Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some surgeries can affect fertility. For many people, the chance to have children in the future is an important part of planning treatment. IVF and related techniques can help, but timing is key.
How can cancer treatment affect fertility?
Some chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy to the pelvis can damage eggs in the ovaries or sperm production in the testes. Surgery to the reproductive organs can also affect fertility. The effect depends on the type and dose of treatment, the area treated and the person’s age.
How can IVF help people with cancer?
Before treatment: preserving fertility
The most common use of IVF techniques in cancer care is fertility preservation before treatment begins:
- Egg freezing: the ovaries are stimulated, eggs are collected and frozen for future use. See egg freezing.
- Embryo freezing: eggs are fertilised with sperm from a partner or donor and the embryos are frozen.
- Sperm freezing: men can store sperm samples before treatment.
Stimulation usually takes around two weeks, and protocols can sometimes be adapted to start quickly. Read more about fertility preservation.
After treatment: using stored eggs, sperm or embryos
When the cancer team agrees it is safe to try for a pregnancy, frozen eggs or embryos can be used in IVF. Frozen sperm can be used for IUI, IVF or ICSI. See frozen embryo transfer.
Why early advice matters
Fertility preservation needs to happen before cancer treatment starts, so it is best discussed as soon as possible after diagnosis. Your oncologist and fertility specialist can work together to decide what is safe and practical without delaying cancer care.
Is it safe?
For most people, a short delay for fertility preservation does not affect cancer treatment, but this depends on the type of cancer and how urgently treatment is needed. For hormone-sensitive cancers, special stimulation protocols may be used. These decisions are always made with your cancer team.
Emotional support
Facing cancer and fertility decisions at the same time can be overwhelming. Counselling and clear information help many people feel more in control. Our article on fertility preservation for cancer patients covers the options in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
When should I ask about fertility preservation?
As soon as possible after a cancer diagnosis, before treatment starts. Your oncologist can refer you to a fertility specialist.
Does egg freezing delay cancer treatment?
Egg freezing usually takes around two weeks. Whether this is safe depends on your cancer and treatment plan, and is decided with your cancer team.
Can men preserve fertility before cancer treatment?
Yes. Sperm can be frozen before treatment and used later for IUI, IVF or ICSI.
If you have questions about your own situation, you can meet our doctors at our Basavanagudi, Koramangala and Ballari centres, or contact us to book an appointment.
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified doctor who knows your history.