Infertility Risks after Cancer
The risk of infertility after cancer treatment depends on age, type of cancer and treatment as well as the original fertility potential. In women, treatment can cause ovarian damage or failure, early menopause, genetic damage to growing eggs and other reproductive problems. In men, cancer treatments can cause damage to the testes and can interfere with or destroy sperm production.
Fertility after Cancer in Women
Many women and men are able to safely pursue pregnancy after chemotherapy or radiation. Our reproductive endocrinologists and nurses will confer with your oncologists to determine your fertility potential and treatment options, and will work with you to set and work towards your goals of family fertility after cancer. After clearance from the oncologist, a woman’s fertility potential may be determined with a blood test and ultrasound of the ovaries.
Fertility after Cancer in Men
In men, sperm production and function may take some time to recover after cancer. A semen analysis is used to determine the potential for pregnancy. If sperm counts are low, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can be valuable fertility options for men. In some cases, urological consultation and surgical retrieval of sperm may be required. Treatment with donor sperm is also a possibility.