The decision to try for a baby is a big one for anyone to make. When you have had cancer, this brings its own extra challenges.
when is it OK to start a family?
It is always strongly recommended to avoid becoming pregnant or becoming a father during treatment for cancer. Some people become temporarily infertile during treatment. Other people may still be fertile but their eggs or sperm can be temporarily damaged. A pregnancy from damaged eggs or sperm could mean there is a chance of the baby not developing normally. Most doctors recommend waiting for at least a year after treatment to try for a pregnancy. You can discuss this with your cancer doctor or specialist nurse. During the time of your cancer treatment, it is important to use effective contraception if you are sexually active.
If you are a young woman and have been told that the chemotherapy may make you have an earlier menopause, you may want to start trying to have a family before you reach your mid-30s, in case you have your menopause early.
When you are planning to have a child, you will need to take into account your general health and well-being and how well you have recovered from cancer. If you finished treatment recently or you still have ongoing problems, your GP or cancer doctor can give you advice about when it may be best for you to try for a pregnancy.
