Ask the CryoStork^®: Should I Freeze Embryos, Eggs, or Sperm Before Starting Cancer Treatment?  

Welcome to Ask the CryoStork^®, where we answer questions from patients just like you. 

Whether you’re navigating fertility preservation, preparing for IVF, planning for surrogacy, or exploring long-term storage, we know the decisions ahead of you are deeply personal and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why we’re here. To offer clarity and confidence as you protect what matters most.      

If you don’t see your question answered, please contact us! We’re here to help. We’ll answer your question directly, and it may even be featured (anonymously) in a future Ask the CryoStork to help others just like you!  

Ask the CryoStork^®: Will Cancer Treatments Affect the Quality of Embryos, Eggs, or Sperm? Should I Freeze Them Beforehand?   

A cancer diagnosis brings an overwhelming number of decisions in a very short period of time. For many people, fertility isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but it is an important part of your future, and it’s normal to wonder how cancer treatment might affect it.  

While every medical situation is different (and your oncology and fertility care teams are the right people to advise you), there are some general considerations that can help you understand why fertility preservation is often discussed early in the treatment process.  

Why Fertility Preservation Comes Up Before Treatment 

Many cancer treatments can impact reproductive health. Some treatments may affect the ability to produce sperm in the future, and others may make it more challenging to achieve or maintain a pregnancy after treatment. This is why oncologists and reproductive endocrinologists often work together to help patients understand their options before treatment begins.  

Choosing to freeze embryos, eggs, or sperm beforehand can give you the possibility of building your family later, on your timeline and in partnership with your team’s guidance. For many patients, having that reassurance at the start of treatment can provide a sense of grounding during an uncertain time.  

A Growing Part of Modern Cancer Care 

Today, fertility preservation is a recognized component of comprehensive cancer care. Many people choose to freeze reproductive materials before beginning treatment, not because they know exactly what their future will look like, but because they want to keep options open.  

If your clinic recommends freezing embryos, eggs, or sperm before treatment, Cryoport Systems can support the transport of these materials between clinics or storage facilities, whether that’s before treatment or when you’re ready to continue your family-building journey.  

How Cryoport Systems Supports Patients Facing Cancer 

You may already feel overwhelmed when facing cancer treatment, and the logistics of transporting your reproductive materials shouldn’t add more stress. That’s where our experience and purpose-built systems help create clarity and control.  

Validated, Purpose-Built Shipping Systems for Protection When it Matters Most 

Our Cryoport Express® Cryogenic Standard Shipping System is engineered specifically for transporting biological materials at cryogenic temperatures over both short and long distances. Every shipping system is thoroughly inspected and revalidated before each use, and we apply our Veri-Clean® process, a validated, standardized decontamination method, to ensure the shipping system meets strict cleanliness and performance criteria. We are the only provider in the industry to uphold this level of rigor and control for every shipping system at every use.  

This consistency is especially important for patients navigating cancer treatment, where timelines can be tight and emotional bandwidth is stretched thin.  

Continuous Monitoring to Safeguard Your Materials Through Every Moment of Transit 

When your reproductive materials are in transit, we apply continuous monitoring of critical parameters like internal and external temperature, location, tilt, and humidity from the moment the shipment begins until it arrives at its destination.  

This means that we know with certainty that the cryogenic environment was maintained throughout transit. If anything unexpected occurs, our team of experts is notified and can act quickly using established contingency protocols to protect your shipment and precious materials. Your shipment is safe, secure, and supported by our team of specialists at every step.  

Quality Frameworks that Support Your Fertility Preservation Journey 

Cryoport Systems operates in alignment with ISO 21973, the international standard that defines how cells intended for human use should be packaged, handled, and transported. Originally developed for cell and gene therapies, this standard is the most stringent set of requirements that supports the safety and consistency required for the transportation of reproductive materials.  

You can count on our track record of success that spans decades. We’ve completed over a million successful shipments around the world while adhering to the industry’s most robust and stringent quality and compliance standards. We apply this level of excellence to every shipment entrusted to our care, and this is a responsibility we take very seriously.  

One Less Decision to Carry Alone 

World Cancer Day reminds us that no one walks this path alone, and that includes the fertility journey that often accompanies a diagnosis. If freezing embryos, eggs, or sperm is part of your plan, Cryoport Systems is here to support the secure transport of those materials so you can focus on your health and treatment.  

If you’re considering fertility preservation as part of your cancer journey, your oncology and fertility care teams are the best partners for medical guidance. When it comes to transporting your reproductive materials safely and reliably, Cryoport Systems is here to help.