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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:- 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.’ - 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 &OR A WOMAN AGED OR UNDER 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.