Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 28 Mar 2023
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the ovaries and can significantly impact a woman's fertility. Many women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer may wonder whether it is possible to get pregnant and carry a pregnancy to term. This article will explore the challenges and possibilities surrounding pregnancy and ovarian cancer, as well as the fertility preservation options available at A4 Fertility Clinic.
Ovarian cancer can directly affect a woman's fertility in several ways:
Surgery : The removal of one or both ovaries (oophorectomy) as part of cancer treatment can result in reduced ovarian function or complete loss of fertility, depending on the extent of the surgery.
Chemotherapy : Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat ovarian cancer can damage the ovaries, leading to temporary or permanent infertility.
Radiation therapy : Radiation targeted at the pelvic area can also damage the ovaries and impact fertility.
It may be possible to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term with ovarian cancer, depending on the stage and severity of the disease and the type of treatment received. However, there are several factors to consider:
Timing : The best time to attempt pregnancy following ovarian cancer treatment depends on the individual's circumstances and should be discussed with a health care professional. It is generally recommended to wait at least six months to two years after completing treatment before trying to conceive.
Risk of recurrence : Women who become pregnant after ovarian cancer treatment may have a slightly increased risk of cancer recurrence. It is crucial to discuss this risk with your oncologist before attempting pregnancy.
Impact on cancer prognosis : Pregnancy itself does not appear to negatively impact ovarian cancer prognosis. However, it is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of delaying cancer treatment in favour of preserving fertility.
For women diagnosed with ovarian cancer who wish to preserve their fertility, several options are available:
Embryo freezing : This involves undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) to retrieve eggs, which are then fertilized with sperm and frozen as embryos for future use.
Egg freezing : Similar to embryo freezing, this process involves retrieving and freezing a woman's eggs without fertilization. The eggs can later be thawed, fertilized with sperm, and implanted in the uterus.
Ovarian tissue freezing : A portion of the ovarian tissue is surgically removed and frozen. After cancer treatment, the tissue can be transplanted back into the body to restore ovarian function potentially and fertility.
In some cases, women may not be able to conceive or carry a pregnancy after ovarian cancer treatment. Alternative family-building options include
Surrogacy : A gestational carrier can carry a pregnancy using the intended mother's eggs (or donor eggs) and the partner's sperm (or donor sperm).
Adoption : Couples can explore the option of adopting a child to fulfil their desire for parenthood.
At A4 Fertility Clinic, we are aware of the particular difficulties ovarian cancer patients encounter when thinking about getting pregnant and preserving their fertility. Our team of professionals is committed to offering you individualized attention and assistance as you negotiate these difficult choices.
Fertility preservation : Among the choices we provide for fertility preservation are the storage of ovarian tissue, eggs, and embryos.
Fertility therapies : Our facility offers cutting-edge fertility therapies, like IVF, to help women become pregnant after receiving cancer therapy.
Counseling and support : We are aware of the mental hardships a cancer prognosis brings along with it, as well as how it affects reproduction. Throughout your path toward becoming pregnant, our team of caring counselors and medical experts is here to offer advice and support.
While it can be challenging to conceive and carry a pregnancy with ovarian cancer, it is not impossible. Factors such as the stage and severity of the disease, the type of treatment received, and individual circumstances will determine the likelihood of achieving a successful pregnancy. Fertility preservation options, such as embryo freezing, egg freezing, and ovarian tissue freezing, can help safeguard a woman's fertility during cancer treatment.
At A4 Fertility Clinic, our team of experts is committed to providing comprehensive care and support for women with ovarian cancer who wish to preserve their fertility or pursue parenthood. By offering advanced fertility treatments and personalized guidance, we aim to help you navigate the complexities of ovarian cancer and fertility, ensuring the best possible outcomes on your journey to parenthood.
