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Cervical Cancer and Fertility: Preservation and Treatment Options

By Dr. Ashish Goel in Surgical Oncology , Cancer Care / Oncology , Musculoskeletal Surgical Oncology , Gastro Intestinal & Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology , Gynecologic Oncology , Head & Neck Oncology

Feb 25 , 2025 | 2 min read

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. While early detection and treatment improve survival rates, the impact on fertility remains a major concern. Understanding how cervical cancer and its treatments can affect fertility is crucial for women planning a family.

How Cervical Cancer Affects Fertility

Fertility issues in cervical cancer patients arise due to the disease itself and the treatments required to combat it. Key factors include:

Damage to the Cervix

Cervical cancer may cause structural changes in the cervix, making conception difficult. If the cervix is weakened or removed, it can affect the ability to carry a pregnancy to term.

Surgical Treatments and Their Impact

Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) eliminates the possibility of pregnancy.
Trachelectomy (removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus) allows pregnancy but increases the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.

Radiation Therapy and Ovarian Function

Radiation therapy to the pelvic area can damage the ovaries, leading to premature menopause. This makes natural conception impossible unless eggs are preserved before treatment.

Chemotherapy and Egg Quality

Certain chemotherapy drugs affect ovarian function, reducing egg quality and ovarian reserve and impacting the chances of conception even after recovery.

Fertility Preservation Options Before Treatment

Women diagnosed with cervical cancer who wish to have children can explore fertility preservation options before starting treatment:

Egg or Embryo Freezing

Harvesting and freezing eggs or embryos before cancer treatment can provide future pregnancy options through IVF.

Ovarian Transposition

A surgical procedure where the ovaries are repositioned away from the radiation field to protect them from damage.

Uterus-Preserving Surgery

For early-stage cervical cancer, procedures like trachelectomy help retain the uterus, allowing for future pregnancy.

Pregnancy After Cervical Cancer Treatment

Women who undergo fertility-preserving treatments may still face challenges in conceiving. Assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF and surrogacy offer potential solutions. Regular consultations with fertility specialists help determine the best approach based on individual health conditions.

Emotional and Psychological Support

Cervical cancer and infertility can be emotionally challenging. Seeking support from oncologists, fertility specialists, and counselling groups can help women navigate this journey with informed decisions and mental well-being.

Conclusion

While cervical cancer can impact fertility, early detection and advanced medical options provide hope for women wanting to conceive. Consulting healthcare professionals before and after treatment ensures the best possible outcomes for both cancer recovery and future family planning.