Ovarian cancer is one of the toughest health challenges women of reproductive age can face. Beyond fighting the disease, many immediately wonder how to protect their desire to become mothers. Here we clearly explore how ovarian cancer can influence fertility and what paths exist to preserve the hope of having children.
We will look in detail at what ovarian cancer is, how it is detected, how its treatments can affect you, and what preservation and parenthood options are available before and after. A personalized and humane approach can make all the difference.
What is ovarian cancer and how is it diagnosed?
It occurs when ovarian cells grow uncontrollably. The most common type is high-grade serous carcinoma. Early detection is difficult because symptoms are mild or mistaken for other ailments.
Some risk factors include:
- Age over 50
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations
- Endometriosis
- Never having had children
But it can occur in younger women, raising concerns about future fertility.
How does ovarian cancer treatment affect fertility?
These treatments can damage your ability to conceive:
- Surgery: Sometimes one or both ovaries and/or fallopian tubes must be removed.
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy: Can damage the ovaries and cause premature ovarian failure.
- Hormonal disruption: May halt ovarian function sooner than expected.
Each case is different depending on cancer stage, treatment, and your motherhood plans.
What fertility preservation options are available before treatment?
When the diagnosis allows, it is possible to freeze eggs, embryos, or ovarian tissue before starting cancer treatment.
1. Egg freezing
The ovary is stimulated to retrieve multiple eggs, which are then vitrified for future use.
- Advantages: You preserve your own eggs.
- Ideal for young women without a partner or who prefer to postpone fertilization.
2. Embryo freezing
If you have a partner or accept donor sperm, eggs are fertilized and embryos are frozen.
- Advantages: High survival rate and viability of embryos.
3. Ovarian tissue preservation
Experimental technique: tissue is removed and frozen for reimplantation after treatment.
- Advantages: Quick when there’s no time for stimulation.
- Disadvantages: Less available and still under study.
Parenthood options after treatment
If you couldn’t preserve or your ovaries were damaged, there are still alternatives:
1. Donor eggs
IVF is performed with a donor’s eggs and sperm from your partner or a donor.
2. Surrogacy
If your uterus cannot carry a pregnancy or there is a risk of recurrence, another woman carries the pregnancy.
3. Adoption
It is a legal, loving option to create your family.
Medical and emotional factors post-cancer
- When to try pregnancy: Generally recommended to wait 2 to 5 years after treatment.
- Medical follow-up: Ultrasounds, hormone tests, and tumor markers ensure safety.
- Psychological support: Essential to manage the emotional process.
Why choose a specialized center?
A team expert in assisted reproduction, like Ingenes, offers:
- Ovarian reserve assessment
- Egg or embryo freezing before treatment
- Personalized IVF programs
- Genetic counseling for BRCA mutations
- Continuous emotional support
Key questions for your doctor
- How will my treatment affect my fertility?
- Can I delay treatment to preserve eggs or embryos?
- Which preservation method is best for me?
- How long should I wait before trying to conceive?
- How does my genetics influence my reproductive plans?
Do not self-medicate without professional advice. Every decision impacts your health and your chances of becoming a parent.
Rely on assisted reproduction experts to answer your questions and map the path that best fits your situation. You are not alone on this journey!