Synopsis:

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, and for those in their reproductive years, the added worry of how treatment might affect their ability to have children in the future can be just as daunting. But don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll dive into fertility preservation options available to cancer patients, so you can make informed decisions about your future family, even as you battle cancer.

How Cancer Treatments Affect Fertility

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are life-saving, but they can have unexpected effects on fertility. Let’s explore how each treatment may impact your reproductive health.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs target fast-growing cells, and unfortunately, this includes not just cancer cells, but also the eggs in women’s ovaries and sperm-producing cells in men.

• For Women: Chemotherapy can harm or destroy eggs, which may lead to infertility, early menopause, or irregular periods. The extent of the damage depends on factors like the type of drugs, dosage, and your age.
• For Men: Chemotherapy can lower sperm count, affect sperm quality, and even cause genetic changes in sperm that could lead to birth defects. Some men may regain fertility, but for others, infertility may be permanent.

Radiation

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target cancer cells, but when directed at reproductive organs, it can negatively affect fertility.

• For Women: Radiation near the pelvis can damage the ovaries, decreasing egg count and quality. It can also affect the uterus, making it harder for embryos to implant.
• For Men: Radiation aimed at the testicles or nearby areas can reduce sperm count, impair sperm function, or cause genetic mutations in sperm, potentially leading to birth defects.

Surgery:

Cancer surgery may involve removing parts of reproductive organs, directly impacting fertility.

• For Women: If you need surgery for cancers like cervical cancer, treatments such as a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) can make natural conception impossible. Removing ovaries can reduce egg production.
• For Men: Surgeries for testicular cancer may require the removal of one or both testicles, which affects sperm production and can result in infertility.

Each cancer treatment plan is unique, and understanding how different cancers impact fertility will help you make the best decisions for your future.

Fertility Preservation Options

Modern medicine offers several ways to preserve fertility before undergoing cancer treatment. Here are the most common methods:

Egg or Embryo Freezing: Egg or embryo freezing is a popular option. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then harvested. These eggs can either be frozen for later use or fertilized and frozen as embryos. This method can give you a chance to have a child in the future, but it requires several weeks to complete, which may be a challenge if cancer treatment is urgent.

Ovarian Tissue Freezing: Ovarian tissue freezing involves removing a small portion of ovarian tissue, which contains immature eggs. This tissue is frozen and stored for later use. It’s a great option for younger girls or women who need to start cancer treatment immediately and can’t delay for egg retrieval.

Sperm Banking: For men, sperm banking is a simple yet effective solution. Before cancer treatment begins, sperm can be collected, frozen, and stored for future use. The key challenge is ensuring that the sperm collected is healthy and unaffected by the disease or treatments.

Radiation Shielding: Radiation shielding helps protect reproductive organs during radiation therapy. Special shields can reduce the amount of radiation that reaches the ovaries, testicles, and other reproductive areas. While it’s not a foolproof method, it can be incredibly helpful in minimizing damage to fertility, depending on the location and intensity of the radiation.

A Word from Hegde Fertility: Moving Forward With Confidence

While navigating the crossroads of cancer and fertility may feel overwhelming, knowledge is power. Whether you’re facing breast cancer and fertility concerns or grappling with testicular cancer and the risk to your reproductive health, knowing your options and planning ahead can make all the difference.

At Hegde Fertility, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With our expert care and unwavering support, many cancer patients have been able to pursue parenthood, even after battling cancer.

Ready to take the next step in securing your future family? Schedule your appointment with Dr. Vandana Hegde and start exploring your fertility preservation options today.