Fertility after oncological diagnosis

What is fertility like after oncological diagnosis? Receiving a cancer diagnosis completely transforms anyone's life. Between medical consultations, studies and urgent decisions, doubts arise that go beyond immediate treatment. This is where oncofertility arises, a branch of medicine that combines oncology and assisted reproduction to help preserve the ability to have children after treatment. In recent years, this discipline has gained relevance thanks to the increase in survival rates and the need to guarantee that patients maintain their quality of life in the long term.

Why talk about fertility after cancer?

Most cancers diagnosed in people under 50 have excellent forecasts. For example, more than 90% of women with early-stage breast cancer survive five years or more. This means that, after overcoming the disease, many want to continue with their life plans, including starting a family.

However, various oncological treatments can affect fertility by damaging reproductive structures. Therefore, it is essential to address the issue before starting treatment, to know the available options and act in time.

How do cancer treatments affect fertility?

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some targeted treatments can impact ovarian reserve and oocyte quality.

Radiotherapy: even low doses can destroy a significant number of oocytes.
Chemotherapy: accelerates follicle loss, generating a decrease in ovarian reserve and even early menopause.
Other treatments: they can alter hormonal function, ovarian blood flow or directly damage the DNA of germ cells.

Even so, each case is unique, and the risks depend on age, type of cancer, the dose and the indicated treatment.

Fertility preservation options

Thanks to advances in reproductive medicine, today there are alternatives safe and effective to preserve the possibility of having children after cancer:

1. Vitrification of oocytes or embryos

It is the main and most effective technique. It consists of stimulating the ovaries to obtain oocytes that are then frozen or fertilized to create embryos.

2. Preservation of ovarian tissue

It is used when it is necessary to start oncological treatment immediately, since it does not need prior ovarian stimulation.

3. Ovarian suppression with GnRH analogs

A complementary option that may help reduce ovarian damage during chemotherapy.

Emergent and efficient protocols

Random-Start: allows ovarian stimulation to begin at any time during the menstrual cycle, avoiding delays.
DuoStim: performs two stimulations in the same cycle to obtain more oocytes in less time.

These techniques offer cancer patients a greater opportunity to preserve their fertility without affecting their cancer treatment.

Is it safe to stimulate the ovaries in cancer patients?

Current research shows that ovarian stimulation is safe, even in hormone-dependent cancers. With the use of medications such as Letrozole or Tamoxifen, hormonal levels are kept controlled without increasing the risk of recurrence and without delaying chemotherapy.

Fertility after oncological diagnosis is not only possible, but today is part of the comprehensive care of those facing cancer. Oncofertility provides tools to preserve oocytes, embryos or ovarian tissue, ensuring that patients can maintain hope of starting a family in the future. Discussing these options early can make a big difference.

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