Interview– Dr. Sandy Chuan

A cancer diagnosis often brings a rapid succession of critical decisions, and fertility preservation is frequently overlooked in the urgency of treatment planning. In this episode, functional medicine physician Dr. Dan speaks with Dr. Sandy Chuan, a fertility specialist at San Diego Fertility Center, about how cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation can impact reproductive health in both women and men. They discuss why fertility should be addressed early in the diagnostic process and provide a clear overview of available preservation options, including egg freezing, sperm banking, IVF, and IUI.

The conversation also explores treatment timelines, including random-start protocols, and explains the key differences between egg and embryo freezing. Dr. Chuan breaks down the “attrition funnel” from eggs to embryos to successful pregnancy, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights financial considerations such as cost, insurance coverage, and nonprofit support. The episode concludes with a look at emerging technologies, including the role of AI in embryo assessment, offering listeners practical insights and informed guidance during an emotionally complex time.

Learn more at https://www.sdfertility.com/

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