Chemo Pregnancy Vs Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy does not necessarily affect the fertility of a woman. However, it
can prevent your ovaries from working temporarily or even permanently
depending on the drugs and doses consumed to an extent. Beside this, age
factor also plays a vital role in deciding it. Literally, if a woman is closer to
natural menopause, then in that case, she has more chances of becoming
infertile permanently.

If a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs due to the affect of chemotherapy
drugs, then most probably she cannot conceive in future. While there may be a
temporarily pause in their periods during chemo, however, their ovaries may
still produce eggs and thus, they can get pregnant. Therefore, it is
recommended to keep on using contraception, even if periods stop. Pregnancy
during chemo i.e. chemo pregnancy must be avoided, as it may harm a baby. A
woman must consult her oncologist.

Effects of Chemo

Temporary Infertility: In a case of temporary infertility, a woman may have
irregular periods or they may stop during chemo, but periods get normal after
the treatment is over. It may take from 6 months to a year after the chemo.

Early Menopause: chemo may cause an early menopause. Monthly periods
may become irregular and stop at once. It may also cause hot flushes, dry
skin, vaginal dryness, reduced sexual desire and weakness.

According to the type of the cancer, a woman is suffering; an oncologist may
recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce menopausal
symptoms. It assists in preventing the side effects. However, hormones
cannot help in producing eggs.

Already Pregnant

If a woman is already pregnant before being diagnosed with chemo, then she
must discuss with her oncologist about positive and negative impacts of
continuing your pregnancy.

At times one can postpone chemo till the baby is not born, but it is not possible
always and in all cases. There are certain cases when a woman needs to
undergo chemo in the very period of pregnancy, but it is very rare. It is decided
on the basis of type of cancer, stage of the disease and drugs being taken

It is essential that a woman discuss openly about her pregnancy. Make sure
that you are completely aware of all the risks involved and choices available to
you before reaching at ay decision.

Pregnancy after Chemo

Most of oncologists will advice women to wait for at least two years before
becoming pregnant, after chemo treatment and avoid chemo pregnancy. It is
not due to the reason that pregnancy may affect cancer. Rather it is due to the
fact that in a case cancer returns back, then it is most likely to happen within
the time of two years after the treatment. Also, if cancer return, then treatment
will be needed, which may be otherwise very difficult if a woman is either
pregnant or have a young baby.


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