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Providers

How do I refer a patient to the NCCH Fertility Preservation Program?

Please contact UNC’s Fertility Preservation Program Director:

     By email: FertilityPreservation@Med.UNC.edu
     By phone: 919-843-8246
     Page: “Fertility Preservation” / 919-216-6097


For urgent consults:

Male patients: 984-974-1000 – Ask for Urology resident on call
Female patients: 984-974-1000 – Ask for Reproductive Endocrinologist on call

For Providers

We are glad you are interested in the North Carolina Children’s Hospital Fertility Preservation Program. The North Carolina Children’s Hospital and UNC Fertility have joined together to develop this program with the primary aim to assist children who may have their future fertility compromised due to either their primary medical diagnosis or treatment for their disease. Our team is available to assist you and your patient. In most cases, the first step is reaching out to our Fertility Preservation Program Director: FertilityPreservation@Med.UNC.edu

Endocrine – Some endocrinological diagnoses and their treatments can be associated with fertility impairment. These include hypopituitarism, ovarian failure, testicular failure, as well as estrogen or testosterone treatments. In these cases there may be options to potentially preserve a child’s fertility. If your patient’s diagnosis may impact future fertility, feel free to contact our team. We are glad to talk with you or see your patient and family to discuss options for fertility preservation.

Gender Diversity – While gender dysphoria and gender fluidity doesn’t directly impact future fertility, medications used to suppress puberty or to develop gender affirming physical characteristics may impact fertility, although the threshold is currently unknown. It is important to convey how gender-affirming hormone therapy may impact fertility and what options are available for fertility preservation.

Genetics and Metabolism – Some genetic conditions and inborn errors of metabolism may result in future fertility impairments including sterility. If your patient’s diagnosis is associated with a risk of infertility, feel free to contact our team. We are glad to talk with you or see your patient and family to discuss options for fertility preservation.

Hematology/Oncology –

  • Oncology: Cancer and cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some surgeries, can have a substantial impact on fertility. The specific types of chemotherapy, the location of radiation therapy, and the type of surgery are all important factors in determining the risk for potential fertility problems. If your patient has been diagnosed with cancer, please contact the Fertility Preservation Program Director to discuss options for fertility preservation.
  • Hematology: Patients with Sickle Cell Disease may be at risk of infertility. Recent studies have found that patients with SSD are often not counseled about the impact of their diagnosis on fertility. These studies recommend counseling and options for fertility preservation. (Nahata L, Caltabellotta N, Ball K, O’Brien SH, Creary SE. Desire for parenthood and reproductive health knowledge in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease and their caregivers. Pediatric Blood Cancer. 2018 Feb;65(2).

Urology – Some urological conditions such as ambiguous genitalia, testicular cancer, or some surgical interventions may impair a child’s ability to have biological children and may require fertility preservation. If your patient is being seen for a urological condition and is at risk of infertility, please contact the Fertility Preservation Program Director to discuss options for fertility preservation.

Rheumatology – Patients with chronic rheumatic or autoimmune diseases are at increased risk of fertility impairments. This applies to both males and females. Uncontrolled inflammation is associated with infertility. Medications used to treat autoimmune conditions can also impact fertility. If your patient has a rheumatologic diagnosis that may be associated infertility please contact our team to discuss fertility preservation options.

Nephrology – Renal disease can result can impact multiple organ systems. Medications necessary to address some renal diseases may lead to fertility impairment. In some cases, this may be temporary. However, some medications can permanently affect future fertility. If your patient has a rheumatologic diagnosis that may be associated infertility please contact our team to discuss fertility preservation options.

Gynecology – Some gynecological conditions, such as ovarian torsion or failure, may impact your patient’s ability to have children. If your patient has been diagnosed with a condition that may impact their future fertility, If your patient has a rheumatologic diagnosis that may be associated infertility please contact the Fertility Preservation Program Director to discuss options for fertility preservation.

Is my patient eligible for Fertility Preservation?

Males
> 12 years of age who are approaching or at puberty

Females
> 10 years of age who are menstruating

What if my patient is pre-pubertal?

Currently, fertility preservation before reaching puberty is experimental. Our team is currently working with Wake Forest University and their researchers to connect interested patients experimental fertility preservation techniques for prepubertal patients. There may be options for your patient to participate in research that may help with their future fertility. If your patient is interested in learning more about these research options, please contact our team or click on the link above.

Other relevant points of contact: