Cancer treatment can have unintended effects, including latrogenic infertility, or infertility caused by medical treatment. It is important for medical providers to discuss family planning options with young adults diagnosed with cancer before initiating treatment.
The impacts of cancer treatment on fertility vary based on factors including the type of treatment, specific cancer, and affected areas of the body. For instance, chemotherapy can damage sperm, affect egg and estrogen production, cause premature ovarian failure, disrupt menstrual cycles, and trigger premature menopause. Hormone therapy disrupts the endocrine system, potentially impacting menstrual cycles and decreasing sperm production, and radiation therapy in the brain may disrupt the production of hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Radiation therapy in the reproductive organs, pelvis, or abdomen may cause premature ovarian failure or kill sperm cells, and surgery may also damage reproductive organs.
Fortunately, there are strategies to prevent these issues in patients of reproductive age. Cryopreservation–freezing eggs, sperm, fertilized embryos, and even ovarian or testicular tissue—is a popular option, with the length of storage time varying by state.
Legislation in 12 states mandates that insurance plans cover cryopreservation and other methods of fertility preservation for patients experiencing Iatrogenic infertility. Additional preventive measures not included in insurance mandates include shielding the gonads to protect them from scatter radiation.
Expanded insurance coverage that includes a range of preventive measures for Iatrogenic infertility is vital for patients with cancer, allowing them to focus fully on their recovery.