Fertility preservation is a key challenge for cancer patients, raising medical, psychosocial, and ethical issues. Those affected share their questions and concerns about fertility preservation measures (FPM) on social media. A qualitative content analysis by Christina Leppin, Dr. Claudia Lampert, Prof. Dr. Joachim Weis, and Dr. Nils Ellebrecht offers insights into patient experiences and provides guidance for needs-based fertility counseling.
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Method
A qualitative evaluation was conducted on publicly accessible Instagram posts (23 posts from nine accounts and 739 comments; analysis period: January to June 2023) and a relevant cancer self-help forum (240 posts from 80 users; analysis period: January 2020 to November 2023).
Findings
Fertility preservation and family planning are described as emotional and biographical challenges. The desire to have children often conflicts with medical recommendations, particularly when it comes to anti-hormonal therapies. Uncertainties in the classification of medical recommendations, a lack of follow-up information, and opaque cost regulations have been noted. Ethical issues such as genetic risks, child welfare, and assisted reproduction are also discussed. Social media provides a platform for guidance, communication, and categorization of medical recommendations.
Conclusion
Fertility counseling should address the wide range of practical, emotional, and ethical issues that patients are confronted with.
Leppin, C., Lampert, C., Weis, J. et al.: Fertilitätserhalt aus Patient*innensicht: Spannungsfelder und Informationsbedarfe in den sozialen Medien [Fertility Preservation from the Patient’s Perspective with Areas of Conflict and Information Needs on Social Media]. Onkologie [Oncology] (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00761-025-01870-6.