A breast cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down—and for those hoping to start or grow a family, it also raises an important question: What happens to my fertility during cancer treatment?

In this blog, we break down how breast cancer therapies affect fertility and what preservation options are available, so you can make informed decisions with your care team.

Why Fertility Is a Concern During Breast Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, endocrine therapy, and even surgery can impact your ability to get pregnant—either temporarily or permanently. Here’s why:

Pregnancy during treatment is unsafe. Many therapies, especially chemotherapy and hormone blockers like tamoxifen, can cause miscarriage or birth defects.
Treatment takes time. Many regimens last a year or longer, delaying family planning, which can be critical if you're near the end of your childbearing years.
Certain drugs harm fertility. Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), a common breast cancer chemotherapy drug, can reduce ovarian function and cause early menopause.

The risk increases with age, but even younger patients can face long-term fertility challenges.

Steps to Take Before Treatment

If you’re hoping to have children in the future—or even if you’re unsure—it’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about fertility preservation before starting treatment. In most cases, you can safely delay chemotherapy or hormonal therapy to explore your options.

Ask for a referral to an Oncofertility Specialist, especially if you’re not being treated at a major cancer center. These experts coordinate fertility care alongside your cancer treatment.

Fertility Preservation Options for Breast Cancer Patients

Here are the primary options you may hear about from your medical team:

1. Ovarian Suppression (Temporary Menopause)

Uses medications called LHRH analogs (given by injection) to temporarily stop ovarian function.
This helps protect developing eggs from the effects of chemotherapy.
Once the medication is stopped, ovarian activity usually resumes within a few months.
Can be used alongside egg or embryo freezing.

2. Egg Freezing

Your ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs using aromatase inhibitors, which are safe during breast cancer treatment.
The eggs are then retrieved and frozen for future use.
This option is ideal if you don’t have a partner or prefer not to fertilize the eggs yet.
Slightly lower success rates than embryo freezing.

3. Embryo Freezing

Eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm from a partner or donor to create embryos, which are then frozen.
Tends to have higher success rates than egg freezing.
May involve legal and ethical considerations if you split from a partner later.
Some states have specific laws regulating embryo storage and IVF procedures.

4. Ovarian Tissue Freezing

A small portion of ovarian tissue is surgically removed and frozen.
The tissue can later be re-implanted to restore hormone function and potentially natural fertility.
Still considered experimental, but promising for younger patients or those who need to start treatment quickly.

Financial and Emotional Considerations

While more insurance companies are now covering fertility preservation, costs can still be a barrier. Thankfully, many organizations and foundations offer grants and financial support.

It's also important to acknowledge the emotional weight of making these decisions during an already overwhelming time. Feelings of guilt, stress, and uncertainty are valid and common. You're not alone—and there are communities and professionals ready to support you through this journey.

Final Thoughts

You have the right to ask about your fertility before starting cancer treatment. By understanding your options early, you can take steps to preserve your future choices—no matter what they may look like.

If you're facing breast cancer and wondering about your fertility, talk to your oncologist or ask for a referral to a fertility preservation specialist.

**About Dr. Jennifer Griggs**

A long-time practicing oncologist and professor at the University of Michigan, Jennifer has received several awards for her medical excellence and published over 150 original research articles as well as numerous editorials and book chapters. She is also a speaker and advocate, committed to improving the quality of medical care and reducing the barriers to equity among the disenfranchised.

For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.

This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.

Fertility Preservation During Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know