Morning Symposium - Nurses’ Professional Group - Fertility Preservation: Time is of the Essence

Presenters

Fertility Preservation: Time is of the Essence

Needs Assessment and Description
Recent advances in egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) have opened the options for women wishing to preserve fertility until the time at which they are ready to begin their family. Egg freezing offers women the potential to “preserve” their fertility without feeling the pressures of the biological clock. In addition, freezing oocytes for cancer patients and egg donors, and as an adjunct to assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, may completely change our ability to assist these patients. This live course for nurses and other healthcare professionals will cover current information on oocyte cryopreservation and its use in ART.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 

1. Review the history and physiology of human egg freezing and thawing (including egg vitrification and “warming”). 
2. Discuss egg freezing potential for women utilizing the technology for social reasons, for patients recently diagnosed with cancer, for donors and as a back-up option during ART procedures.

ACGME Competency
Patient Care

TEST QUESTION:
A 38-year-old woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. She is interested in her options and chances of pregnancy in the future. After participating in this session, in my practice I will counsel this woman that: 

1. All types of chemotherapy have a similar risk of ovarian failure. 
2. Ovarian stimulation concurrent with letrozole is not associated with increased breast cancer recurrence in 5-year follow up. 
3. Pregnancy after breast cancer increases recurrence rates. 
4. Regular menstruation after chemotherapy signifies normal fertility. 
5. Chemotherapy increases her risk of birth defects if she tries to conceive a year after completing treatment. 
6. Not applicable to my area of practice.