Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation for Fertility Preservation in Women with Breast Cancer: Practical Issues

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation for Fertility Preservation in Women with Breast Cancer: Practical Issues REVIEW ARTICLE https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2020.03594 pISSN 2233-8233 · eISSN 2233-8241 Clin Exp Reprod Med 2021;48(1):1-10 Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for fertility preservation in women with breast cancer: Practical issues So Yun Park, Kyungah Jeong, Eun Hye Cho, Hye Won Chung Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea In Korean women, a westernized lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Fertility preservation has become an increas- ingly important issue for women with breast cancer, in accordance with substantial improvements in survival rate after cancer treatment. The methods of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for fertility preservation in breast cancer patients have been modified to include aro- matase inhibitors to reduce the potential harm associated with increased estradiol levels. Random-start COH and dual ovarian stimulation are feasible options to reduce the total duration of fertility preservation treatment and to efficiently collect oocytes or embryos. Using a go- nadotropin-releasing hormone agonist as a trigger may improve cycle outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing COH for fertility pres- ervation. In young breast cancer patients with BRCA mutations, especially BRCA1 mutations, the possibility of diminished ovarian reserve may be considered, although further studies are necessary. Herein, we review the current literature on the practical issues surrounding COH for fertility preservation in women with breast cancer. Keywords: Breast neoplasms; Fertility preservation; Ovarian hyperstimulation Introduction marriage, and having fewer children later in life are all associated with the increasing risk of breast cancer that has been observed Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and one in among Korean women. Since 1996, the proportion of early-stage five patients are younger than 45 years old at diagnosis [1]. In light of breast cancers has significantly increased, and the incidence rate of substantial improvements in cancer treatment, fertility preservation female breast cancer was 67.2 cases per 100,000 women in 2010 [5]. has become an increasing priority for women with breast cancer Breast cancer is currently the second most common cancer in Korean [2,3]. In the United States, the overall 5-year survival rate in women women, after thyroid cancer. The current methods of controlled with breast cancer has increased from 74.6% in 1975–1979 to 91.0% ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for fertility preservation in breast in 2007 [4]. cancer patients have been modified. To reduce the risks associated A westernized diet, early menarche or late menopause, delayed with increased estradiol levels, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are co-ad- ministered, unlike in other cancers. In contrast to typical infertility Received: February 18, 2020 ∙ Revised: August 10, 2020 ∙ Accepted: August 12, 2020 Corresponding author: Kyungah Jeong treatment, random-start ovarian stimulation is used to minimize the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong time typically required for fertility preservation treatment prior to Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, 1071 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 07985, Korea chemotherapy. Tel: +82-2-2650-2858 Fax: +82-2-2647-9860 E-mail: [email protected] The Korean Society for Fertility Preservation has suggested that an appropriate method of fertility preservation should be decided This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits through individual patient counseling. Methods such as the cryo- unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. preservation of embryos, oocytes, or ovarian tissue and gonadotro- Copyright © 2021. THE KOREAN SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE www.eCERM.org 1 Clin Exp Reprod Med 2021;48(1):1-10 pin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist treatment during chemo- age in comparison with the use of gonadotropins alone in breast therapy may be considered, and patients must consult with experts cancer patients [18]. The triggering of ovulation with a gonadotro- before chemotherapy or any other treatment [6]. Herein, practical pin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) has been suggested to help concerns related to fertility preservation in women with breast can- minimize its negative effect [21], and in vitro maturation is a useful cer will be discussed. With this review, we aim to provide useful clini- strategy to improve the mature oocyte yield in breast cancer patients cal information based on recent studies. undergoing ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation [15]. A recent systematic review identified 1,002 records, of which 15 Letrozole administration during ovarian selected studies were included in the final analysis [22]. No evidence stimulation was found of a decline in relapse-free survival rates in women with breast cancer who received COH with the coadministration of letro- Estrogen exposure is a well-known risk factor for estrogen recep- zole compared with women who did not undergo fertility preserva- tor (ER)-positive breast cancer [7,8]. The role of estrogen in the car- tion procedures. Kim et al. [23] reported the largest long-term study, cinogenesis of ER-negative breast cancer has yet to be elucidated, including over 5 years of safety data, regarding the use of COH with and estrogens are thought to have little effect on breast carcinogen- letrozole supplementation for fertility preservation via embryo