questions: Ask your doctors and fertility specialists about all your options, timelines, and success rates.
Research Your Options: The more you understand the procedures, the less fear you’ll have.
Break it Down Step-by-Step: Focus on one decision at a time. Instead of thinking about the “big picture,” tackle each small decision one by one.

4. Prioritize Self-Care and Mental Wellness 🧘‍♀️

Cancer treatment is physically demanding, but mental well-being is just as important. Prioritize activities that calm your mind and bring you joy.

How to Practice Self-Care:

Take Time for Hobbies: Watch your favorite TV shows, read books, or listen to calming music.
Set Boundaries: Reduce exposure to stressors like social media or negative news.
Stay Physically Active: Gentle exercise like yoga or stretching can boost mental well-being.

3️⃣ Talking to Your Partner or Loved Ones 👫💬

If you have a partner, fertility preservation decisions will likely impact both of you. Open communication is crucial to ensure you’re both on the same page. Here’s how to approach these discussions:

How to Have the Conversation:

Start Early: The sooner you discuss fertility preservation, the more options you’ll have.
Be Honest: Share your feelings, fears, and desires for the future.
Set Expectations: If you’re considering egg freezing, embryo creation, or sperm banking, discuss your long-term goals as a couple.
Involve a Counselor: If the conversation is difficult, a fertility counselor can help guide you both.

What to Talk About:

Are you both aligned on having children in the future?
Do you want to use eggs, sperm, or embryos in the future?
Are you financially prepared for the costs of fertility preservation and future treatments?

4️⃣ How Mental Health Services Can Help 🧠❤️

Sometimes, no amount of self-care or support from loved ones is enough. This is where professional mental health services can make a real difference. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness — it’s a proactive way to take care of your emotional well-being.

What to Expect from Mental Health Counseling:

Fertility Counseling: Focused on fertility-specific challenges like grief, uncertainty, and future planning.
Emotional Coping: Strategies to deal with anxiety, fear, and emotional fatigue.
Mindfulness Techniques: Mental health professionals often teach mindfulness and relaxation exercises.
Decision-Making Support: Counselors can help you make tough decisions about fertility treatments and future options.

Signs You May Need Extra Mental Health Support 🚩

You feel overwhelmed by fertility-related decisions.
You experience sleep disturbances due to worry or anxiety.
Your feelings of sadness or hopelessness last more than 2 weeks.
You feel disconnected from loved ones or your partner.
You’re struggling with the financial stress of fertility treatments.

If any of these signs apply, it’s okay to ask for help. Mental health counselors can help you find peace and clarity during this challenging time.

5️⃣ The Role of Fertility Counselors 💛🧠

A fertility counselor is a specialist trained to help patients navigate the emotional complexities of fertility preservation. They work with patients to process feelings, make informed decisions, and manage stress.

What a Fertility Counselor Can Do for You:

Help you sort through options and make fertility preservation decisions.
Provide emotional support for grief, sadness, and uncertainty.
Offer coping strategies for financial stress related to fertility treatments.
Support couples counseling for partners navigating fertility decisions together.

inancial Aspects of Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients 💸🧾

Fertility preservation is a life-changing option, but it’s no secret that it comes with a cost. From egg freezing to sperm banking, these procedures can be expensive. For many cancer patients, the high cost of preservation adds a layer of stress to an already difficult journey.

But here’s the good news: there are ways to manage these costs. From insurance coverage to grants and financial aid programs, cancer patients have more options than ever to make fertility preservation affordable. This part of the guide explores the key financial considerations for fertility preservation, along with practical tips for managing costs.

1️⃣ How Much Does Fertility Preservation Cost? 💰

The cost of fertility preservation depends on the method you choose. Below is a breakdown of the most common fertility preservation options and their estimated costs.

Preservation Method	Estimated Cost (USD)	Additional Costs
Sperm Banking	$500 – $1,000	$100 – $300/year storage fee
Egg Freezing	$6,000 – $15,000	$500 – $1,000/year storage fee
Embryo Freezing	$8,000 – $17,000	$500 – $1,000/year storage fee
Ovarian Tissue Freezing	$10,000 – $15,000	$1,000/year storage fee
Ovarian Suppression (Medications)	$300 – $600/month	–
Fertility Testing (Ovarian Reserve, Sperm Analysis)	$200 – $500	–

Important Notes:

These are estimated costs and may vary depending on location, fertility clinic, and provider.
Additional fees may apply for storage, medication, anesthesia, and bloodwork.
Costs for retrieving and using stored sperm, eggs, or embryos later may range from $3,000 to $5,000.

2️⃣ Will Insurance Cover Fertility Preservation? 🧾

Many cancer patients are surprised to learn that some health insurance plans do offer partial or full coverage for fertility preservation. However, it varies by insurance provider, cancer type, and location.

