Fertility preservation in uro-oncology

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to highlight the demand for fertility preservation among cancer survivors and to draw attention to areas where healthcare workers need to improve. As technology advances, maximizing cryopreservation rates will be paramount to increase the ability individuals to conceive after cancer treatment.

Recent findings: Guidelines recommending discussion of fertility for those diagnosed with cancer have been shown to increase patient satisfaction and overall quality of life. Our review demonstrated that increasing counseling rates remains an ongoing challenge and should remain an area of improvement for all healthcare professionals working in the oncology field. Formal programs to improve patient and provider education and access to fertility preservation increase uptake of fertility preservation. For men, many options exist to cryopreserve sperm; a slight delay to achieve fertility preservation has not been shown to lead to worse outcomes. Cryopreservation strategies differ based on puberty status and remain an active area of clinical research.

Summary: Improving fertility outcomes for cancer survivors is possible with appropriate counseling techniques at the time of cancer diagnosis. Clinicians should challenge current barriers for patient access to fertility preservation surrounding cancer treatments.