Fertility and Cancer

How Cancer Treatments affect Fertility?

Cancer is a life-threatening illness that affects millions of people worldwide. While significant advancements have been made in cancer treatment, the impact of cancer treatment on fertility is still a significant concern for many patients, especially those who are of reproductive age.

The Impact of Cancer Treatment on Fertility

Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can have a significant impact on a person’s fertility. Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage the reproductive system, leading to infertility. 

In women, chemotherapy can cause premature menopause and damage the ovaries, leading to a decrease in the number of eggs available for fertilization.

In men, chemotherapy can affect the production of sperm, leading to a decrease in sperm count and quality. Radiation therapy, on the other hand, can damage the testicles, leading to infertility.

Fertility Preservation Options

Fortunately, there are options available for preserving fertility before starting cancer treatment. 

These options include:

• Egg or sperm freezing: Women can have their eggs frozen before starting cancer treatment, and men can have their sperm frozen. This allows for future use in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures.
• Ovarian tissue freezing: This involves removing a small piece of ovarian tissue and freezing it for future use in ART procedures. This option is typically used in cases where the cancer treatment is expected to damage the ovaries.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): This involves removing eggs from the woman’s ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm, and then freezing the embryos for future use. This option is typically used in cases where the cancer treatment is expected to damage the reproductive system.

Importance

It is crucial for cancer patients to discuss their fertility options with a medical professional before starting cancer treatment. This allows patients to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and to plan for their future. Patients should also be aware of the possible side effects of cancer treatment on fertility and the impact on sexual function.

In addition to fertility preservation, Motherhood Fertility & IVF Centers also offer a range of other fertility services, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI) and donor egg and sperm services. The clinic has a team of experienced reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, and other specialists who work together to provide personalized, evidence-based care to help patients achieve their dream of starting a family.

The Psychological Impact of Infertility

In conclusion, the impact of cancer treatment on fertility is a significant concern for many cancer patients. However, there are options available for preserving fertility, such as egg or sperm freezing, ovarian tissue freezing, and in vitro fertilization. It is important for cancer patients to discuss their fertility options with fertility doctors before starting cancer treatment and to be aware of the possible side effects of cancer treatment on fertility and sexual function.