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Fertility means being able to get pregnant or make someone pregnant. Some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and some surgeries may impact fertility.

It can be difficult to think about fertility and the future at the time of a cancer diagnosis, but it is important to think about this before treatment starts.

Your treating clinician should be able to talk to you about fertility preservation options, such as banking sperm or storing eggs, embryos, or ovarian tissue.

If they haven’t spoken to you about this and you want more information, then it is important that you ask them.

If you would like to be referred to a fertility clinic, speak to your cancer team about this. They can explain further:

  • Whether your treatment will affect your fertility and what the effect might be
  • What your options for fertility preservation are
  • The possible risks and side effects of fertility preservation
  • What the effectiveness of each option is

Having to consider your fertility can bring on a range of emotions at an already difficult time, it can be helpful to speak to your partner or a professional about this.

Psychological impact

Changes to your fertility due to cancer can impact on your emotional wellbeing and lead to feelings of:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief or feelings of loss
  • Anger
  • Loss of self-esteem or sense of identity

You may also find that there is an impact on your relationship, or experience financial pressures due to fertility treatment.

If you are struggling with the emotional impact of changes to your fertility, you may find therapy helpful as a space to talk about this. You can speak to your GP regarding this, your fertility clinic if you are under one, or access information via Fertility Network UK:

Access support | Fertility Network

For further information on psychological support, see our psychological support pages.

Contraception

It is also important to consider contraception during cancer treatment. Even if your treatment could impact your fertility, it can be important to discuss contraception options with your treating clinician. This is because some treatments can be harmful to the sperm, eggs, or a developing foetus.

Some hormonal contraceptives may not work during treatments, potentially due to interference with other drugs or possible side effects such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Some cancers are also hormone driven which means hormonal contraceptives are contra-indicated.

Barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, are generally advisable whilst undergoing treatment.

If you are of childbearing age, then you must take a pregnancy test prior to treatment.

More information

Speak to your cancer team for further advice, support or an onward referral.

Resources

Fertility – St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (stgeorges.nhs.uk)

Fertility Network is an informative website with resources and support groups

Cancer Fertility and Me | Helping you make the right decision for you

The Children and young people’s cancer association’s guide

The Macmillan website has a range of resources and links

HFEA UK: UK fertility regulator