A cancer diagnosis can raise many questions about the future, including whether you'll still be able to have children.
If having children is important to you now or in the future, it's natural to be concerned about how cancer and its treatment may affect your fertility. While some cancer treatments can affect fertility, many people have options to preserve their fertility before treatment begins, and some go on to have children after cancer treatment.
Understanding your options early can help you make informed decisions about your treatment and future family planning.
When should I talk to my doctor about fertility?
If you're concerned about your fertility, it's important to raise it with your cancer care team as soon as possible – ideally before cancer treatment starts.
Some fertility preservation options need to happen before chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery begins. Even if treatment needs to start quickly, your cancer care team can explain your options and, where appropriate, arrange a referral to a fertility specialist.
Don't assume your doctor already knows your wishes about having children. Let them know if preserving your fertility is important to you.
Will cancer treatment always cause infertility?
Not necessarily. Some people experience temporary changes to their fertility, while others may have long-term or permanent fertility problems. The effect depends on factors including:
- the type of cancer
- the treatment you'll receive
- your age before treatment
- your fertility before treatment
- whether reproductive organs or hormones are affected.
Your cancer care team can explain how your individual treatment plan may affect your fertility.
What fertility preservation options are available?
If there is time before treatment begins, your doctor may discuss fertility preservation.
Depending on your circumstances, options may include:
- egg freezing
- embryo freezing
- ovarian tissue freezing
- fertility-sparing surgery for some early-stage cancers.
- sperm banking (freezing sperm before treatment)
- surgical sperm retrieval in some situations.
Not every option is suitable for everyone. Your treatment team and fertility specialist can explain which options are appropriate for you.
Can I have children after cancer?
Many people are able to have children after cancer treatment. Some conceive naturally, while others may need fertility treatment such as IVF.
If you're thinking about becoming pregnant or having children after treatment, speak with your doctor before trying to conceive. They can discuss:
- when it is safe to try for a pregnancy
- whether fertility testing is recommended
- any health considerations for you or a future pregnancy
- whether a referral to a fertility specialist would be helpful.
Every person's experience is different, so it's important to seek advice based on your individual circumstances.
What if I couldn't preserve my fertility before treatment?
Sometimes cancer treatment needs to begin immediately, leaving little or no time to consider fertility preservation.
If this happened to you, you may experience feelings of grief, disappointment or uncertainty. These feelings are common and understandable.
Even if fertility preservation wasn't possible, there may still be options for building your family in the future. Depending on your circumstances, these may include:
- natural conception if fertility returns
- assisted reproductive treatment, such as IVF
- donor eggs, sperm or embryos
- surrogacy (where legally available)
- adoption or permanent care arrangements.
A fertility specialist can discuss which options may be available to you.
Do I still need contraception during treatment?
It is recommended. If you are sexually active and pregnancy is possible, it is important to use effective contraception during cancer treatment and for a period after treatment, as advised by your cancer care team.
Barrier contraception is recommended during treatment because:
- Some cancer treatments can be present in bodily fluids for a short time after treatment. Using barrier contraception helps reduce your partner's exposure. Your cancer care team will advise how long this is recommended, which may be up to seven days after some chemotherapy treatments.
- Treatments may impact your hormones. Even if treatment affects fertility or causes your periods to stop, pregnancy can still be possible. Your cancer care team can advise on the most appropriate and effective contraception for you during treatment, as some treatments or side effects may affect which methods are recommended.
Looking after your emotional wellbeing
Concerns about fertility can be an emotional part of a cancer diagnosis. You may feel worried about your future, experience grief over possible changes to your fertility, or feel uncertain about decisions you need to make in a short period of time.
Talking with your partner, family, cancer care team or a counsellor can help. Some people also find it reassuring to connect with others who have had similar experiences.
Remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel, and support is available.
