While cancer affects the reproductive system where it occurs in the body due to side effects of treatment, it is a complex and potentially fatal problem in the reproductive organs. All treatments for genital cancer affect fertility, but preventative methods are also emerging. Fertility preservation is frequently considered by patients with diseases ranging from border-line tumors, epithelial cancers and germ cell tumors in a variety of clinical circumstances, including cervical cancer, low-grade endometrial adenocarcinoma and specific ovarian malignancies. Dr. Gayathri BN, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Milan Fertility and Birthing Hospital, Bangalore talks to india.com about gynecological cancer, its early detection, prevention and treatment.Also Read – Heart Attack: 8 Early Signs to Catch
Gynecological cancer with conventional treatment
Gynecological cancer is a diverse category of cancer that affects women. From the unique pathological features, clinical manifestations and treatment options, it also carries a potential risk of loss of fertility. In addition to surgical removal of reproductive tract organs and therapies, standard treatments such as chemotherapy and pelvic radiation as adjuvant therapy are also viable options. The risk of harm to fertility from these treatments is limited. Although older women are more likely to develop gynecological cancers, younger women are often diagnosed in their reproductive years. Therefore, infertility and subfertility can affect the female population. Also Read – Side Effects of Desi Ghee: Stop consuming ghee immediately if you have these health conditions
Conventional treatment of gynecological cancer often results in damage to some reproductive organs, making maintaining fertility a problematic task. Despite increased awareness of infertility, little information is available for young patients regarding their views and preferences about their fertility as affected by gynecologic cancer. Also Read – Lung cancer: Know its causes, symptoms, prevention and who is at risk
Fertility with maintenance
Preserving fertility for cancer of the female reproductive system is a challenging process. The term “fertility” describes the ability to conceive a child. When diagnosed with a malignant disease, the ability of female patients to conceive is affected by the condition of their reproductive organs and other physical damage, as opposed to the infertility of their respective partners.
The treatment also affects fertility. But prevention is a possibility. At all ages, radiotherapy affects the gonads, uterus and eventual pregnancy outcomes. However, dose, irradiation field and age at exposure determine the extent of damage. If ovarian involvement is unlikely, ovarian transplantation is considered. The gonadotoxic side effects of chemotherapy are influenced by the type of drug, total dose, age, and ovarian reserve. While some substances are incredibly toxic, ovarian damage can be significantly reduced by suppressing gonadotropins, which, in turn, reduce follicular development.
Early cervical cancer can be treated with simple or radical trachelectomy. Fertility-preserving surgery is only an option for early-stage, low-grade ovarian epithelial malignancies. However, germ cell tumors still allow fertility to be maintained even in their advanced stages. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, oocytes and embryos is an option. Harm to the human fetus is highly unlikely. Because of these potential consequences, long-term health and quality of life in gonadotoxic therapy are recommended to be included in planning as early as possible.
Cancer treatment can affect your fertility
Surgery: Surgery for pelvic cancer of the reproductive system can damage the surrounding reproductive tissue and leave scars, which can affect your fertility.
Hormone therapy: Menstrual cycles can be disrupted by hormone therapy (also known as endocrine therapy), which can affect your fertility. Hot weather, night sweats and dry vagina can be side effects depending on the hormones.
Transplant: High doses of chemotherapy and radiation are administered during peripheral blood stem cell transplants, bone marrow transplants, and other stem cell procedures. Infertility can result from these treatments because they can damage the ovaries.
Other treatments: Discuss with your doctor whether certain therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted cancer therapy, may affect your fertility.
