Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays (like x-rays) to kill or damage cancer cells in the area being treated. These rays can be given externally using a machine or internally by using radioactive implants.

Radiotherapy may affect fertility depending on where it is used and how strong it is.

• High doses of radiotherapy to the ovaries could damage the eggs inside and may then lead to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
• If you have treatment that involves the womb, it could lead to miscarriages, premature births and low-birthweight infants later on.
• If radiotherapy is given to the brain, it could affect the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland may then not be able to produce the hormones that tell the ovaries to use their eggs.

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