Which fertility-sparing option exists for cancer survivors?

• A. Oocyte or embryo cryopreservation
• B. Routine tubal ligation
• C. Regular hormone replacement therapy
• D. Lifestyle modification only

Answer: (A)

Preserving the ability to have biological children after gonadotoxic cancer therapy is the concept being tested. Oocyte or embryo cryopreservation is the most established fertility-sparing option because it directly safeguards future offspring potential: eggs are harvested after ovarian stimulation, then either frozen as oocytes or fertilized to create embryos that are stored for later use. This approach allows a survivor to attempt pregnancy after completing cancer treatment, potentially with a partner’s or donor sperm, and it can be planned before therapies that threaten fertility begin.

Tubal ligation would permanently prevent pregnancy, not preserve it. Hormone replacement therapy helps manage menopausal symptoms but does not maintain or restore fertility. Relying on lifestyle changes alone does not secure the ability to conceive after gonadotoxic treatment.