or esis in ER-negative breast cancer [9]. However, several studies have oocyte cryopreservation in women with breast cancer. The mean fol- suggested a possible association between estrogen-dependent re- low-up duration after diagnosis was 5.0 years in the fertility preser- productive characteristics such as high parity and the incidence of vation group and 6.9 years among the control patients, who chose ER-negative breast cancer [10,11]. Therefore, treatment with letro- not to undergo fertility preservation. In the fertility preservation zole may be useful even in patients with ER-negative breast cancer. group, the hazard ratio for recurrence after ovarian stimulation was Letrozole is an AI that prevents estrogen production through com- 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.28–2.13), and survival was not com- petitive, reversible binding to the heme of the cytochrome P450 unit promised compared with controls (p= 0.61). Neither BRCA gene mu- of aromatase [12]. Clinically, 5 mg/day letrozole (Femara; Novartis, tation status (p= 0.57) nor whether fertility preservation was under- East Hanover, NJ, USA) is administered on day 2 or 3 of the patient’s gone before or after breast surgery (p= 0.44) significantly affected cycle. The administration of letrozole is continued daily during COH survival outcomes in the fertility preservation group. None of the tu- and discontinued on the day of the trigger. After oocyte retrieval, mor characteristics, including ER status, affected the survival rates af- letrozole is continued again for approximately 3 to 6 days until estra- ter COH with letrozole supplementation [23]. COH with concurrent diol levels decrease to < 50 pg/mL [13]. use of AIs appeared to be a safe fertility preservation option for Evidence suggests that the administration of letrozole during COH young women with breast cancer at risk of fertility loss following can significantly reduce peak estradiol concentrations. Peak estradiol chemotherapy. concentrations (337–829 pg/mL) were found to be less than 1,000 Tamoxifen, sold under the brand name Nolvadex among others, is pg/mL when letrozole was commenced on days 2–3 [14-18]. How- a selective ER modulator. It is a nonsteroidal triphenylethylene anti- ever, Azim et al. [19] reported that anastrozole did not suppress es- estrogen. In breast cancer patients, tamoxifen has been proven to tradiol at its maximum tolerated oral dose of 10 mg/day compared have an excellent suppressive effect on cancer cell proliferation and to 5 mg/day of letrozole (2,515.07± 1,368.52 vs. 714± 440.83 pg/mL, tumorigenesis. Tamoxifen is often preferred over other treatments, respectively; p= 0.01), and letrozole was more potent than anastro- as it does not antagonize endometrial development. Oktay et al. [14] zole for the suppression of estrogen. compared tamoxifen and letrozole during COH for embryo cryopres- While it potentially avoids the negative effects of estrogens on tu- ervation in breast cancer patients. They used 60 mg/day of tamoxifen mor growth, letrozole prevents the aromatization of androgens to alone (Tam-in vitro fertilization [IVF]), 60 mg/day of tamoxifen in estrogens, which may induce significant changes in the endocrine combination with low-dose follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; follicular environment and impact oocyte competence. Several stud- TamFSH-IVF), or 5 mg of letrozole in combination with FSH (letro- ies have investigated whether the co-administration of letrozole has zole-IVF). The combination of low-dose FSH with tamoxifen an impact on oocyte yield. Oktay et al. [16] and Checa Vizcaino et al. (TamFSH-IVF) or letrozole (letrozole-IVF) resulted in higher embryo [20] both reported that oocyte yield was not significantly affected yields than Tam-IVF. The recurrence rates did not appear to be higher, when letrozole was administered. In contrast, Domingo et al. [17]
Recommended publications
  • Oocyte Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation in Postpubertal Female Children at Risk for Premature Ovarian Failure Due To
    Original Study Oocyte Cryopreservation for Fertility Preservation in Postpubertal Female Children at Risk for Premature Ovarian Failure Due to Accelerated Follicle Loss in Turner Syndrome or Cancer Treatments K. Oktay MD 1,2,*, G. Bedoschi MD 1,2 1 Innovation Institute for Fertility Preservation and IVF, New York, NY 2 Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction and Fertility Preservation, Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY abstract Objective: To preliminarily study the feasibility of oocyte cryopreservation in postpubertal girls aged between 13 and 15 years who were at risk for premature ovarian failure due to the accelerated follicle loss associated with Turner syndrome or cancer treatments. Design: Retrospective cohort and review of literature. Setting: Academic fertility preservation unit. Participants: Three girls diagnosed with Turner syndrome, 1 girl diagnosed with germ-cell tumor. and 1 girl diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia. Interventions: Assessment of ovarian reserve, ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, in vitro maturation, and mature oocyte cryopreservation. Main Outcome Measure: Response to ovarian stimulation, number of mature oocytes cryopreserved and complications, if any. Results: Mean anti-mullerian€ hormone, baseline follical stimulating hormone, estradiol, and antral follicle counts were 1.30 Æ 0.39, 6.08 Æ 2.63, 41.39 Æ 24.68, 8.0 Æ 3.2; respectively. In Turner girls the ovarian reserve assessment indicated already diminished ovarian reserve. Ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation was successfully performed in all female children referred for fertility preser- vation. A range of 4-11 mature oocytes (mean 8.1 Æ 3.4) was cryopreserved without any complications. All girls tolerated the procedure well.
