The Effects of Chemotherapy on Fertility

Chemotherapy is a common form of treatment for cancer. It works by killing rapidly dividing cells, both healthy and cancerous, and this includes sperm and egg cells, according to cancer.org. Risks to fertility vary, and the topic should be discussed with your doctor to see what is best for you.

Men and Fertility

According to the American Cancer Society, some side effects of chemotherapy that affect men's fertility include a reduction in the amount of sperm cells, impaired sperm motility and chromosomal abnormalities in the sperm. Because of the risk for chromosomal abnormalities, the use of condoms and another form of back-up birth control during chemotherapy treatment is highly recommended by the National Cancer Institute. Temporary or permanent sterility may occur, depending on the drugs used, the regimen and individual patient characteristics. Talk to your doctor about the risks to your fertility, and the option of banking sperm before you start chemotherapy.

Women and Fertility

Chemotherapy can damage the ovaries and can affect hormone levels in women that may affect fertility. During and after chemotherapy, menstrual periods may stop temporarily or permanently, you may have menopausal-like symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and infertility may occur, according to cancer.org. Despite the risks of infertility, it is still possible to get pregnant while on chemotherapy, and the drugs used can harm the fetus. The National Cancer Institute recommends using birth control during chemotherapy if you choose to be sexually active. As with men, the risk of infertility depends on the drugs being used, the length of the course of treatment, individual characteristics such as the age of the patient, and the dosage of the drugs used.

Childhood Cancer and Fertility

Children with cancer often do not think about their fertility during their treatment, but it is something for the parents to be aware of and think about. Boys cannot bank their sperm, but testicular tissue freezing may be an option, and for girls, ovarian tissue freezing may be possible, according to the organization Fertile Hope. Chemotherapy can affect a child's future fertility by damaging sperm and rendering the child sterile, or it can lead to early menopause or infertility in girls. It is important to discuss the possible risks with your child's oncologist, and ask what all the options are for future fertility.