Breast cancer is a common type of cancer in women, and treatment methods include chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. While each method can impact a woman’s ability to get pregnant and have children in the future, it is important for patients to discuss their pregnancy and childbirth plans with their doctor before starting treatment.
If a patient undergoes surgery to remove breast tumors without radiation or chemotherapy, it will have minimal effects on fertility. However, chemotherapy can lead to premature ovarian function decline or early menopause, affecting the ability to conceive. The type and dosage of chemotherapy drugs used, as well as the patient’s age, play a significant role in determining the chances of getting pregnant after treatment.
Patients should use non-hormonal contraception during chemotherapy to avoid pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. Hormone therapy can also affect menstrual cycles and fertility, and patients are advised not to become pregnant while on hormonal drugs.
Women who undergo targeted therapy have a lower risk of harming healthy cells compared to chemotherapy. It is recommended to wait at least 6-12 months after treatment before trying to get pregnant. Patients who have had their ovaries removed may need to consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donated eggs.
Egg storage may also be considered before treatment to preserve fertility options for the future. It is crucial for patients to follow medical advice and wait for the recommended period after treatment before trying to conceive. By doing so, they can increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy and giving birth to a healthy child in the future.
