No fertility preservation
This option means deciding not to have a fertility preservation procedure before starting cancer treatment.
Try to remember…
- Not all young women will want to have treatment to try and preserve their fertility.
- Not all young women will be able to choose a fertility preservation treatment because of their cancer type and stage.
Who is it for?
Young women who:
- Want to ‘wait and see’ if their fertility comes back naturally after cancer treatment
- Are sure they do not want to have a pregnancy after cancer treatment
- Are sure they have already completed their family
- Do not have fertility preservation options available to them
- Have a fast growing cancer so need to begin (cancer) treatment straight away.
It is advised that young women wait at least two years after finishing their cancer treatment before becoming pregnant. This is because there may be a higher chance that the cancer could return in the first two years after diagnosis.
What does it involve?
There are no extra procedures involved. You will be able to continue with your cancer treatment but it is important that you remember to continue using contraception at this time too.
What is the chance of having a baby after cancer treatment?
The chance of having a baby after cancer treatment depends on how your ovaries have been affected by your cancer treatment. Some young women may get pregnant naturally after cancer treatment without fertility preservation. However, if cancer treatment causes premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) to start, it could mean that you may not be able to have a natural pregnancy.
Will this option affect the health of the baby?
No, the health of a baby (in the future) will not be affected.
Are there any side effects?
No, there are no fertility treatment side effects with this option.
Will this option delay the start of my cancer treatment?
No, this option will not delay the start of cancer treatment.
