Fertility preservation options
For women (or patients born with female genitals)
Egg freezing
Egg freezing might be a choice if you want to try to get pregnant or have a biological child in the future. Eggs are taken from your ovary and frozen to be used later.
Embryo freezing
Embryo freezing is when eggs are fertilized with sperm and an embryo (first stage of a baby) is frozen.
It is important to let your health care team know as soon as possible if you want to go ahead with any of the options above.
For men (or patients born with male genitals)
Sperm banking
Sperm banking is a choice for men before they start cancer treatment. Sperm can be used in the future for in vitro fertilization (fertilization first happens in a test tube before it is inserted into a uterus) or with intra uterine insemination (sperm is inserted into a uterus).
Fertility resources
Your oncologist (cancer doctor) can send a referral to a fertility clinic. There are different fertility clinics in Toronto CReATe Fertility Centre 416-323-7727 or the Centre for Fertility & Reproductive Health at Mount Sinai Hospital 416-586-4748.
You can find more information about different Canadian fertility clinics on the Canadian Knowledge Network website.
How much do these procedures cost?
| Procedure | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Egg and embryo freezing | $5000 to $7000 |
| Hormone medication (might be used with the other procedure first) | $2000 |
| Sperm banking (storing the sperm) | $300 to $800 |
| Sperm samples (getting the sperm from the patient) | $200 |
| Annual storage costs | $300 |
| In vitro fertilization | $5000 to $6000 |
Financial support
OHIP does not cover all of the costs for these fertility options. As a cancer patient you might be able to get funding for some of these procedures.
Fertile Futures Power of Hope is a charity that can provide some funding for cancer related fertility treatments. Visit their website, or call them at 1-877-467-3066.
A social worker at the Odette Cancer Centre can help you:
- understand some of your fertility options
- help you with paperwork or funding for fertility treatments
- talk about any stress or anxiety you might have
Social work services are part of your care at the Odette Cancer Centre. Visit the Patient and Family Support office at TG-230 (on the ground floor of the Odette Cancer Centre) or call 416-480-4623.
