Your Fertility, Your Future: Understanding the Oncofertility Timeline at Boston IVF

Because your life shouldn’t be defined by one diagnosis.

When cancer enters your life, everything can feel like it’s happening at once. Appointments stack up, decisions feel urgent, and it may seem like there’s no room to think about the future—especially future parenthood.

At Boston IVF, we want you to know this: you are allowed to hope for the life you dreamed of.

And we’re here to protect that hope.

Our Oncofertility Program, led by Dr. Meaghan Delaney, Dr. Mary Morris, and Dr. Nina Resetkova, is designed to help patients understand how cancer treatments may affect fertility—and how fast, effective fertility preservation can fit into your treatment timeline.

What Oncofertility Is—and Why It Matters

Oncofertility is a unique subspecialty that bridges oncology and reproductive medicine. Its goal is simple but profound: to help you understand how cancer treatment might impact your fertility and what you can do to preserve your chance of having children later on.

For many people, this means choosing one of the following before beginning cancer therapy:

Egg freezing (oocyte preservation)
Embryo freezing (if you have a partner you’d like to create embryos with)
Sperm freezing
Medical ovarian protection options (when preservation treatment isn’t possible before chemo)

And for all patients, it means having a team who can move fast, coordinate closely with your oncology providers, and make the process as easy—and emotionally supported—as possible.

How Quickly Do You Need to Decide?

Cancer treatment often needs to start quickly. That’s why our program is built for rapid turnaround, without sacrificing clarity or care.

Here’s what most patients experience:

Consultation within 72 hours of referral

A Boston IVF reproductive endocrinologist specializing in oncofertility meets with you virtually or in person within days—not weeks—to review your diagnosis, timeline, and options.

Freezing eggs or embryos takes about 2 weeks

The stimulation and retrieval process usually takes 10–14 days from start to finish—fast enough to fit within most oncology treatment timelines.

Sperm freezing can happen immediately

For patients with testes, collection can often be performed same-day at Boston IVF or through partner sperm banks.

Sometimes preservation can still happen after treatment begins

Depending on the cancer type and therapy plan, some patients can pursue fertility options even after starting chemotherapy or surgery. Your fertility doctor will help determine what’s safe and effective for your situation.

Preservation is never mandatory

Some people decline preservation for reasons like cost, emotional capacity, lack of interest in having children, or desire to begin cancer treatment immediately.

We support you completely—no matter your decision.

A Fast Process Designed for Your Real Life

When time is tight, you shouldn’t have to navigate logistics alone. At Boston IVF, your care team—including nurses, financial coordinators, and administrators—works behind the scenes to:

Expedite appointments
Coordinate with your oncologist and surgeon
Seek insurance approval or financial assistance
Teach you medications quickly and clearly
Reduce the number of required visits
Minimize stress during an already overwhelming moment

You focus on healing. We’ll focus on the details.

What Egg or Embryo Freezing Actually Looks Like

Here’s what the ~2‑week process includes:

Medications (8–12 days) to encourage your ovaries to grow multiple eggs at once.
Monitoring appointments, kept as streamlined as possible because we know you have a lot going on.
A minor egg retrieval procedure performed under sedation.
Cryopreservation (freezing) of:
- Mature eggs, or
- Fertilized eggs (embryos) if you choose to work with a partner using sperm.

These eggs or embryos can remain safely frozen for many years—giving you space, time, and the gift of choice when you’re ready.

What If You Can’t Delay Cancer Treatment?

If there isn’t enough time for egg or embryo freezing before starting chemotherapy, your Boston IVF physician can collaborate with your oncology team to explore medications that may help protect ovarian function during treatment.

This can’t guarantee future fertility—but it may help preserve the potential for pregnancy later.

What If You Don’t Preserve Fertility?

If you choose not to freeze eggs, embryos, or sperm—or if timing doesn’t allow—it does not mean parenthood is off the table.

Many survivors go on to build families through:

Natural conception
Fertility treatment
Donor eggs or sperm
Gestational surrogacy
Adoption

Your family building story doesn’t end here. There are always options.

The Heart of Oncofertility at Boston IVF

It’s not just the science—it’s the people. Our team understands the urgency, emotion, and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis. We know you’re trying to make enormous decisions under enormous pressure.

And that’s why we approach every oncofertility case with:

Speed
Compassion
Clear communication
Deep respect for your goals

Your cancer treatment needs to begin. So does your hope for the future. We’re here to protect both.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you—or someone you love—has just received a cancer diagnosis, we’re here to help you navigate fertility preservation with clarity, speed, and unwavering support.

You can:

Schedule an urgent oncofertility consult
Have us coordinate with your oncology team
Learn about your insurance and financial options
Begin preservation within days

Your future family matters—and you deserve a team that treats it like it matters. You’re not alone. Boston IVF is here for you today, tomorrow, and every step beyond.