Fertility, Hope, and Family After Cancer
When you’re facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis, your world can shift in an instant. Questions flood your mind—about treatment, survival, and for many, one deeply personal worry: “Will I still be able to have children?”
At the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), we know how overwhelming this journey can be. That’s why we’re opening the door to honest, hopeful conversations about fertility after ovarian cancer. In this episode of Teal Talk – An Ovarian Cancer Podcast, Dr. Scott Richard—a compassionate gynecologic oncologist and longtime NOCC advisor—offers expert insight into how ovarian cancer treatment affects fertility, what preservation options are available, and how to move forward with hope.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, moving forward after treatment, or supporting someone you love, this conversation is filled with the information and inspiration you need to feel empowered.
Love what you hear? Subscribe to Teal Talk – An Ovarian Cancer Podcast to hear more real stories, expert insights, and empowering conversations for survivors, caregivers, and advocates.
How ovarian cancer treatment affects fertility
Understanding how ovarian cancer treatment affects fertility is the first step in advocating for your future. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can all influence your ability to get pregnant later—but knowing what to expect helps you plan ahead.
“Chemotherapy drugs like Paclitaxel and Carboplatin are effective at attacking cancer, but they also affect the ovaries,” explains Dr. Richard. “They damage DNA in reproductive cells, which can lead to decreased fertility.”
Key impacts of treatment:
Surgery often removes one or both ovaries, reducing egg supply.
Chemotherapy and fertility: Chemotherapy may damage ovarian tissue.
- Paclitaxel can reduce fertility by up to 54%.
- Carboplatinum can reduce it by 35–40%.
Radiation in the pelvic area may cause damage to the ovaries.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to wait and wonder. With timely conversations, fertility can be part of your treatment plan from the start. Early discussions with your oncologist and a fertility specialist can help you keep your options open.
Ask your doctor:
- How will this treatment plan affect my fertility?
- Are there preservation options that can begin now?
Fertility preservation options you can explore
Today’s oncofertility landscape offers more possibilities than ever—and depending on your situation, fertility preservation and ovarian cancer treatment can often be managed together, with options available before or even during treatment.
Top fertility options after cancer diagnosis:
Embryo freezing – Fertilizing eggs before freezing them for future use.
Egg freezing – Freezing unfertilized eggs for those who may not be ready for family planning now.
Hormone treatments like GnRH agonists (e.g., Lupron) – Can help protect ovarian function during chemo.
“There’s so much we can do today to support fertility preservation,” says Dr. Richard. “It’s all about keeping your doors open and advocating for what matters to you.”
And for those with genetic concerns like a BRCA mutation, preimplantation genetic testing during IVF can help reduce the risk of passing inherited cancer risks to future children.
Action steps:
- Ask for a referral to a fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist).
- Don’t assume preservation will delay treatment—it often doesn’t.
- Explore which option fits your timing, health status, and preferences.
Looking for help with fertility care?
- Check out Livestrong Fertility for services and medication support for cancer patients.
- Visit The Chick Mission, which helps fund fertility preservation for young women with cancer.
The emotional impact of fertility and cancer treatment
Fertility isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a deeply emotional one. It’s about dreams, identity, and imagining your future. Feelings of grief, sadness, fear, and even guilt are valid and real.
Dr. Richard believes these emotions deserve as much attention as the physical side of cancer care.
“Taking a moment to ask, ‘Would you like to have children in the future?’ opens the door to a critical, often overlooked conversation,” he says. “Patients deserve the space to talk about this.”
If you’re feeling rushed or unsure, remember: Fertility consultations can often happen quickly—sometimes within just 48 hours—and won’t delay your treatment. Feel empowered. Ask questions. You are your own best advocate.
Common feelings include:
- Grief over possibly losing fertility
- Pressure to make fast decisions
- Guilt for thinking about parenthood during cancer treatment
Ways to support your emotional wellness:
- Bring a trusted loved one to appointments for support.
- Be open with your care team about your family goals.
- Take your time—your emotions deserve space.
- Join a support group or talk with a counselor.
Find your community:
Join one of NOCC’s peer support groups to connect with others navigating this journey.
Take this with you
You have options. You have support. And you have every right to ask questions.
Fertility after ovarian cancer might look different, but that doesn’t mean it’s off the table. Dr. Richard reminds us to keep doors open—because where there’s knowledge, there’s power. And where there’s support, there’s hope.
“Be powerful. Ask questions. If you don’t get the answers you want, ask someone else.”
What you can do right now
- Talk to your oncologist about how your treatment may affect fertility
- Schedule a consult with a reproductive endocrinologist
- Explore grants and discounted services through these trusted organizations
- Join a NOCC support group to share stories, tips, and encouragement
