When you undergo cancer treatment, you may experience changes in your fertility and/or sexual health. Some people being treated for cancer notice a decrease or change in their sexual desire and/or function as a side effect of treatment. Others face the challenge of infertility. The caring and knowledgeable team at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is here to help.

We offer our patients the following services:

• In-vitro fertilization (IVR) and embryo banking
• Egg banking
• Sperm banking
• Counseling and treatments for sexual health concerns

Fertility Solutions for Women and Men

Chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments are the most common causes of permanent infertility in younger patients. Recent advances in fertility preservation give both male and female patients more opportunities to protect their reproductive health.

We believe no one should have to give up their dream of starting a family. That’s why we use a multidisciplinary approach, working with UHealth fertility and obstetrical experts to find sensible solutions. Our female patients who hope to bear a child have specific fertility-preserving options:

• In-vitro fertilization (IVR) and embryo banking
• Egg banking

We recommend fertility preservation for women in the following situations:

• Preparing to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer
• Preparing to have surgery that could affect future fertility
• Women with other concerns about future fertility

We also offer male patients the opportunity to preserve their fertility. This process involves obtaining and preserving sperm from a man who may wish to father a healthy child in the future, but whose sperm are at risk for loss or damage due to cancer or cancer treatment.

We recommend fertility preservation for men in the following situations:

• Preparing to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer
• Preparing to have surgery that could affect future fertility
• Men with decreased sperm counts due to illness or other conditions
• Men with other concerns about future fertility

Sexual Health Solutions for Women

Sexual dysfunction issues are common among female cancer survivors. In fact, more than 80% of women who survive cancer can experience these issues. Women struggling with sexual side effects caused by their cancer or cancer treatment have a unique resource at Sylvester. The Menopause Urogenital Sexual Health and Intimacy Clinic (MUSIC) was created by Kristin Rojas, M.D., FACS, to address women’s concerns around intimacy and sexual function. Dr. Rojas is a fellowship-trained breast cancer surgeon and obstetrician/gynecologist.

The team offers consultations to address common sexual health concerns:

• Loss of libido
• Sexual dysfunction
• Intimacy concerns
• Pelvic floor dysfunction or pain
• Menopausal symptoms
• Vaginal atrophy and dryness

Clinic consultations are available on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of each month at Sylvester’s Posner Pavilion. Follow-up appointments are available in-person or through telemedicine video calls.

Candidates for the MUSIC program are women 18 and older with a history of cancer. The program is not for routine gynecologic issues or menopausal symptoms in women without a history of cancer. Interested patients should request to see Dr. Rojas in the MUSIC program.

Personalized Support that Meets Your Needs

Your journey to complete healing begins by meeting with an expert who specializes in helping people undergoing cancer treatment. During this appointment, you will learn how your sexual health and fertility may change due to cancer or cancer treatment. Our specialist will ask you questions about your diagnosis, treatment, and will address any concerns you may have. Based on this discussion, you will receive a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and goals.