    [Show full text]
  • Social Freezing: Pressing Pause on Fertility
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Review Social Freezing: Pressing Pause on Fertility Valentin Nicolae Varlas 1,2 , Roxana Georgiana Bors 1,2, Dragos Albu 1,2, Ovidiu Nicolae Penes 3,*, Bogdana Adriana Nasui 4,* , Claudia Mehedintu 5 and Anca Lucia Pop 6 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011171 Bucharest, Romania; [email protected] (V.N.V.); [email protected] (R.G.B.); [email protected] (D.A.) 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 37 Dionisie Lupu St., 020021 Bucharest, Romania 3 Department of Intensive Care, University Clinical Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 37 Dionisie Lupu St., 020021 Bucharest, Romania 4 Department of Community Health, “Iuliu Hat, ieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania 5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nicolae Malaxa Clinical Hospital, 020346 Bucharest, Romania; [email protected] 6 Department of Clinical Laboratory, Food Safety, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] (O.N.P.); [email protected] (B.A.N.) Abstract: Increasing numbers of women are undergoing oocyte or tissue cryopreservation for medical or social reasons to increase their chances of having genetic children. Social egg freezing (SEF) allows women to preserve their fertility in anticipation of age-related fertility decline and ineffective fertility treatments at older ages. The purpose of this study was to summarize recent findings focusing on the challenges of elective egg freezing.
    [Show full text]
  • Approaches and Technologies in Male Fertility Preservation
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Approaches and Technologies in Male Fertility Preservation Mahmoud Huleihel 1,2,* and Eitan Lunenfeld 2,3,4 1 The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel 2 The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; lunenfl[email protected] 3 Department of OB/GYN, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel 4 Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +972-86479959 Received: 28 May 2020; Accepted: 29 July 2020; Published: 31 July 2020 Abstract: Male fertility preservation is required when treatment with an aggressive chemo-/-radiotherapy, which may lead to irreversible sterility. Due to new and efficient protocols of cancer treatments, surviving rates are more than 80%. Thus, these patients are looking forward to family life and fathering their own biological children after treatments. Whereas adult men can cryopreserve their sperm for future use in assistance reproductive technologies (ART), this is not an option in prepubertal boys who cannot produce sperm at this age. In this review, we summarize the different technologies for male fertility preservation with emphasize on prepubertal, which have already been examined and/or demonstrated in vivo and/or in vitro using animal models and, in some cases, using human tissues. We discuss the limitation of these technologies for use in human fertility preservation. This update review can assist physicians and patients who are scheduled for aggressive chemo-/radiotherapy, specifically prepubertal males and their parents who need to know about the risks of the treatment on their future fertility and the possible present option of fertility preservation.
