Preserving Fertility After An Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of ovarian cancer, while also recognizing the impact it can have on fertility. At Tennessee Fertility Institute, we work with many patients navigating a cancer diagnosis who want to preserve their ability to have children in the future. This specialized field of care is known as oncofertility.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer begins when abnormal cells in or near the ovaries grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. There are several types, but the most common is epithelial ovarian cancer, which starts in the thin tissue covering the ovaries.
Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). These symptoms may include:
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Bloating or abdominal swelling
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Pelvic or abdominal pain
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Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
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Frequent or urgent urination
Early detection is challenging, which is why awareness and regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are essential—especially if you have a family history of ovarian or related cancers.
How Can Ovarian Cancer Impact Fertility?
Ovarian cancer can affect fertility in several ways:
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Surgery – Removal of one or both ovaries or the uterus can limit or eliminate natural conception.
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Chemotherapy – Certain cancer treatments can damage eggs and affect ovarian function.
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Radiation – Radiation to the pelvic area can harm reproductive organs.
For patients of reproductive age, it’s important to have a fertility preservation discussion as soon as possible after diagnosis and before starting treatment.
What Fertility Preservation Options Are Available for Ovarian Cancer Patients?
Even with an ovarian cancer diagnosis, there are steps that may help protect your ability to have biological children in the future. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment timeline, and overall health, your care team may recommend:
Egg or Embryo Freezing
One of the most common preservation options, egg or embryo freezing involves:
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Stimulating the ovaries with medication to produce multiple mature eggs
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Retrieving the eggs in a short outpatient procedure
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Freezing the eggs or fertilizing them with sperm to create embryos for future use
This process can often be completed in about two weeks, allowing many patients to preserve fertility before cancer treatment begins.
Ovarian Tissue Freezing
For patients who cannot delay treatment or for those who are prepubertal, ovarian tissue freezing may be an option. This involves removing and freezing a portion of ovarian tissue, which can later be re-implanted.
Fertility-Sparing Surgery
In certain early-stage cases, surgery may be performed in a way that preserves part of the reproductive system—such as removing only the affected ovary. This depends on the stage, type, and location of the cancer and should be discussed in detail with both your oncologist and a reproductive endocrinologist.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Time is critical in oncofertility. Once chemotherapy or radiation begins, ovarian reserve can decline rapidly. If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer—or any cancer—ask your oncologist for a referral to a fertility specialist right away.
At Tennessee Fertility Institute, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to process a cancer diagnosis while thinking about your future family. That’s why we prioritize oncofertility patients and expedite scheduling and treatment whenever possible, often starting fertility preservation within 24-72 hours of your consult. Our team works closely with your oncology providers to ensure the process is fast, seamless, and safe.
Moving Forward With Hope
Ovarian cancer is life-changing, but it doesn’t have to close the door on your dreams of becoming a parent. With the right care team and timely intervention, many patients are able to preserve their fertility and go on to have healthy pregnancies after treatment.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is concerned about fertility, contact Tennessee Fertility Institute today. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the preservation process.