Does a Diagnosis of Cancer Equal a Loss of Fertility?

Practically every week, a new story comes out about cancer and fertility.  Whether it’s from the UK, from India or from the US, the message is always the same:  Get Cancer, and You Might Not Have a Child Naturally.

Though some of this message is typical media “doom and gloom” hype, there is more than a modicum of truth.  But separating fact from fiction is critically important. 

1.  Cancer does not mean you’ll have a loss of fertility.  However, cancer treatment may.

There are many types of cancer; thus, not all will have a factor in your fertility.  The problem isn’t in the cancer itself, but in the treatment.  And therein lies Shakespeare’s proverbial “rub”.  Depending upon the type of treatment needed to attack your cancer, you may not be able to reproduce. 

2.  There are ways to protect your fertility, even if you are very young.

As long as semen or eggs can be removed and frozen before radiation, chemotherapy, etc., takes place, there is a chance that those items can be used “down the road”.  Therefore, though cancer and fertility seem to go hand-in-hand, they don’t have to.

3.  More doctors are aware that future fertility is an issue to discuss among cancer patients.

Finally, it’s important to realize that there are many physicians who are now counseling cancer patients (and, in the case of minors, their families as well) on the possibilities of preserving fertility (or freezing eggs or sperm).  This means patients are becoming more educated about their options.  And education is always a positive development.

To learn more, visit:  http://www.rsiinfertility.com/
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