Fertility and Reproductive Health Program
Fertility and Reproductive Health Program
Nationwide Children’s Hospital strives to provide patients the highest quality of life: today, tomorrow and long after treatment has ended.
As medical therapies improve, more and more children survive into their reproductive years and consider having children of their own. Many medical conditions and treatments may affect future fertility, and that's why we developed the Program for Fertility and Reproductive Health: to discuss patients’ fertility and reproductive health.
Our comprehensive Fertility and Reproductive Health Program provides education and counseling for patients who may be at risk for long-term fertility or reproductive health issues. Our program also offers fertility preservation options, when possible.
What Causes Fertility Issues?
Some medical conditions or treatments can cause long-term fertility and reproductive health issues. The impact on fertility may happen as soon as certain treatments begin and can become more significant as children age.
These conditions or treatments may include:
- Cancer
- Non-malignant disorders leading to bone marrow transplant
- Rheumatologic and renal conditions requiring gonadotoxic therapy
- Disorders of sexual development
- Transgender
- Genetic conditions
Fertility Options
Below, we provide a general overview of fertility preservation options for youth and young adults. Additional discussion and further details of each option can be provided during fertility team consultation. As with any emerging field, we recognize the need for a team that can devote the necessary time and energy to best educate each patient that comes through our doors. We have thus hired a fulltime pediatric oncology nurse practitioner solely dedicated to fertility and reproductive health.
Meet Our Team
As one of the most comprehensive fertility programs in the region, our care team includes pediatric experts in endocrinology, obstetrics and gynecology, urology, oncology, nursing and psychology. Our fulltime pediatric oncology nurse practitioner is solely dedicated to supporting fertility and reproductive health patients every step of the way, working hand-in-hand with physicians, surgeons, psychologists and cryobiology labs.
Leena Nahata
Leena Nahata, MD, is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist, associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and founder and medical director of the Fertility and Reproductive Health Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.