The Fertility Center of Las Vegas

Oncofertility in Las Vegas: fertility preservation for cancer patients

A cancer diagnosis changes everything in an instant. In the midst of the shock, the medical questions, and the urgent decisions, thinking about your fertility can feel like a secondary concern. For patients of reproductive age who want the option of biological parenthood in the future, it’s one of the most time-sensitive decisions you’ll face.

At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, we specialize in oncofertility — the branch of reproductive medicine dedicated to protecting fertility before cancer treatment begins. Our team moves quickly, coordinates with your oncology team, and works around your treatment schedule.

Why does cancer treatment affect fertility?

Oncofertility preservation is defined as the medical process designed to protect your ability to have children before undergoing cancer treatments.

Cancer treatments can damage reproductive function in several ways:

  • Chemotherapy: many chemotherapy agents are gonadotoxic — they damage eggs and sperm. The degree of impact depends on the type of medication, the dose, and the patient’s age.
  • Radiation therapy: radiation directed at the pelvis, abdomen, or spine can directly affect the ovaries, uterus, or testicles.
  • Hormone therapy: some hormonal treatments for breast cancer, such as tamoxifen, require pausing pregnancy attempts for several years.
  • Surgery: oncological procedures affecting the reproductive organs can reduce or eliminate reproductive capacity.

The good news is that preserving your fertility before cancer treatment begins is possible in most cases. Preserving eggs, sperm, or embryos before treatment begins is the most reliable way to protect future reproductive options. We stop the biological clock — ensuring you have options to achieve a pregnancy later, once you have fully recovered from the illness.

Who should consider oncofertility services?

We recommend consulting with our oncofertility team before beginning treatment if:

  • You have just received a cancer diagnosis and are of reproductive age.
  • Your oncologist has indicated that the planned treatment may affect your fertility.
  • You have breast cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, or another cancer requiring chemotherapy, radiation, or pelvic surgery.
  • You want to keep the option of biological parenthood open after treatment.

You do not need a partner to begin. Eggs and sperm can each be frozen individually, without requiring fertilization at this stage.

Fertility Preservation Options for Women with Cancer

For patients who produce eggs, the following preservation options are available. Time is a critical factor, and our team prioritizes oncology patients to begin evaluation immediately:

  • Egg freezing (oocyte vitrification): medication stimulates the ovaries; eggs are then retrieved and frozen. In the future, IVF can be used to fertilize and transfer them. The process takes approximately two weeks and does not require a partner or sperm donor.
  • Embryo freezing: if you have a partner or choose to use a sperm donor, eggs can be fertilized immediately after retrieval and the resulting embryos frozen.
  • Ovarian tissue freezing: for patients who cannot complete a stimulation cycle before treatment begins, a small portion of ovarian tissue can be removed and frozen for potential reimplantation in the future. This option is not yet widely available – your doctor will discuss whether it may be appropriate for your specific situation.

Fertility Preservation Options for Men with Cancer

For patients who produce sperm, fertility preservation is quick and non-invasive. A semen sample should be collected before starting any chemotherapy or radiation cycle.

  1. The sample is processed in our laboratory through a complete semen analysis.
  2. It is then cryopreserved in multiple secure vials.
  3. In the future, the sperm can be thawed for use in IUI, ITI, or IVF.

How quickly can we see you?

When you call our Las Vegas clinic and let us know your diagnosis, we fast-track your appointment as a priority. Our team coordinates directly with your oncologist to ensure fertility preservation is completed before the first chemotherapy or radiation session — without delaying your cancer treatment.

Questions about oncofertility? We’re here

If you’ve received a cancer diagnosis and want to know how to protect your future fertility, our team is ready to help — quickly and with the care this moment deserves. Contact us at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas and let us know your diagnosis when you call. We’ll prioritize your appointment.