Preserving Fertility Before Bone Marrow Transplant: A New Perspective
Authored By Dr. Puneet Rana Arora
In 2026, one of the most meaningful advancements in cancer care is not just improving survival—but preserving life beyond survival. For many patients undergoing bone marrow transplant (BMT) or high-dose chemotherapy, fertility can be significantly affected. As a fertility specialist, Dr Puneet believes that every patient deserves the opportunity to plan their future—including the possibility of parenthood.
In a recent event organized by the ISBMT 2026 meeting at ACTREC, Navi Mumbai, the discussion was on discussing sperm and ovarian tissue cryopreservation in the context of cancer care and fertility preservation.
“In my session, I emphasized the critical importance of preserving reproductive potential before initiating treatments like bone marrow transplant, which can significantly impact fertility. Advances in cryopreservation techniques now allow us to offer hope to both men and women—even in urgent clinical situations—by safely storing gametes or reproductive tissue for future use.” Dr Puneet Rana Arora Says
Bone Marrow Transplant & Fertility Impact
- Female patients can develop premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) after transplant conditioning therapy.
- Male patients may experience long-term or permanent reduction in sperm production after BMT.
Why Fertility Preservation Matters Before BMT?
Bone marrow transplant and associated treatments can damage reproductive cells, leading to temporary or permanent infertility. For young patients, couples, and even adolescents, this can be emotionally overwhelming—especially when the focus is already on fighting a life-threatening illness.
Today, fertility preservation is no longer optional—it is an essential part of holistic cancer care.
CIFAR IVF Centre approach : Early, Timely, and Personalized very important
At our center, we follow a structured, patient-first approach:
1. Early Counselling is Key important factor
The moment a patient is advised BMT or gonadotoxic therapy, fertility counselling is initiated. Timing is critical, and even a short window before treatment can make a significant difference.
2. Individualized Treatment Planning
We understand patient privacy and treatment needs. At the centre we provided care based on age, diagnosis, urgency of treatment, and marital status, we customize fertility preservation options.
What We Offer for Fertility Preservation in Gurgaon Haryana
For Men:
- Sperm Cryopreservation
A simple, effective, and widely available method where sperm samples are frozen and safely stored for future use.
For Women:
- Egg (Oocyte) Freezing
Ideal for unmarried women or those who prefer independent reproductive options. - Embryo Freezing
For married couples, embryos can be created and preserved for future IVF cycles. - Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation
A promising technique, especially when there is limited time before cancer treatment. Ovarian tissue is surgically preserved and can be reimplanted later.
New Advancement in reproductive medicine
Advancements in reproductive medicine have made fertility preservation:
- Faster – Protocols now allow stimulation cycles in shorter timeframes
- Safer – Even patients with complex conditions can undergo preservation
- More Accessible – Awareness and integration with oncology teams have improved significantly
We are also seeing better outcomes with ovarian tissue freezing and improved success rates in IVF using preserved gametes.
The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Dr. Puneet Rana says fertility preservation is not a standalone process. At our center we do close collaboration between
- Oncologists
- Hematologists
- Fertility specialists
- Counselors
This teamwork ensures that cancer treatment is not delayed, while fertility options are safely explored.
Addressing Emotional and Financial Concerns
Many patients hesitate due to fear, lack of awareness, or cost concerns. CIFAR IVF Centre are actively working to:
- Provide psychological support and counselling- visit : https://www.cifarivf.com/cifar-support-groups/
- Offer affordable fertility preservation plans – visit : https://www.cifarivf.com/low-no-cost-emi/
- Increase awareness so patients can make informed decisions without regret later
Dr Puneet Rana Arora Message to Patients and Families
If you or your loved one is advised to have a bone marrow transplant, please AskDrPuneet about fertility preservation before starting treatment. Even a small step taken today can protect your dreams for tomorrow.
Because at the end of the day, cancer care is not just about saving lives—it’s about preserving the life you want to live.
FAQs
Q. Can I preserve fertility before bone marrow transplant?
Yes, fertility preservation should ideally be done before starting treatment to maximize success.
Q. How long does fertility preservation take?
It can take 2–14 days, depending on the method.
Q. Is ovarian tissue freezing safe?
Yes, it is a safe and effective option, especially when treatment cannot be delayed.
Q. Can men preserve fertility easily?
Yes, sperm freezing is simple, quick, and highly effective.
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