Fertility Preservation

The physicians and staff at Seattle Reproductive Medicine are dedicated leaders in the field of reproduction. We understand the time constraints and emotional stress of patients facing cancer treatment, as well as the concern over the potential negative impact on future fertility. We offer expedited, compassionate care at a discounted rate for egg or embryo freezing prior to cancer treatment.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radical surgery or bone marrow transplantation can affect future fertility by reducing the number of eggs/sperm, altering the blood supply to the reproductive organs or by removing necessary organs. Several treatment options are available:

Egg Freezing

Eggs are matured with use of injectable hormones, removed, frozen and stored.

Embryo Freezing

Eggs are matured with use of injectable hormones, removed, fertilized in vitro (outside the body) with sperm, frozen and stored.

Ovarian Suppression

Medications administered during cancer treatment to reduce the risk of infertility.

Ovarian Transposition

Surgically displacing the ovaries prior to radiation therapy to minimize damage.

Ovarian Tissue Freeing surgically removing ovarian tissue and freezing for potential future use.

For Men

Sperm Banking

Semen is collected, frozen and stored.

MESA,PESA

When the tract is blocked, sperm can be obtained above the level of the block , frozen and stored.

Testicular Sperm Extraction

Testicular tissue is obtained through an open biopsy, frozen and stored.

FAQs

What do I do next if I'm interested in learning more or starting a cycle?

Call SRM and ask to speak with our Fertility Preservation Specialist. The Fertility Preservation Specialist will answer all of your questions, schedule your visit with an SRM physician and assist through any treatment you pursue. Generally your appointment will be within a few days of your call.

What happens when I'm ready to get pregnant?

Schedule an appointment with your SRM physician to review your options. Patients with frozen eggs, and usually frozen sperm, should be prepared to start a cycle of in vitro fertilization. Your SRM physician will coordinate with your oncologist to ensure you are healthy, able to use fertility medications, and ready to carry a pregnancy. Some patients may be unable or advised not to carry a pregnancy following cancer treatment. Please be aware that SRM offers treatment using a gestational carrier (a woman who will carry the pregnancy for you).

SRM has set guidelines for women wishing to receive embryos with respect to health and age. With approval from the oncologist, SRM will allow transfer of embryos to women up to the age of 50.

Patients starting an IVF cycle will begin taking medicine to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If you had previously frozen eggs rather than embryos, you may use sperm from either a current partner or a donor to fertilize the eggs three to five days before embryo transfer.

At the appropriate time, the embryos will be transferred into your uterus. Extra embryos can be stored at SRM. Should the treatment result in pregnancy, you will continue taking hormones for several weeks and, at the appropriate time, your SRM physician will transfer your care to the obstetrician who will deliver your baby.

Treatment Costs

Seattle Reproductive Medicine is a proud member of Fertile Hope's Sharing Hope network. As a participating center in the Sharing Hope financial assistance program, Seattle Reproductive Medicine works with Fertile Hope to increase access to fertility preservation services for cancer patients. To apply or for more information, please visit fertilehope.org/financial-assistance