Our doctors can help you learn more about conceiving after cancer

Cancer treatments are more effective than ever, which means patients can make plans for the future. Because so many people dream of having a family, our Austin infertility specialists often get questions about conceiving after cancer as well as pregnancy safety. We are happy to provide the good news that pregnancy is typically possible and safe after cancer treatment. And if a patient needs to rely on fertility treatments to welcome a baby, our team is here to help.

Get the information you need about pregnancy after cancer and pregnancy safety

Patients who have undergone cancer treatments often wonder if they will still be able to have a child. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can damage both eggs and sperm. This is why our Austin infertility specialists tend to recommend fertility preservation before cancer treatment (oncofertility).

However, even if someone did not pursue egg, sperm or embryo freezing before their treatment, parenthood is still possible. Some women and men may see their fertility return to their pre-treatment state. Even if fertility does not return, there are options like donor eggs and donor sperm that can help patients welcome a baby.

Once patients learn that conceiving after cancer is possible, they want to know whether pregnancy after cancer is safe. The basic answer is typically yes. Pregnancy does not seem to increase the risk of cancer coming back. Studies have also shown that it does not increase the risk of having a baby with birth defects or cancer.

Before attempting to conceive, it’s important for patients to speak with their oncologist. Some healthcare providers recommend waiting six months before trying to have a baby. Others may suggest waiting two to five years. A patient’s doctor can provide specific recommendations based on their medical history.

Explore the fertility treatment options if conceiving naturally isn’t working

Conceiving after cancer can be difficult for some patients, but our Austin infertility specialists can help. We’ll start by ordering some bloodwork and performing an ultrasound for women or ordering a semen analysis for men. Based on the test results, our doctors will create a customized treatment plan.

• In some cases, pursuing intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) is enough to make pregnancy and parenthood possible.
• Other times, patients may need a little help from third party reproduction options like donor eggs, donor sperm or donor embryos.

Patients who have concerns about pregnancy safety after cancer will be happy to know that these fertility treatments are safe and effective ways to make parenthood possible.

If you have questions about conceiving after cancer or want to explore fertility preservation before cancer treatment, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and want to preserve your fertility, please let us know about your diagnosis when we schedule you. We can expedite your appointment.