Is it possible to get pregnant with ovarian cancer? The answer is possibly 'no' because the treatments for ovarian cancer may affect fertility and make the patient infertile.
How does ovarian cancer treatment affect fertility?
The treatment may include the removal of ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes. For instance, if your cancer has been diagnosed at an early stage and only one ovary is affected, the healthcare team may remove the affected ovary and leave the unaffected one. However, during chemotherapy, your unaffected ovary may get damaged, and this can cause you to be unable to become pregnant.
Surgery
Surgery such as hysterectomy and oophorectomy can cause fertility loss. Hysterectomy is the process of removing your uterus, while oophorectomy is the process of removing both ovaries.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can cause early menopause, infertility, or hinder your ovaries from releasing estrogen or eggs.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy can destroy the eggs stored in the ovaries and create scars or damage the uterus.
Hormone therapy
Some drugs used in hormone therapy can also cause permanent infertility.
Targeted cancer drugs and immunotherapy
Some targeted cancer drugs and immunotherapy may damage ovaries.
It's essential to discuss your fertility concerns with your doctors before starting treatment. Fertility is a crucial aspect of a woman's life, and understanding the possible effects of treatment on fertility can help you cope with the stress or sorrows.
However, in cases where the patient requires emergency treatment, this discussion may not be possible before starting the treatment. In such cases, it's crucial to accept the situation and focus on the treatment.
After treatment, you may not be able to become pregnant naturally, but there are alternative options to have a baby.
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
If your uterus is not removed, you can opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Your doctor can retrieve your eggs (if possible) and fertilize them with sperm, then place the embryos in your uterus.
Surrogacy
This concept involves a woman carrying a child throughout pregnancy for someone who cannot conceive or carry a child themselves.
Adoption
This is a legal process in which you assume full responsibility for a child, permanently taking on the role of their parent, and relieving the biological parents of their responsibilities.
Fostering
Foster parenting is a process whereby a child is raised in the home of his biological parents. In this process, the child is provided with full support and facilities, and is given parental care despite the lack of any blood relation or legal ties.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-and-fertility-loss
https://ivi-fertility.com/blog/possible-get-pregnant-ovarian-cancer/
https://www.juanacrespo.es/en/pregnancy-and-ovarian-cancer/
