The short answer
Some cancer treatments can affect the ability to have children later. Options to preserve fertility, such as freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos, work best when arranged before treatment starts, so it helps to ask early.
Some cancer treatments, like certain chemo and radiation, can affect future fertility.
Effects depend on the treatment, the doses, and a person's age.
Options to preserve fertility work best when arranged before treatment begins.
Options can include freezing sperm, eggs, or embryos, among others.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The simple version
Some cancer treatments can affect the ability to have children later. If having children in the future matters to you, it is worth raising early — because the best options to preserve fertility usually need to happen before treatment starts.
How treatment can affect fertility
Certain chemotherapy drugs, radiation to the pelvis, and some surgeries can affect fertility. Whether and how much depends on the specific treatment, the doses used, and a person's age.
Fertility preservation works best when arranged before treatment begins.
Options to preserve fertility
Depending on the situation, options can include freezing sperm, eggs, or embryos before treatment, and other approaches. A fertility specialist can explain what is possible and what fits your timing.
Ask early
Because treatment sometimes needs to begin quickly, raise the topic of fertility as early as you can. Your cancer team can refer you to a fertility specialist to discuss your options.
Words to know
Tap any term to see what it means.
Common questions
▸Can cancer treatment affect fertility?
Yes, some treatments can. Certain chemotherapy drugs, radiation to the pelvis, and some surgeries can affect the ability to have children later. The effect depends on the treatment, dose, and a person's age.
▸What options preserve fertility?
Options can include freezing sperm, eggs, or embryos before treatment, and other approaches depending on the situation. A fertility specialist can explain what fits.
▸Why should I ask early?
Fertility preservation usually works best when done before treatment starts. Because treatment sometimes needs to begin quickly, it helps to raise the topic as early as possible.
▸Who can help?
Your cancer team can refer you to a fertility specialist. They can discuss your options, timing, and what is realistic for your situation.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
Tap a question to save it to your list (kept on this device).
Test your knowledge
0 of 3 answered
This quiz checks understanding of educational content only. It is not medical advice. Open this quiz on its own page.