Contraception during cancer treatment

Young women are strongly advised not to get pregnant whilst having cancer treatment. This is because cancer treatments can damage an unborn baby. Even if your periods stop during treatment, you can still become pregnant.

If you are sexually active you should use a reliable contraceptive method throughout your cancer treatment.

Picture 2 below shows the different types of contraception you should consider.

If you are having hormone treatments it is recommended that you use non-hormonal methods of contraception. These include condoms, female condoms (Femidoms) and diaphragms. Young women with hormone sensitive cancers are not advised to take the contraceptive pill as the hormones in the pill could stimulate any remaining cancer cells.

If you discuss contraception with your cancer care team they may refer you to a family planning clinic or your GP who will be able to help you further.

Here are some questions which may help you talk with your cancer care team or GP about contraception:

• What contraceptive would be best for me during cancer treatment?
• How long do I need to use this contraceptive for?
• Do I need to use non-hormonal methods of contraception for my cancer type?
• If I am not having a period during my cancer treatment, should I still use contraceptives?
• Will it affect me or my unborn baby if I choose not to use contraception and become pregnant during my cancer treatment?