Here’s what to know about insurance coverage:

State-Specific Laws: Some states, like New York, require insurers to cover fertility preservation for cancer patients.
Employer-Sponsored Plans: If your employer offers comprehensive fertility benefits, check to see if fertility preservation is included.
Cancer-Specific Coverage: Some plans cover fertility preservation if it’s necessary due to cancer treatment, but you may need a doctor’s letter of medical necessity.

How to Find Out if You’re Covered 📝

Call Your Insurance Provider: Ask if they cover fertility preservation due to cancer treatment.
Request a Letter of Medical Necessity: Ask your oncologist or fertility specialist to write a letter explaining the medical necessity of fertility preservation.
Check Your State Laws: Some states require fertility preservation coverage as part of healthcare plans.

Insider Tip:
If you’re unsure whether your insurance will cover fertility preservation, ask for a “preauthorization request”. This allows the insurance company to review and approve the procedure before you receive treatment, reducing the risk of surprise bills.

3️⃣ Financial Assistance Programs for Cancer Patients 🤝💛

If insurance doesn’t cover fertility preservation, financial aid and grants may be available to offset the cost. Nonprofits, advocacy groups, and fertility clinics often provide assistance to patients in need. Here are some of the most popular programs:

1. Livestrong Fertility 🌱

What It Offers: Free fertility medications and discounted fertility preservation services for cancer patients.
Who Can Apply: Men and women diagnosed with cancer, regardless of income.
How It Helps: Patients can access discounts on egg freezing, sperm banking, and embryo freezing.

2. Heartbeat Program ❤️

What It Offers: Discounted fertility medications for cancer patients.
Who Can Apply: Women with cancer who plan to freeze eggs or embryos.
How It Helps: Reduces the cost of fertility medications, which can make up a large portion of egg freezing expenses.

3. The Samfund 💪

What It Offers: Grants and financial assistance for young adult cancer survivors, including support for fertility-related expenses.
Who Can Apply: Cancer survivors aged 21-39.
How It Helps: Provides cash grants that can be used for fertility preservation, family planning, and adoption expenses.

4. Baby Quest Foundation 🌟

What It Offers: Financial assistance for individuals seeking IVF, egg freezing, and other fertility treatments.
Who Can Apply: Cancer survivors and individuals with fertility-related challenges.
How It Helps: Offers grants for fertility treatments, including egg and embryo freezing costs.

Insider Tip:
Don’t assume you’re ineligible for grants or assistance. Many programs have flexible eligibility criteria, and even patients with higher incomes may qualify for aid. Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances of receiving support.

4️⃣ Tips to Reduce Fertility Preservation Costs 💸💡

Even if insurance doesn’t cover fertility preservation and grants aren’t available, there are still ways to lower out-of-pocket costs. Here are some practical tips:

1. Compare Clinic Prices 🏥

Not all fertility clinics charge the same fees. Shop around and compare costs for procedures, medications, and storage fees.

2. Negotiate with Providers 🤝

Some clinics offer payment plans, financing options, or discounts for cancer patients. Ask if they have discounts or hardship waivers.

3. Look for Bundled Packages 📦

Some clinics offer bundled packages for fertility services. For example, instead of paying for each appointment, medication, and procedure separately, you can pay a flat fee for the whole process.

4. Ask About Payment Plans 🗓️

If the clinic offers a monthly payment plan, you can spread the cost over 12-24 months instead of paying it all at once.

5. Apply for Medical Loans 💳

If grants or discounts aren’t available, consider a low-interest medical loan. This option can be used to finance procedures and paid back over time.

5️⃣ What Happens If You Can’t Afford Fertility Preservation? 💭💔

If the financial burden of fertility preservation is too great, remember that there are still other options available:

Adoption or Foster Care: If biological fertility is not possible, adoption and foster care offer a rewarding path to parenthood.
Donor Eggs, Sperm, or Embryos: Using donor eggs or embryos may be less expensive than undergoing IVF with your own reproductive cells.
Surrogacy: If carrying a pregnancy is not possible, you may still have the option of using a gestational surrogate.

6️⃣ Key Takeaways for Managing Costs 📋💡

Ask About Insurance: Call your provider and ask for preauthorization.
Apply for Grants: Look for programs like Livestrong Fertility and The Samfund.
Consider Payment Plans: Ask fertility clinics if they offer payment plans or financing.
Explore All Your Options: Don’t forget about donor eggs, surrogacy, and adoption as alternative paths to parenthood.

Fertility preservation is a deeply personal and emotional journey. While financial costs can be high, help is available. With the right mix of insurance, grants, payment plans, and support, patients can turn their dreams of parenthood into reality. Whether it’s sperm banking, egg freezing, or surrogacy, there’s a path forward. By taking advantage of the financial resources available, cancer patients can focus on healing while keeping their dreams of parenthood alive.