Information for parents and guardians
This page includes answers to some questions that parents and guardians may have about fertility preservation and the choice their child is being asked to make.
Learn about your child's choice
Your child’s treatment for cancer or a blood disease could lower their fertility. Your child's doctor or nurse will share what their level of risk for fertility problems is.
Some people choose an option to preserve their fertility (called fertility preservation) because it may give them a higher chance of having biological children someday.
Other people choose to wait and see what happens with their fertility in the future, such as after their treatment for cancer or a blood disease, before deciding.
This website may be able to help your child decide which choice is right for them.
Why was my child given this website?
What would my child have to do?
Some fertility preservation options require:
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Medications
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Injections (shots)
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Tests
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Procedures
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Surgery
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Some options don't require them.
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Below, learn what your child will need to do depending on which option they choose.
Kids/teens with ovaries:
Kids/teens with testicles:
What are my child's options?
What are the potential side effects or risks?
You can learn about the side effects, risks, and downsides of each option using the links below.
Kids/teens with ovaries:
Kids/teens with testicles:
How well do my child's options work?
On each option page, we share what we know now about how well the option works and other factors to think about.
Kids/teens with ovaries:
Kids/teens with testicles:
How much do my child's options cost?
For information on the types of costs included in the choice of fertility preservation or to wait and see, visit our Costs page.
We have also included resources for covering some of these costs.
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You can also review the cost estimates for each option available to your child using the links below:
Kids/teens with ovaries:
Kids/teens with testicles:
How are frozen sperm, eggs, and tissue stored?
Your doctor or nurse will connect you with a storage facility where your child's egg, sperm, or tissue will be frozen and stored.
You can ask the storage facility:
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About their storage policies
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What they do to lower risks (such as from a loss of electricity)
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What they charge annually for storage, and your options for paying. Some facilities will provide discounts for people with cancer or a blood diseases.
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You can also read our answers to some questions on storage.
Are there additional resources?
You can discover resources and read answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ) by visiting the pages below:
Ask your child's doctor or nurse any questions you have. Doctors and nurses shared with us that they encourage parents and patients to ask questions.
When does my child need to make a choice?
If your child wants to choose fertility preservation, doctors usually recommend that they try to do it before they start their treatment for cancer or a blood disease. This is because some treatments can lower their fertility and chances of having a biological child.
But sometimes, fertility preservation can be started or completed during, between, or after treatments.
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Learn when each option can be completed and how long they take below.
Talk to your child's doctor or nurse about the timing of their treatment and fertility preservation.
Kids/teens with ovaries:
Kids/teens with testicles:
How can I help my child make this choice?
With your child, their doctor or nurse, and this website, learn about your child's risk level and your child's options, including to wait and see. If your child has questions about their body, you could share with them our information on fertility and their bodies.
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This website also includes a Quiz for your child to take that can help them think about what matters to them and have a discussion with you. If your child would like, they can share their answers on the quiz and why they picked them. The Quiz also includes recommendations that you may find helpful too.
If your child wants to choose fertility preservation and are under 18 years of age, you will need to agree with them on that decision in order to move forward with the procedure.
Important note!
When you and your child talk about this choice, keep in mind:
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Each of you will have your own thoughts, feelings, concerns, and hopes. Be open with each other about how you’re feeling.
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Each of you may be unsure about what you want or may have strong preferences.
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Try to give each other space to express your views even if they are different.