No fertility preservation

This option means deciding not to have fertility preservation treatment before starting cancer treatment. Not all women starting cancer treatment will want to have treatment to preserve their fertility. Not all women will be able to have fertility preservation because of their cancer type and stage.

Who is it for?

Women who:

• Are prepared to ‘wait and see’ if their fertility returns naturally after cancer treatment.
• Are certain they have already completed their family.
• Are certain they do not wish to have a pregnancy after cancer treatment.
• Do not have fertility preservation options available to them. (For example, because of personal beliefs or the options may not be available at the local clinic).
• Have a fast growing cancer and need to start cancer treatment straight away.

It is often advised to wait for at least two years after completing cancer treatment before becoming pregnant. There may be more chance of the cancer coming back in the first two years after diagnosis. Waiting for this long may not be appropriate for every woman. If you are thinking about getting pregnant before this two-year period is up, talk to your cancer care team about this.

What does it involve?

There are no extra procedures. The treatment involves you continuing with your cancer treatment and using methods of contraception during treatment.

What is the chance of having a baby after cancer treatment?

The chance of having a baby in the future depends on how your ovaries have been affected by your cancer treatment. Some women get pregnant naturally after cancer treatment without fertility preservation. If treatment does cause the menopause, then it is unlikely natural pregnancy will happen.

Will this option affect the health of the baby?

No, the health of a baby in the future will not be affected.

Are there any side effects of not having fertility preservation?

You will not have any fertility treatment side effects.

Will this option delay the start of my cancer treatment?

No, this option will not delay the start of cancer treatment.

Will this option affect my chances of the cancer coming back?

If you choose not to have your fertility preserved, your cancer treatment will continue as planned. The chance of the cancer returning will not be affected.

You may find it useful to write down what you like about this option and what worries you about this option.

These notes may help you talk about whether or not this option is best for you with your cancer care team and fertility care team, partner, family and friends.