Breast Cancer Medication and Fertility Treatments
Medications designed to treat breast cancer can often lead to infertility. However, doctors have made great advances in fertility treatments for breast cancer patients.
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Causes
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Certain chemotherapy drugs carry higher risks of causing infertility by damaging the patient's eggs and/or interfering with the production of hormones that stimulate ovulation. One of the most common drugs used to treat breast cancer is Cytoxan, a type of alkylating agent known to adversely affect fertility.
Considerations
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Some patients are at higher risk of chemotherapy-induced infertility than others. Women over age 35 and those requiring high doses of medication face the greatest risk.
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Time Frame
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Breast cancer patients concerned about fertility should discuss options with a doctor before beginning chemotherapy. Many women take proactive steps to preserve fertility prior to exposure to the cancer-treating drugs.
Pre-Chemotherapy Options
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The most common pre-treatment options include freezing of embryos, eggs or ovarian tissue.
Options During Chemotherapy
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Various scientific studies are currently under way involving drugs such as GnRH-a (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog) that can halt ovulation during treatment, possibly protecting the eggs from harm.
Options After Chemotherapy
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Fertility options after successful eradication of breast cancer include use of standard fertility drugs; use of one's own frozen embryos, eggs or ovarian tissues; use of donor eggs or embryos; or surrogacy.
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