How cancer treatments affect fertility? Fertility problems for women from cancer or its treatment occur in 2 main ways: Damage to organs involved in reproduction, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix Damage to organs involved in hormone production, such as the ovaries The ovaries store a woman’s eggs. Damage to these organs can decrease the ovarian reserve. The ovarian reserve is the total number of immature eggs in both ovaries. Women are born with all the eggs they will have. Once these eggs are lost, they cannot be replaced. Loss of healthy eggs causes infertility and early menopause. Cancer treatments that affect fertility These cancer treatments have known or possible fertility-related side effects: Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, particularly drugs called alkylating agents, may affect fertility. Other drugs used in cancer treatment may also have fertility risks. Ask your doctor about the specific drug(s) recommended in your treatment plan. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy to these body parts may affect fertility: The abdomen The pelvis The lower spine The ovaries and areas near the ovaries The uterus The pituitary gland in the brain The entire body, for bone marrow transplantation Surgery. Surgical removal of these reproductive organs may affect fertility: The uterus, in a procedure called a hysterectomy The cervix, in a hysterectomy or a procedure called a trachelectomy, which preserves the uterine body One or both ovaries, in a procedure called an oophorectomy Additionally, surgery to remove pelvic lymph nodes may affect fertility. How to find help with fertility issues Consider meeting with a reproductive endocrinologist. This is a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting fertility. Some reproductive endocrinologists specialize in cancer-related fertility issues. Evaluating menstruation and fertility after cancer treatment Women with menstrual periods after cancer treatment may become pregnant. But menstruation is not proof that you are fertile. In some women, cancer treatments stop menstrual periods permanently. This is called early menopause. It causes permanent infertility. Other women’s menstrual periods stop during treatment but return later. Women who have periods after chemotherapy may still have lowered fertility. Even a woman who menstruates during treatment and remains fertile afterward might have lowered fertility or early-onset menopause. It generally takes longer for older women and those who had higher doses of radiation therapy or chemotherapy to start menstruating again. Also, menstrual cycles are less likely to restart after treatment in these women. Your doctor can refer you for ovarian reserve testing. This is tested with sensitive hormonal tests, such as the anti-Müllerian hormone. Children and younger women have a larger ovarian reserve than older women. They are less likely to experience menopause and infertility right after chemotherapy. But this does not mean younger women will not lose their fertility. With radiation therapy to the pelvis and lower abdomen and strong chemotherapy, even young girls can have menopause right away. Pregnancy after cancer treatment To become pregnant without reproductive assistance, you need: At least 1 healthy ovary with enough remaining eggs One healthy fallopian tube A healthy uterus where the baby can grow An ideal level of specific hormones Your health care team may recommend waiting before trying to become pregnant. The amount of time depends on: Type and stage of the cancer Type of treatment Your age For example, women taking hormonal treatments may need to delay pregnancy. Delay can further reduce fertility because women lose eggs through aging. If you experience delay, consider fertility-preserving option. Best Fertility Care Centre , Advanced Fertility Care Centre , Maternal and Child Health Care Centre , Ashwini Hospital & amp; Fertility Centre Moondrumavadi K.Pudur Madurai-07 , Low Cost IVDF/ICSI centre , Normal Delivery for 35000/- including medicines. LSCS for 50000/- including medicines.