Fertility Preservation Technologies for Oncology Patients in the Us: A Review of the Factors Involved in Patient Decision Making

Abstract

The field of oncofertility addresses issues of infertility in oncology patients. Even though this field has integrated professionals from multiple disciplines, a significant amount of research still needs to be carried out to understand the factors involved in patients' access to fertility preservation technologies, the worries and concerns of cancer patients and survivors, and the strategies used to deal with fertility transformations. The purpose of this article is to present a review of the existing social research on oncofertility, discuss notable gaps in knowledge, and identify future areas of study. We examine the relationship between common medical treatments used to treat cancer and their effects on fertility; available fertility preservation technologies; the social, political, cultural, and economic factors involved in medical care, patient decision making, and access to technological procedures; and existing guidelines and organizations in the US that focus on patient information and advocacy. This review seeks to encourage researchers to bring patient experience to the forefront of oncofertility research and consider the factors that continue to hinder their access to the technologies required to safeguard their fertility.

Adoption and cancer survivors: Findings from a learning activity for oncology nurses

“…Emergent literature emphasizes the importance of fertility preservation for cancer survivors of reproductive age. Most often emphasizing the need for introducing fertility Original Article preservation options to patients before the initiation of treatment and the need to educate and train clinicians about fertility preservation, 19,20 to the best of our knowledge the literature has yet to provide insight into what happens to these young adults when, in fact, they engage reproductive specialists and initiate technologically assisted means of reproduction. For many, these procedures are not successful, and survivors examine their remaining options, including adoption or the decision to not have children.…”