Once you've spoken with your doctor about whether your treatment can affect fertility, you may want to know more about family-planning options. There are several options for both males and females that may help you, or your child, preserve the ability to have children in the future. Your options depend on several factors, including:
- Your age at the time of diagnosis and treatment
- The type of cancer
- The type of treatment
- Your family planning objectives
Many men and women will be able to conceive naturally after cancer treatment. Patients are generally recommended to wait at least two years after treatment is completed before attempting conception. Check with your doctor to find out how long after treatment you should wait. If you are not able to conceive naturally, there are a number of other ways to build a family. For some people, adoption is a good option after cancer treatment. Generally, people free of disease after treatment are eligible to adopt infants or children, but policies vary from state to state. For more information, contact an organization such as Fertile Hope and Resolve. Visit Fertility and Pregnancy.
Related Links
- Download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s free fact sheet, Fertility Facts.