Purpose

Unlike infertility, patients presenting for fertility preservation (FP) are often using combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC). We studied whether long-term (≥6 months) CHC use is associated with reversible suppression of antral follicle count (AFC).

Methods

This is a longitudinal study of FP cycles from 2012 to 2016. We studied three groups: those without CHC exposure (NO CHC), those with CHC usage with a CHC break (BREAK), and without a break (NO BREAK) prior to ovarian stimulation. We assessed ovarian reserve by AFC at initial consultation and discussed the possibility of CHC suppression of AFC. Patients chose between ovarian stimulation with no CHC break versus ovarian stimulation after a CHC break. AFC was measured serially in the BREAK group. We assessed whether AFC suppression was reversed in the BREAK group. Total oocyte yield was compared among the NO CHC, BREAK, and NO BREAK groups. T tests, ANOVA, and linear/logistic regressions were used.

Results

Seven hundred forty-three women underwent FP. Twenty-one percent (n = 154) were taking long-term CHC (≥6 months). AFC suppression was more likely with CHC use (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4, P = 0.011). The BREAK group (n = 79) stopped CHC for an average of 4 months. AFC improvement started at 1 month and plateaued at approximately 6- to 7-month break. The BREAK group had approximately twice as many oocytes per initial AFC as NO BREAK (2.8 ± 3.8 vs. 1.4 ± 0.9, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

When women present for FP on CHC, AFC may be suppressed. A CHC break of several months is associated with an increase in AFC and a potential improvement in overall egg yield.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

No studies have examined the fertility priorities of women undergoing treatment for glioma. Glioma patients frequently undergo chemotherapy as part of their treatment, however it is unknown whether patients are aware of the possible effects of treatment on their fertility. Our objective was to assess the fertility priorities of glioma patients and ascertain whether female glioma patients are being effectively counseled on the effects of chemotherapy on fertility prior to beginning treatment.

METHODS

The sample was composed of female patients from the Neuro-oncology clinic of the University of California, San Francisco. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey between October 2010 and December 2013 exploring their attitudes toward fertility and their experience with fertility counseling prior to chemotherapy initiation.

RESULTS

Seventy-two women completed the survey. Analysis of the survey results showed that 30% of women receiving chemotherapy reported having a discussion regarding fertility preservation prior to beginning treatment. Of those who reported having this discussion, 80% were aware that chemotherapy could negatively affect their fertility. Many women reported that while fertility preservation was not important to them at the time of diagnosis, it was a priority for them at the time of survey completion. Although interest in having children tended to decrease after cancer treatment, the majority of respondents reported desiring a child after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained in this study suggest a lack of understanding of reproductive priorities which may be addressed with a more comprehensive fertility discussion prior to beginning treatment.

Purpose

As the paradigm shifts towards improving cancer survivorship, an important concern for reproductive-aged women diagnosed with cancer is how their disease and its treatment will affect their future fertility. We sought to characterize pregnancy attempts and outcomes in breast cancer patients following chemotherapy.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of women diagnosed with breast cancer seen between 2010 and 2019. A questionnaire was administered following cancer treatment with questions regarding oncologic and reproductive history and attempts and method of conception.

Results

Of 181 participants, 46 (25.4%) attempted to conceive following chemotherapy. Thirty-five patients (76.1%) had return of ovarian function. Of those, 34 patients (mean age 32.8 years) first attempted to conceive by intercourse, and 22 (64.7%) became pregnant, resulting in 17 live births. Of the remaining 12 who did not successfully conceive through intercourse, eight went on to try other methods, resulting in five additional pregnancies and one live birth. Twelve patients (mean age 34.6 years) proceeded directly to ART; of those, eight (66.7%) became pregnant, resulting in six live births.

Conclusion

In breast cancer patients with return of ovarian function after chemotherapy, half were able to conceive by intercourse alone. In order to maximize reproductive potential in patients who have return of ovarian function, providers should offer natural conception as a reasonable option prior to the use of cryopreserved tissue. For those who did not attempt to conceive on their own, the use of pre-treatment cryopreserved eggs or embryos had a high likelihood of success.