Some infertility treatment may result in temporary or permanent fertility issues in both men and women. Cancer treatment in children may also have an effect on their fertility in future.

The effect of cancer treatment on fertility depends on a number of factors, some of which include the following :

• how many radiation treatments you get
• type of chemotherapy you have

Before you get treatment for cancer , talk to your doctor about its effect on fertility. He may refer you to a fertility specialist  . If you fertility is at stake, knowing the option you have may help

Ways cancer patients may preserve their fertility

Women

Here are some of  the options to preserve your fertility.

• having your ovaries shielded during radiation
• embryo banking which is freezing and storing embryos for future use before starting any cancer treatment
• having surgery to remove the ovaries out of the radiation affected areas of the body

If you’ve not gone through menopause during treatment, you will need to use birth control . You should avoid getting pregnant during cancer treatment.  Cancer treatment can have an effect on the developing baby.

Men

• sperm banking (which is freezing and storing sperm for future use) before any cancer treatment
• having the testicles shielded during radiation

It is important to use birth control during treatment. Radiation to the testicles and some chemotherapy can damage the sperm and cause birth defects. If you’re having chemotherapy , you need to use a condom because your sperms may contain chemotherapy medicine. Your partner also needs to use birth control.

Children

Talk to the doctor to find out if treatment will affect the child’s fertility in future.  If treatment can have an effect on fertility, ask the doctor to recommend a fertility specialist.  The specialist will work with the doctor to preserve your child’s fertility.