Initiating the discussion about fertility preservation with an adolescent patient and their parents/caregivers can be difficult. Watch how the clinical psychologist broaches the topic with the patient and his parents. What strategies would you use to provide age and developmentally appropriate information about fertility preservation to parents of a pre-pubertal child?
Topic: Bringing up fertility and family building options in survivorship
Risk of infertility and fertility preservation are not always discussed with patients before treatment. In this case, Jose is a 25 year old survivor who did not receive this information. As you watch the social worker discusses fertility and family building options with a patient, think about how you would discuss this topic with a survivor who had not received information about risk of infertility or fertility preservation options. What would you do the same or differently as the social worker?
Topic: The egg retrieval process
Some female patients may be interested in fertility preservation options such as egg retrieval and have questions about the process. Watch as Fertility Nurse Specialist discusses the process of egg retrieval with a breast cancer patient, Susan. If you did not have an in-depth knowledge of the egg retrieval, how would you answer questions about the process?
Topic: Addressing religious considerations related to family building options
Romantic partnerships can have an impact on fertility decisions and family building decision making. Watch as he social worker discusses family building options with Jose (survivor) and Cheryl (Jose’s partner). Notice how she addresses their concerns about the use of assisted reproductive technologies and their religion and tailors supportive care needs such as faith based peer support based on those concerns. Think about what resources you have access to that you can share with your patients and provide at least two examples of resources related to reproductive health that are tailored for patients by religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, etc.
Topic: Safe sex practices on treatment
Patients undergoing cancer treatment are at heightened risk of contracting STIs due to being immunocompromised. Watch the social worker discusses the importance of safe-sex practices on treatment with her female breast cancer patient, Ashley, who identifies as lesbian. Think about how individualize discussions to a patient’s age, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual activity level/interest, and disease type and treatment. What would be considerations for a heterosexual female?