Oncofertility Patients

Here at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii, we are honored to provide oncology patients with options to preserve their fertility prior to undergoing cancer treatment. Research studies have shown that many cancer-treating therapies such as certain types of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation may negatively affect reproductive tissues (sperm and eggs) in both males and females.

Prior to undergoing any cancer treatment, we encourage male patients to consider sperm cryopreservation. Sperm freezing can be done at any point in time and once frozen, the sample can be stored indefinitely for future use.
All that is required to get started is a referral from your treating physician. Collections can be done in office in our collection room, or at home with use of one of our collection kits. Patients may opt to freeze single or multiple samples for banking. Patients who have questions regarding sperm banking can speak with their oncologist or set up a consultation with a physician at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii.

Females may choose to preserve eggs or embryos (fertilized eggs). Patients with a cancer diagnosis can either be referred by their oncologist, or contact us directly to request a consultation. We like to see our oncologic patients as soon as possible after their diagnosis, and aim to consult with them 24-48 hours after receiving a referral or contact from the patient.

The entire process for egg or embryo freezing can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks depending on when during the menstrual cycle treatment is started, and how quickly chemotherapy/radiation must commence. During a patient’s treatment cycle, the staff at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii remains in frequent contact with her oncology team to ensure that fertility treatment does interfere with cancer treatment.

To learn more about the freezing process please visit the egg or embryo fertility preservation page.

While fertility preservation is unfortunately not covered by most insurance plans, we have partnered with LIVESTRONG which provides financial assistance to reduce the cost of fertility preservation treatment cycles. LIVESTRONG also provides financial assistance to those who require fertility treatment after undergoing cancer treatment. You can learn more about their program by visiting their website at the link above, or, call us for more information.