Fertility and sexual function

Below are answers to some of the questions you may have about fertility and sexual function. To find out more about fertility before, during and after treatment see our information about fertility.

Will my sexual function be affected?

This is very unlikely. Most people treated for cancer can have sex without problems. Sometimes there may be issues if you have had surgery or radiotherapy to the pelvis, or if you have had radiotherapy to the head affecting hormone levels. If you have concerns discuss these with your clinical team.

Should I use contraceptives?

Unless you want to start a family, you should always use contraception. It is also important to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STD) by using condoms. 

What about having children?

Many people do go on to have children after treatment for childhood cancer For girls, if you are having regular periods naturally (not withdrawal bleeds because of the pill or HRT); it is a good sign that pregnancy may be possible. For some women, the menopause may occur earlier than normal and this can influence the timing of future pregnancies.

For boys, it is more difficult to know. You may be advised to have a sperm count to check. No test is 100% reliable so you do need to take precautions if you don’t want your partner to become pregnant.

Speak to your long term follow-up team about your individual circumstances and the effect your treatment will have had on you.

Will my baby have cancer?

This is extremely unlikely. Apart from some very rare types of cancer which are known to be inherited (for example, an eye tumour called retinoblastoma) there isn’t any evidence that the children of people treated for cancer have any higher risk of developing cancer than other people.

Will my pregnancy be normal/will I need special care?

For the majority of pregnancies in people who have had cancer, their pregnancy will be normal and uncomplicated. If you become pregnant you should let your antenatal clinic know about your previous treatment. You should also let your long-term follow up team know so they can decide if you need any special care.

If you have been having regular heart scans (echocardiograms) because of the chemotherapy you had, you will need to have a heart scan during your pregnancy. This is because pregnancy puts an extra strain on your heart. If you had radiotherapy to any area of your abdomen you may be at risk of having a premature baby.