What is Fertility Preservation?
Fertility preservation refers to medical techniques that safeguard reproductive potential in individuals who may face infertility due to cancer treatments(Oncofertility) or age-related decline.
Understanding Oncofertility
Cancer affects over 19.3 million people globally every year. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment, survival rates are improving significantly. However, for many young patients, the journey does not end with survival — it continues with the desire to live a complete life, including the possibility of parenthood.
Unfortunately, cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and certain surgeries can damage reproductive health, leading to temporary or permanent infertility.
This is where Oncofertility comes in — a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of oncology and reproductive medicine, designed to help cancer patients preserve their fertility before starting treatment.
At CIFAR IVF Centre, our Oncofertility Programme ensures that cancer patients and survivors have the opportunity to plan for their future families with advanced, safe, and compassionate fertility preservation options.
Fertility Preservation Options at CIFAR IVF Centre
For Women
- Oocyte (egg) cryopreservation
- Embryo cryopreservation
- Ovarian tissue cryopreservation
- Fertility-sparing surgeries
- Ovarian transposition (to protect ovaries from radiation)
- Medical methods (GnRH agonists as adjuncts)
For Men
- Sperm cryopreservation (sperm banking)- through ejaculation, testicular
- Testicular tissue cryopreservation (for prepubertal boys)- Experimental
Oncofertility Programme in India
Oncofertility care is not just about freezing eggs or sperm — it is a complex, coordinated programme.
At CIFAR IVF Centre, our multidisciplinary team ensures holistic care:
- Reproductive Endocrinologists & Fertility Specialists
- Oncologists (medical, surgical, radiation)
- Embryologists & Laboratory Experts
- Nurse Navigators & Patient Coordinators
- Psychologists & Counselors
- Genetic Counselors
- Urologists (for male fertility)
- Paediatric/Adolescent Specialists (for younger patients)
Our team works together to make sure every patient gets timely, personalized, and effective fertility preservation care.
Leading edge technology in Reproductive science
- CIFAR In house Fertility lab : Oocyte/embryo cryopreservation, sperm banking, ovarian/testicular tissue cryopreservation.
- On-site storage systems: Secure cryogenic tanks, monitoring, and emergency backup.
- Consultation rooms: For patient counselling and decision-making.
- Operating facilities: For urgent procedures (e.g., ovarian stimulation and retrieval before chemotherapy,TESE etc ).
- Integration with oncology wards: Ensure quick referral pathways for patients with limited treatment windows.
Referral Pathways & Patient Navigation
Cancer treatment timelines are often urgent. That’s why structured referral systems are the backbone of our Oncofertility Programme.
- Referral pathways are set up from oncology units
- Triage protocols to prioritise patients who must begin chemotherapy or radiotherapy within days
- Patient Navigators to coordinate care, provide education, and ensure no time is lost
- Standardized intake forms capturing diagnosis, treatment plans, and reproductive preferences
Note : Patient Navigators to coordinate care, provide education, and ensure no time is lost
Counselling & Informed Consent
At CIFAR, we believe that empowered patients make the best decisions.
Counselling includes:
- Understanding infertility risks from cancer and its treatment
- Available preservation options
- Timing & urgency of procedures
- Emotional & psychological aspects
- Age-appropriate materials for adolescents & young adults
Informed consent is handled with utmost care, ensuring:
- Bilingual consent forms (as per ART Law & ART Bill 2021)
- Specific consent for freezing gametes, embryos, and tissues
- Policies for storage duration, usage, and future rights
Financial Support
At CIFAR, We understand that cancer already places an enormous financial burden on patients. To make fertility preservation accessible:
- Subsidy models for our cancer patients
- Easy EMI options
Follow-Up & Survivorship Care
Care for Oncofertility patients at CIFAR doesn’t end with counselling and cryopreservation. CIFAR offers very active follow up care and support in the form of-
- Post-treatment fertility assessment
- Reproductive planning & assisted reproduction support
- Long-term monitoring of stored samples
- Integration with survivorship clinics for holistic health
Networking & Research
CIFAR IVF Centre collaborates with:
- Oncology centres for streamlined referrals
- Various NGO involved in Cancer care.
- Fertility networks and international consortia (such as the Oncofertility Consortium, Northwestern University)
- Smaller hospitals & clinics to extend fertility preservation access
We also actively engage in research and training to bring the latest oncofertility innovations to our patients.
There are various barriers in offering Oncofertility Services
- Lack of awareness among patients and doctors
- Limited referral systems
- Financial constraints
- Emotional & psychological stress
CIFAR’s dedicated programme addresses each barrier through education, counselling, structured pathways, financial support, and psychosocial care.
Why Choose CIFAR’s Oncofertility Programme in India?
- Comprehensive infrastructure with ART, cryopreservation, and biobanking facilities
- Multidisciplinary team combining oncology & reproductive medicine
- Patient navigators for timely and stress-free care
- Ethical and legal compliance with ART Bill & international guidelines
- Affordable, accessible, and compassionate care
- Commitment to research & global best practices
- Strong counselling support-
At CIFAR IVF Centre, we understand that cancer should not take away your chance at future parenthood. Our Oncofertility Programme is designed to provide timely, compassionate, and advanced fertility preservation for patients at risk.
Informed consent, counselling, and a patient-first approach are at the heart of our programme. With strict checklists, dedicated navigators, and continuous audits, we ensure that every patient receives effective and ethical care.