CosBeauty_Magazine_-_November_2019

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Teirney. ‘I regularly see patients

with cancer to help them continue

or begin their fertility journey once

their treatment is complete and they

are in remission.

‘Women are sent to us for urgent egg

retrieval and we can then harvest and

freeze their eggs, which at a later date we

can inseminate with their partner’s sperm

and create a beautiful healthy baby.’

According to Dr Teirney, there are

typically two options available:

1. EGG FREEZING
   ‘We often do this for single women
   who are about to undergo chemotherapy
   for cancer, which can send them into
   menopause,’ she explains. ‘It gives
   them peace of mind that they may be
   able to have a healthy, happy family
   later in life, either with donor sperm,
   or a future partner.
   ‘If a woman is diagnosed with cancer,
   their oncologist can refer them for this
   procedure typically within 24 to 48 hours.
   IVF Australia has methods in place to
   fast-track such cases, as we understand
   just how stressful these situations can be.
   We also have minimised your out-of-
   pocket costs for your fertility preservation
   treatment, which can be discussed in
   more detail during your appointment.’


2. EMBRYO FREEZING
   ‘We look at this for couples,’ explains
   Dr Teirney. ‘We look at having an urgent
   IVF cycle and creating embryos that
   we then freeze for couples to implant
   at a later date. The uterus is normally
   unaffected by most cancer treatments
   and to implant an embryo, we administer
   hormones to maintain a healthy
   pregnancy, teamed with regular check-
   ups and the correct pregnancy vitamins.’
   While every case is an individual one,
   the younger the woman and her eggs, the
   better the chances are of a pregnancy and
   healthy baby. Dr Teirney estimates that:
   s&ORAWOMANAGEDORUNDERONE
   stimulated IVF cycle would result
   in the collection of 10 to 12 eggs, of
   which between seven and nine would
   be suitable for vitrification and storage;

‘

IVF Australia has methods

in place to fast-track such

cases, as we understand

just how stressful these

situations can be.

’

Jess and Travers regularly campaign to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.