How does cancer impact fertility? Can fertility preservation help fulfill parenthood dreams?

Read this interesting blog by Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Ghaziabad and learn how fertility can be affected by cancer and how fertility preservation can help couples become parents.

If anyone is going through cancer treatment, they might face multiple other health issues directly or indirectly related to it. Fertility is one of them. Cancer and its treatment have various impacts on one’s fertility. It’s not uncommon for cancer patients to consider fertility preservation.

“In some cases, cancer treatment can interfere with fertility more than the condition itself. Based on the cancer’s type, location, and stage at which it is diagnosed, different and specific treatments are advised. Some of these treatments impact the reproductive health of both men and women. Thankfully, with the advancements in the field of Science today, cancer patients can embrace parenthood too after their treatment through fertility preservation,” says Dr. Gunjan Gupta, who is the Founder & Director of Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF center in Ghaziabad and a well-known IVF specialist Ghaziabad.

Cancer Treatment impact on fertility

Here’s how cancer treatment can impact fertility:

1. Surgery: “In cases of cancers of the reproductive organs like testicles, uterus, ovaries, etc., surgical procedures are involved. Surgeries for cancer in the pelvic region can also cause scarring in reproductive tissues or damage nearby nerves,” says Dr. Garima Sharma, Consultant of Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Delhi and a renowned Gynaecologist Janakpuri.
2. Chemotherapy: “It can slow down sperm production and damage sperm in men. In women, chemotherapy can stop ovaries from producing eggs and estrogen. Sometimes this can change into normal after recovery, but long treatment and strong doses can damage ovaries permanently,” says Dr. Anshu Dhar, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the renowned IVF clinic in Ghaziabad.
3. Radiation therapy near abdomen or pelvis can damage reproductive organs. Radiation therapy for the brain can harm the pituitary gland, creating hormonal imbalance.
4. Hormonal therapies can disrupt the menstrual cycle in women and decrease sperm production in men.

Fertility Preservation

For those who want to become parents after being cured of cancer, fertility preservation is undoubtedly the best option. There are various ways men and women can save or protect their fertility during cancer treatment.

1. Egg or sperm freezing: In these procedures, unfertilised eggs and sperm can be preserved for future. Samples can be frozen for years.
2. Embryo freezing: “It’s a very beneficial option, especially for couples. Here, an egg is fertilised by a sperm outside the body and frozen for future use. The survival and success rate of frozen embryos is higher than egg and sperm freezing,” says Dr. Shubhda Gupta, renowned Gynae in Noida, and Consultant at the best IVF centre in Noida – Gunjan IVF World.
3. Radiation shielding: Small lead shields are placed over the reproductive organs to reduce the amount of radiation exposure during the procedure.
4. Ovarian transposition: “A surgical procedure can be performed to move the ovaries from the part of the body that is being exposed to radiation therapy. This way, the ovaries receive a lesser amount of radiation, reducing the chance of damage,” says. Dr. Aastha Raheja, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF center in Indirapuram.

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer can be overwhelming. So, talk to your doctor, make a plan for the future, and take the necessary steps not to compromise on having a beautiful family in the future.

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