Radiotherapy given directly to the ovaries (where eggs are stored) or testes (where sperm is made) is very likely to cause infertility. Radiotherapy to parts of the body near the testes and ovaries may also have an effect. This includes radiotherapy to the lower parts of the spine.
If radiotherapy has been given to the brain, the pituitary gland (which controls the production of sex hormones) may be affected and this can lead to fertility problems. It is sometimes possible to be given hormone replacement therapy to overcome this.
girls
If radiotherapy is given to the area of the womb in young women, this can affect fertility. The radiotherapy may make it more difficult for the womb to support the growing baby during pregnancy. So there may be a higher risk of miscarriage (early or late), the baby may be small or there may be risk of the baby being born prematurely.
blokes
In young men, radiotherapy to the pelvic area or pituitary gland can lower the production of sperm.
