I'm unmarried. What are my options?

If it is possible to postpone cancer treatment for 2-3 weeks, women may consider going through emergency IVF using donor sperm to create embryos that will be frozen and stored for use at a later date. Although still considered somewhat experimental, it is also possible to undergo an egg retrieval, but freeze the eggs rather than create embryos. Another option is to have ovarian tissue removed and frozen; this may be the most appropriate choice for women who cannot postpone cancer treatment or for girls who are not candidates for IVF.

For men, the ability to freeze sperm either by conventional or alternative methods exists regardless of marital status. Even pubertal boys, with parental consent, can provide a sperm sample for storage prior to starting cancer treatment. These procedures are generally non-invasive and can be done quickly so that cancer treatment is not delayed.

Click on the link to the right for a list of questions to ask your doctor to help you decide what options are right for you.