The New Indian Journal of OBGYN. 12(1):3-12

Oncofertility: navigating fertility challenges and preservation options for female cancer survivors

Tarini Sonwani, Arunima Halder

ABSTRACT

Oncofertility is an evolving field that bridges oncology and reproductive health, addressing the reproductive challenges faced by cancer patients. With significant improvements in cancer survival rates, there is a growing emphasis on fertility preservation for both men and women undergoing cancer treatment. Additionally, societal trends over the past forty years show an increasing delay in childbearing, contributing to a rise in infertility cases among cancer survivors. Many couples are now seeking help from reproductive medicine specialists after one partner has completed cancer therapy. In most instances, infertility is a consequence of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical interventions. This review explores how these cancer therapies impact female fertility and examines the current fertility preservation methods available, assessing their effectiveness in terms of achieving pregnancies and live births.