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Considering the Future

Fertility Counseling & Gamete Cryopreservation Program

Infertility is a distressing side effect of many cancer treatments. Newer technologies in reproductive medicine offer some patients hope of preserving their ability to have biologic children in the future. However, it's important to discuss your options with your health-care team as you are working with them to develop a treatment plan.

The Cancer Center partners with the U-M Assisted Reproductive Technologies Laboratory to offer the Fertility Counseling and Gamete Cryopreservation Program. "Gamete" is the technical term for sperm and egg cells; "gamete cryopreservation" is the technical name for sperm or egg cell banking.

For men, the program offers sperm collection as well as information about custody, legal and financial issues. For women, egg cryopreservation is available, but requires ovarian hormone stimulation administered over several weeks. Women considering this option should discuss it first with their primary oncologist.

The program provides:

  • The expertise of the U-M Assisted Reproduction Technology laboratory;
  • An appointment with a nurse counselor to discuss the cryopreservation process;
  • The assistance of a nurse counselor who will act as a liaison between the laboratory and Cancer Center physicians to ensure minimal delay in cancer treatment;
  • Comprehensive educational materials for patients, partners and family members; and
  • Psychosocial support for patients and families coping with cancer and infertility.

A physician referral is required and can be initiated before or during your first Cancer Center appointment. nsurance companies often do not cover these services. However, Cancer Center social workers may be able to offer resources for financial assistance. For more information on financial aid, please call the Guest Assistance Program at 800-888-9825.

Continue reading about the Fertility Counseling & Gamete Cryopreservation Program


 Speak with a Cancer nurse: 1-800-865-1125
See also:
Center for Reproductive Medicine

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center