    [Show full text]
  • Specific Protocols of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation for Oocyte Cryopreservation in Breast Cancer Patients
    OVARIAN STIMULATION IN BREAST CANCERORIGINAL PATIENTS, CavagnaARTICLE et al. Specific protocols of controlled ovarian stimulation for oocyte cryopreservation in breast cancer patients † F. Cavagna MD,* A. Pontes MD, M. Cavagna MD,* A. Dzik MD,* N.F. Donadio MD,* R. Portela BSc,* M.T. Nagai MD,* and L.H. Gebrim MD* ABSTRACT Background Fertility preservation is an important concern in breast cancer patients. In the present investigation, we set out to create a specific protocol of controlled ovarian stimulation (cos) for oocyte cryopreservation in breast cancer patients. Methods From November 2014 to December 2016, 109 patients were studied. The patients were assigned to a specific random-start ovarian stimulation protocol for oocyte cryopreservation. The endpoints were the numbers of oocytes retrieved and of mature oocytes cryopreserved, the total number of days of ovarian stimulation, the total dose of gonadotropin administered, and the estradiol level on the day of the trigger. Results Mean age in this cohort was 31.27 ± 4.23 years. The average duration of cos was 10.0 ± 1.39 days. The mean number of oocytes collected was 11.62 ± 7.96 and the mean number of vitrified oocytes was 9.60 ± 6.87. The mean estradiol concentration on triggering day was 706.30 ± 450.48 pg/mL, and the mean dose of gonadotropins administered was 2610.00 ± 716.51 IU. When comparing outcomes by phase of the cycle in which cos was commenced, we observed no significant differences in the numbers of oocytes collected and vitrified, the length of ovarian stimulation, and the estradiol level on trigger day.
    [Show full text]
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline Part II Peter N
    Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: AUA/ASRM guideline part II Peter N. Schlegel, M.D.,a Mark Sigman, M.D.,b Barbara Collura,c Christopher J. De Jonge, Ph.D, H.C.L.D.(A.B.B.),d Michael L. Eisenberg, M.D.,e Dolores J. Lamb, Ph.D., H.C.L.D.(A.B.B.),f John P. Mulhall, M.D.,g Craig Niederberger, M.D., F.A.C.S.,h Jay I. Sandlow, M.D.,i Rebecca Z. Sokol, M.D., M.P.H.,j Steven D. Spandorfer, M.D.,f Cigdem Tanrikut, M.D., F.A.C.S.,k Jonathan R. Treadwell, Ph.D.,l Jeffrey T. Oristaglio, Ph.D.,l and Armand Zini, M.D.m a New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College; b Brown University; c RESOLVE; d University of Minnesota School of Medicine; e Stanford University School of Medicine; f Weill Cornell Medical College; g Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; h Weill Cornell Medicine, University of Illinois-Chicago School of Medicine; i Medical College of Wisconsin; j University of Southern California School of Medicine; k Georgetown University School of Medicine; l ECRI; and m McGill University School of Medicine Purpose: The summary presented herein represents Part II of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part II outlines the appropriate management of the male in an infertile couple. Medical therapies, surgical techniques, as well as use of intrauterine insemination (IUI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are covered to allow for optimal patient management.
    [Show full text]
  • Reproductive Outcomes and Fertility Preservation Strategies in Women with Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors After Fertility Sparing Surgery
    biomedicines Review Reproductive Outcomes and Fertility Preservation Strategies in Women with Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors after Fertility Sparing Surgery Francesca Maria Vasta 1, Miriam Dellino 2 , Alice Bergamini 1, Giulio Gargano 2, Angelo Paradiso 3 , Vera Loizzi 4 , Luca Bocciolone 1, Erica Silvestris 2 , Micaela Petrone 1, Gennaro Cormio 4 and Giorgia Mangili 1,* 1 IRCCS San Raffaele, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 20132 Milan, Italy; [email protected] (F.M.V.); [email protected] (A.B.); [email protected] (L.B.); [email protected] (M.P.) 2 IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” Gynecologic Oncology Unit, 70124 Bari, Italy; [email protected] (M.D.); [email protected] (G.G.); [email protected] (E.S.) 3 Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro” 70124 Bari, Italy; [email protected] 4 IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Scientif Director, 70124 Bari, Italy; [email protected] (V.L.); [email protected] (G.C.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-3462434273 Received: 19 October 2020; Accepted: 26 November 2020; Published: 30 November 2020 Abstract: Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors are rare tumors that mainly affect patients of reproductive age. The aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive outcomes and fertility preservation strategies in malignant ovarian germ cell tumors after fertility-sparing surgery. Data in literature support that fertility-sparing surgery is associated with an excellent oncological outcome not only in early stages malignant ovarian germ cell tumors but also in advanced stages.
