Facing Cancer? Here's What You Should Know About Fertility

Receiving a cancer diagnosis brings many challenges, but it doesn't have to mean the end of your dreams for a family. Amid the complexities of treatment, there is hope and a range of fertility options to consider. At The Fertility Wellness Institute of Ohio, we're here to empower you with the information needed to protect your fertility and plan for your future. This blog explores how cancer treatments can impact fertility and outlines the available preservation strategies to help you build the family you envision. 

Understanding the Impact of Cancer on Fertility   

Before beginning treatment, you should understand how cancer therapies can affect your reproductive health. This knowledge will help you make proactive decisions about preserving your fertility for the future. 

Cancer treatments vary widely and can impact fertility in different ways. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are common treatments that can have direct effects on reproductive health. Here’s an overview of each common treatment’s effects on fertility, and we encourage you to speak with us to learn more.  

How Chemotherapy Affects Reproductive Health   

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, but it can also affect healthy cells, including those involved in reproduction. For women, chemotherapy can damage the ovaries, affecting egg quality and quantity. In men, chemotherapy can reduce sperm count and motility. The impact varies depending on the type of drugs used, the dosage, and the patient’s age. Certain chemotherapy drugs, like alkylating agents, are particularly harmful to reproductive cells.  

The Effects of Radiation on Fertility   

Radiation therapy targets cancer cells with high-energy rays, which can also affect nearby healthy tissues, including reproductive organs. When radiation is aimed near the pelvis, it can damage the ovaries or testes, leading to reduced fertility or infertility.  

For women, radiation can cause early menopause or damage to the uterine lining, making it difficult to carry a pregnancy to term. For men, it can decrease sperm production or lead to genetic damage in sperm. Shielding techniques and alternative radiation approaches can help protect reproductive health when fertility preservation is a concern. 

Surgical Implications for Reproductive Organs   

Surgery is often a necessary part of cancer treatment, especially if the cancer involves reproductive organs. Procedures like hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) can directly impact a woman’s fertility. Similarly, surgery to remove the testes in men will eliminate natural sperm production. However, in some cases, fertility can be partially preserved with less extensive surgeries or by freezing eggs, sperm, or reproductive tissue before surgery.  

Fertility Preservation Options   

Before starting cancer treatment, several fertility preservation options are available to help safeguard your ability to have biological children in the future. These options can be tailored to individual needs and timelines. 

Egg Freezing: Process and Considerations     

Egg freezing involves stimulating the ovaries with hormones to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, and then freezing them for future use. This process allows women to preserve their eggs before starting cancer treatment. Timing is critical, as the procedure must be completed before chemotherapy or radiation begins. Success rates vary based on age and the number of eggs retrieved, with younger women generally having higher success rates. Egg freezing can be emotionally and financially taxing, so it’s important to consider all aspects before proceeding. 

Sperm Freezing: What You Need to Know   

Sperm freezing, or cryopreservation, is a simple and effective way for men to preserve their fertility before undergoing cancer treatment. While the Fertility Wellness Institute of Ohio doesn’t freeze sperm, we can provide referrals for doctors and hospitals who can help with this process. The process involves collecting a sperm sample, analyzing it for quality, and then freezing it for future use. Sperm can remain viable for many years, making this an accessible and practical option for men of all ages. Timing is important, as sperm should be collected before starting chemotherapy or radiation to avoid damage.  

Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation   

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an emerging fertility preservation option, particularly useful for young girls or women who cannot delay cancer treatment. This procedure involves surgically removing and freezing ovarian tissue, which can later be re-implanted to restore fertility. Although still considered experimental, ovarian tissue freezing has led to successful pregnancies. This option offers hope for preserving fertility when other methods, like egg freezing, are not viable. 

Emerging Techniques in Fertility Preservation   

Advancements in reproductive medicine continue to offer new hope for cancer patients. Techniques like in vitro maturation (IVM) of eggs, where immature eggs are collected and matured in a lab, and testicular tissue freezing for prepubescent boys are becoming more common. These emerging methods provide additional options for preserving fertility, especially for patients who cannot use conventional methods. As these techniques evolve, they may become more widely available, offering expanded options for cancer survivors. 

Safety of Pregnancy After Cancer   

Deciding to pursue pregnancy after cancer treatment involves careful planning and consultation with your healthcare team. Understanding the potential risks and preparing accordingly can help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. 

Evaluating Risks of Cancer Recurrence   

One of the primary considerations before attempting pregnancy after cancer is the risk of recurrence. This risk varies based on the type of cancer, the treatment received, and the time elapsed since remission. It’s crucial to discuss these risks with your oncologist and fertility specialist to determine the safest timeline for conception and to ensure any risks are minimized. 

Potential Health Implications for Future Children   

Concerns about the health of future children conceived after cancer treatment are common. There are potential risks related to genetic damage from chemotherapy or radiation and the general health implications of using gametes affected by cancer treatment. Genetic counseling and testing can provide insights into these risks and help prospective parents make informed decisions. Understanding these implications is vital for planning a safe and healthy pregnancy after cancer. 

Guidelines for a Healthy Pregnancy Post-Cancer   

|For cancer survivors planning a pregnancy, it’s essential to work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, fertility specialists, and obstetricians. This team can provide comprehensive care, addressing any unique needs or risks associated with pregnancy after cancer. Regular monitoring, careful timing, and proactive management of potential complications are key to achieving a healthy pregnancy. Following your healthcare team’s guidelines will help ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and child. 

The Fertility Wellness Institute of Ohio is Your Fertility Partner 

Family planning revolving around cancer involves careful consideration of your readiness for parenthood, the timing of conception, and the available fertility options. At The Fertility Wellness Institute of Ohio, we provide comprehensive support and guidance to help you navigate these complex decisions. Dr. Chin and our team of fertility specialists are here to explore your options in a supportive and informed environment, ensuring you receive the personalized care you deserve. 

If you’re considering your fertility options after cancer treatment, we invite you to consult with Dr. Chin and start your journey towards parenthood with confidence. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your fertility preservation options. 

Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for more information and updates on your fertility journey. 

Do you want to share your fertility journey with us? Share your story here.