What impact does chemotherapy have on fertility?
December 28, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Andrea Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is Lina Fischer and I recently received the diagnosis of cancer. My treating physician has recommended chemotherapy for me, and I am aware that this is an important measure to combat my illness. However, I am very concerned about my fertility and wonder what effects chemotherapy could have on it.
I am 32 years old and have not had any children yet. I have long dreamed of starting a family, and the idea that chemotherapy could affect my chances of doing so worries me greatly. I wonder if chemotherapy could harm my ovaries and if there are ways to preserve or restore my fertility.
I know that options such as freezing eggs or extracting and preserving ovarian tissue exist to maintain fertility. However, I am not sure if these measures are suitable for me or if there are other ways to protect my fertility.
Therefore, I would like to know from you what specific effects chemotherapy could have on fertility and what steps I can take to preserve my chances of a future pregnancy. I would greatly appreciate your assessment and advice on this matter.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Lina Fischer
Dear Lina Fischer,
Thank you for your trust, and first of all, I would like to express my sympathy for your diagnosis. It is understandable that you are concerned about your fertility, especially if you have the desire to start a family in the future. I want to assure you that there are ways to protect your fertility even during chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy can indeed have an impact on fertility, as the medications not only target cancer cells but also healthy cells in the body. The ovaries are particularly affected, as they have a high rate of cell division. This can lead to temporary or permanent damage to the ovaries, which can affect fertility.
However, there are measures that can be taken to protect your fertility. One option is to freeze eggs or to remove and preserve ovarian tissue before starting chemotherapy. This way, you can store your eggs or ovarian tissue for later use when you are ready to pursue pregnancy.
It is important to discuss these options with your treating physician in a timely manner so that the necessary steps can be taken. Your doctor will help you find the best solution for your individual situation and weigh all risks and opportunities.
If you have already started chemotherapy and are concerned about your fertility, it is also advisable to talk to your doctor about it. There are also post-treatment options to preserve or restore your fertility, which your doctor can discuss with you.
It is important to know that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to your question, as each case is individual. Therefore, it is crucial to talk to your treating physician about your concerns and find a solution together that meets your wishes and needs.
I hope that my information has been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need additional support.
Best wishes for your treatment journey and your future.
Sincerely,
Andrea Schlosser, MD