    [Show full text]
  • Hot Topics on Fertility Preservation for Women and Girls—Current Research, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Possibilities
    Journal of Clinical Medicine Review Hot Topics on Fertility Preservation for Women and Girls—Current Research, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Possibilities Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg 1,2,* , Xia Hao 1, Anna Marklund 1, Gry Johansen 1, Birgit Borgström 1 and Frida E. Lundberg 1 1 Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; [email protected] (X.H.); [email protected] (A.M.); [email protected] (G.J.); [email protected] (B.B.); [email protected] (F.E.L.) 2 Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Fertility preservation is a novel clinical discipline aiming to protect the fertility potential of young adults and children at risk of infertility. The field is evolving quickly, enriched by advances in assisted reproductive technologies and cryopreservation methods, in addition to surgical devel- opments. The best-characterized target group for fertility preservation is the patient population diagnosed with cancer at a young age since the bulk of the data indicates that the gonadotoxicity inherent to most cancer treatments induces iatrogenic infertility. Since improvements in cancer therapy have resulted in increasing numbers of long-term survivors, survivorship issues and the Citation: Rodriguez-Wallberg, K.A.; negative impact of infertility on the quality of life have come to the front line. These facts are reflected Hao, X.; Marklund, A.; Johansen, G.; in an increasing number of scientific publications referring to clinical medicine and research in Borgström, B.; Lundberg, F.E.
    [Show full text]
  • Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation for Women Seeking to Preserve Future Reproductive Potential: an Ethics Committee Opinion
    Planned oocyte cryopreservation for women seeking to preserve future reproductive potential: an Ethics Committee opinion Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama Planned oocyte cryopreservation (‘‘planned OC’’) is an emerging but ethically permissible procedure that may help women avoid future infertility. Because planned OC is new and evolving, it is essential that women who are considering using it be informed about the un- certainties regarding its efficacy and long-term effects. (Fertil SterilÒ 2018;110:1022–8. Ó2018 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) Discuss: You can discuss this article with its authors and other readers at https://www.fertstertdialog.com/users/16110-fertility- and-sterility/posts/37565-26808 KEY POINTS informed decision-making. Pro- dotoxic medical treatment, the chance viders should disclose their own to have biologically related children in For women who want to try to pro- clinic-specific statistics, or lack the future. The history of cryopreserva- tect against future infertility due to thereof, for successful freeze-thaw tion of sperm, embryos, and oocytes is reproductive aging or other causes, and for live birth. Patients should set forth in the ASRM Practice Commit- advance oocyte cryopreservation be informed that medical benefits tee document, ‘‘Mature oocyte preser- ‘‘ ’’ ( OC ) is ethically permissible. The are uncertain and harms that are vation: a guideline’’ (1). While the first Ethics Committee will refer to this not fully understood may emerge human birth from a previously frozen ‘‘ procedure as planned oocyte cryo- from planned OC. oocyte occurred in 1986, the more ’’ ‘‘ ’’ preservation or planned OC.
    [Show full text]
  • Surgical Management of Male Infertility
    10/2/2020 Surgical Management of Male Infertility KATHLEEN HWANG, MD ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF UROLOGY DIRECTOR OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL SCHOOL MAY 22, 2020 1 1 Disclosures None 2 2 Reproductive health Fertility Preservation Adult Male Reproductive Urologist Referrals from Pediatric Urologists Pediatric Endocrinology Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologist 3 3 1 10/2/2020 Partnership with REI We work together in the same space as the REI clinic New Endeavor Started in 2019 Couples are seen together ARTs Cryopreserved Sperm Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) In vitro Fertilization with Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) 4 4 Fertility Preservation Strategies for the Male Reproductive System 5 5 Preservation Strategies Minimizing Testicular Damage Sperm Cryopreservation Masturbation Penile Vibratory Stimulation (PVS) Electroejaculation (EEJ) Post-Ejaculate Urinalysis Testicular Sperm Extraction Aspiration Extraction (open biopsy) Office vs. Operating Room Random vs. Microdissection 6 6 2 10/2/2020 Relevant Patient Populations: Gonadotoxic Cancer Patients: Adult vs. Pediatric Chemotherapy Radiation Surgical Transgender Anabolic steroid usage Post-mortem Medical disease Klinefelter’s Autoimmune disease 7 7 Martinez et al. Fertility and Sterility 2017 September 8 Alternate Methods of Inducing Ejaculation Various scenarios where masturbation is not possible Penile Vibratory Stimulation Electroejaculation Diabetic neuropathy Multiple sclerosis Spinal Cord Injury Post-RPLND Post-rectal
    [Show full text]
