Fertility Preservation treatment is an option offered to patients before undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy which can affect their ability to conceive. Fertility Preservation for cancer patients is the only treatment presently covered by the Quebec program.
As a result of continued advances in the treatment of cancer, more young adults with cancer are approaching treatment with hope for the future. However some cancer treatments may have serious and lasting effects on the reproductive organs and on fertility. Even when damage to reproductive organs will be permanent, it can be possible to preserve fertility through fertility preservation treatment.
In males, sperm production may be altered for an unpredictable amount of time (even when other sexual functions are normal).
Sperm Banking
Surgery, radiation and cancer drugs may permanently damage sperm production. Sperm banking is recommended to preserve the childbearing potential of men undergoing treatment that may be sterilizing. With sperm banking, sperm is collected before cancer treatment starts, and is kept frozen (cryopreserved) throughout the duration of treatment. Sperm may be stored indefinitely. Once fertility is desired, sperm will be thawed and used with fertility treatments (such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization) to achieve pregnancy with your future partner.
It is important to know that the amount of sperm frozen and available for use is variable since the number and quality of sperm in an ejaculate will differ in individuals; also, cancer itself can have a negative effect on the production of sperm. Successful pregnancies have been achieved after storage for more than 10 years.
Video - Learn about three easy steps to preserve your fertility before the start of your cancer treatment
This new video was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Rossy Cancer Network (RCN)
Familiarize yourself with the Fertility Preservation Process
This new video was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Rossy Cancer Network (RCN)
Referral Form for Fertility Preservation
Appointments for fertility preservation require a referral. If you do not have a referral, you can download and print our form and then have it completed by your physician in oncology or your referring health care provider.
We also accept self-referrals, which means that you can fill out the referral form yourself and contact us directly to access our service.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions concerning male fertility, please see our list of frequently asked questions
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Fertility Preservation Waiting Room Poster
Increase awareness of fertility preservation for cancer patients. Download and print our bilingual poster for your waiting area.