Oncofertility Overview Course

Lesson 1 • Defining Oncofertility as a Field

Traces the emergence of oncofertility from reproductive medicine and oncology. Provides the conceptual framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Ethical and Psychosocial Dimensions

Addresses patient autonomy, informed consent, and emotional burden of fertility decisions during cancer diagnosis. Grounds clinical practice in patient-centered values.

Lesson 3 • Cancer Epidemiology and Reproductive Age

Examines cancer incidence among reproductive-age patients and why fertility is at risk. Contextualizes the patient population central to oncofertility.

Lesson 1 • Ovarian Anatomy and Folliculogenesis

Covers ovarian structure, follicle types, and the stages of follicle development. Establishes the biological basis for egg-based preservation strategies.

Lesson 2 • Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

Explains the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and cyclic hormone patterns. Provides the endocrine foundation for stimulation protocols used in preservation.

Lesson 3 • Assessing Ovarian Reserve

Introduces clinical tools for measuring remaining egg supply before and after cancer treatment. Directly informs patient counseling and preservation timing.

Lesson 1 • Testicular Anatomy and Spermatogenesis

Describes testicular structure and the cellular process of sperm production. Forms the biological basis for male preservation strategies discussed later.

Lesson 2 • Gonadotoxicity in Male Patients

Identifies treatment-specific risks to spermatogenesis and long-term fertility. Supports risk-stratified counseling for male cancer patients.

Lesson 3 • Semen Analysis and Sperm Parameters

Covers standard semen analysis metrics and their clinical significance. Enables accurate interpretation of pre- and post-treatment sperm quality.

Lesson 1 • Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation

Describes surgical removal, cryopreservation, and future transplantation of ovarian cortex tissue. Highlights its role for prepubertal patients and urgent cases.

Lesson 2 • Oocyte Cryopreservation

Explains egg freezing as a partner-independent option for single patients. Compares outcomes with embryo freezing and discusses vitrification advances.

Lesson 3 • Fertility-Sparing Surgical Approaches

Reviews conservative surgical options for gynecologic cancers that preserve reproductive organs. Connects surgical decision-making to oncologic safety.

Lesson 4 • Embryo Cryopreservation

Covers controlled ovarian stimulation, fertilization, and embryo freezing as the most established female preservation option. Addresses partner and donor sperm considerations.

Lesson 1 • Sperm Cryopreservation and Banking

Covers semen collection, cryoprotectant use, and long-term storage as the standard male preservation method. Emphasizes urgency before treatment initiation.

Lesson 2 • Assisted Reproduction After Male Preservation

Explains how cryopreserved sperm is used in IUI, IVF, and ICSI to achieve pregnancy. Connects male preservation to downstream reproductive outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Surgical Sperm Retrieval Techniques

Describes TESE, micro-TESE, and PESA for patients unable to produce ejaculated sperm. Relevant for azoospermic patients post-treatment.

Lesson 1 • Counseling Special Populations

Addresses unique communication needs of adolescents, pediatric patients, LGBTQ+ individuals, and single patients. Adapts counseling to diverse reproductive goals.

Lesson 2 • Timing and Urgency of Referral

Explains why fertility counseling must occur before treatment begins and how to integrate it into oncology workflows. Reduces delays that eliminate preservation options.

Lesson 3 • Conducting the Oncofertility Consultation

Structures the clinical conversation covering diagnosis, treatment risks, preservation options, and patient goals. Builds a replicable consultation framework.

Lesson 4 • Communicating Uncertainty and Risk

Teaches how to present incomplete evidence, treatment-specific risks, and success rate variability honestly. Supports informed decision-making without false reassurance.

Lesson 1 • Interdisciplinary Communication Protocols

Establishes standards for sharing patient information across specialties while maintaining confidentiality. Prevents miscommunication that delays treatment.

Lesson 2 • Roles Within the Oncofertility Team

Defines the responsibilities of oncologists, reproductive endocrinologists, nurses, and coordinators. Clarifies role boundaries to prevent gaps in patient care.

Lesson 3 • Program Development and Quality Metrics

Guides creation of institutional oncofertility programs with measurable performance indicators. Enables continuous improvement of care delivery.

Lesson 1 • Long-Term Reproductive Health Monitoring

Establishes a framework for ongoing reproductive health surveillance in cancer survivors. Integrates fertility monitoring into survivorship care plans.

Lesson 2 • Using Cryopreserved Material

Explains the clinical process of thawing and using stored embryos, eggs, sperm, or tissue after cancer treatment ends. Connects preservation to actual family building.

Lesson 3 • Safety of Pregnancy After Cancer

Reviews evidence on pregnancy safety for survivors of specific cancer types and treatment histories. Addresses recurrence risk and maternal-fetal outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Alternative Paths to Parenthood

Presents adoption, gestational surrogacy, and donor gametes as options for survivors unable to conceive. Broadens the definition of family building in survivorship care.