The rise in cases of cancer in adults, as well as children in Kenya, has left many worried about its effects on one’s reproductive health. Although the focus is always on getting better, a large percentage of cancer patients within childbearing age and below are always hopeful that they will be able to start a family after they are done with treatment. It is therefore important to have an in-depth discussion with your doctor on the possibilities available for your present and future fertility. In most cases, the doctor should be able to explain the pros and cons of cancer treatment on your reproductive health, for both men and women.
When discussing reproductive health and cancer, specialists in this area have to consider different variables before giving a final diagnosis. Some of the variables include age, type of cancer, chemotherapy drugs and radiation used for treatment. If possible, seek a second or third opinion from specialists on the best way to preserve your fertility when being treated for cancer. Nevertheless, it is good to note that not every patient that undergoes treatment has problems with fertility but in most cases, the effects can only be seen when they have gone through the process in its entirety.
Fertility problems that cancer patients face due to the methods used in the treatment of cancer are varied but some of the common ones across both genders are listed below.
Women/ Girls
• Radiation treatment that targets the pelvic area can result in the destruction of eggs within the ovaries which may make it hard to conceive. Some chemotherapy drugs also affect the menstrual flow causing it to stop until a few months later. Also, some women have developed early menopause due to hindered ovulation, thus reducing their chances of getting pregnant.
• Treatment that requires surgery may involve removal of important organs such as ovaries, fallopian tubes or uterus which are necessary for getting pregnant.
• Treating the brain using radiation or even surgery may affect the development of hormones associated with the pituitary gland resulting in poor functioning of the ovaries thus disrupting the ovulation process.
Men/ Boys
• Sperm production may be affected when the brain is exposed to radiation or even surgery that is commonly used in cancer treatment. Normally, when the pituitary gland is unable to stimulate enough production it negatively affects a man’s fertility.
• Surgery on the male reproductive organ can result in its inability to naturally release sperm during intimacy. Some men also suffer from erectile dysfunction after treatment for cancer.
• Selected chemotherapy drugs and radiation that target the testes can affect the production of healthy sperm. Recovery after such treatment is possible but regaining full functionality of the area may take a while.
Finally, fertility problems associated with cancer and its treatment can either be permanent or temporary. It is therefore important for those in remission to get tested when they complete treatment and look through the various options available for them to get pregnant if the effects of treatment are temporary.