  • Resolution 303: Resident and Fellow Access to Fertility Preservation
    AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES Resolution: 303 (A-20) Introduced by: Resident and Fellow Section Subject: Resident and Fellow Access to Fertility Preservation Referred to: Reference Committee C 1 Whereas, The average age at completion of medical training in the United States is 2 approximately 31.6 years overall1 and 36.8 years for surgical trainees2; and 3 4 Whereas, Female fertility is known to decrease substantially after age 35,3,4 with a nearly 50% 5 drop from the early 20s to late 30s5; and 6 7 Whereas, Female physicians have a chance of infertility that is twice that of the general 8 population (24.1% vs. 10.9%), with an average age at diagnosis of 33.7 years1; and 9 10 Whereas, The demands of residency increase the risk of pregnancy complications, with a higher 11 rate of gestational hypertension, placental abruption, preterm labor, and intrauterine growth 12 restriction among female residents6–8; and 13 14 Whereas, A majority of recent trainees perceive a stigma associated with pregnancy during 15 training9 and have concerns about workplace support,10 which may deter medical students from 16 choosing a career in a surgical or other field with longer and demanding training; and 17 18 Whereas, Approximately one-third of program directors have reported discouraging pregnancy 19 among residents in surgical training programs10; and 20 21 Whereas, Oocyte cryopreservation is an established method of preserving fertility11 that can 22 cost $10,000 per cycle, often with multiple cycles required, and $500 per year for
    [Show full text]
  • Infertility and Fertility Preservation
    NATIONAL LEADERS IN CANCER PATIENT EDUCATION NATIONAL LEADERS IN CANCER Know your risk Infertility and Fertility Preservation What is infertility? Infertility can be an issue for both women and men. In women, infertility is the inability to get pregnant or keep a pregnancy. In men, it is the inability to cause pregnancy. What can cause infertility in a cancer survivor? Signs and symptoms of infertility Some chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can all impact A sudden warm feeling over your face, neck and chest reproductive organs in men and women. that may cause you to sweat and your face to turn red. You may experience a heartbeat that is faster than normal. In women, chemotherapy and radiation can lead to Other possible signs or symptoms include: premature ovarian failure. In some cases, reproductive organs are permanently affected. • No pregnancy after 6-12 months of trying For men, chemotherapy and radiation can lower sperm • Difficulty having or keeping an erection counts or decrease sperm movement, leading to difficulty • Difficult or painful ejaculation causing a pregnancy. While sperm counts may rebound, it • A change in the amount of semen you make may take months or years. • Decreased sex drive Radiation therapy to the pituitary gland in your brain can • Stopped menstrual cycle or changes in number of decrease hormone levels. These side-effects may prevent days between cycles pregnancy or normal sexual function in both men and women. If you are concerned about future fertility, ask Washington University Fertility & for a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist Reproductive Medicine Center: who is knowledgeable about fertility preservation and the impact of cancer (314) 286-2400 regimens.
    [Show full text]
  • Fertility Preservation: Options for Females Starting Cancer Treatment
    PATIENT & CAREGIVER EDUCATION Fertility Preservation: Options for Females Starting Cancer Treatment This information describes fertility preservation options for females starting cancer treatment. It explains: How cancer treatment may affect your fertility (ability to get pregnant). How you may be able to preserve your fertility before beginning treatment. Basic Reproductive Biology Understanding basic reproductive biology can be helpful as you make decisions about your fertility. Ovulation The female reproductive system has several parts (see Figure 1). Fertility Preservation: Options for Females Starting Cancer Treatment 1/19 Figure 1. Female reproductive system Your ovaries have 2 functions: They produce hormones (estrogen and progestin). They hold your eggs (oocytes). Each egg is contained in a sac called a follicle. When you start puberty, your pituitary gland (located in your brain) releases hormones that cause a group of follicles to grow each month. The egg inside each growing follicle starts to mature. As the follicles grow, the ovary releases hormones that cause the lining of your uterus (endometrium) to thicken and prepare for a pregnancy. One egg from the group of growing follicles fully matures each month. It’s released from one of your ovaries into the fallopian tube. This process is called ovulation. The other follicles growing that month break down and the eggs are cleared from the body. Through this monthly process, females lose many eggs over time. Fertility Preservation: Options for Females Starting Cancer Treatment 2/19 Pregnancy If you’re not using birth control and you have vaginal sex with a male partner around the time you’re ovulating, a single sperm may fertilize the egg.
    [Show full text]