Can IVF Treatment Be Done with Cancer?

Can you still have children after cancer?

Yes, if unmarried, egg freezing can be done before cancer treatment. If married, eggs can be retrieved and combined with the husband's sperm to create frozen embryos to prevent the quality of eggs from being affected by treatment. This also allows for the continuation of IVF treatment after recovery. Cancer itself and its treatment methods, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may cause ovarian atrophy or decline, affecting female fertility. By timely egg freezing or embryo culture followed by freezing, the opportunity to have children in the future can be preserved.

How long after cancer recovery can IVF treatment be done?

Because chemical toxins may remain in the body after chemotherapy, it is recommended to wait for at least 6 months after recovery, and only proceed with IVF treatment after receiving clearance from an oncologist and confirming that there are no residual cancer cells in the body. During IVF treatment, the stimulation of follicle growth may lead to hormonal changes in the body, increasing the risk of cancer recurrence. In such cases, customized IVF treatment is needed. Doctors will discuss with your oncologist and use medication to suppress estrogen levels while stimulating follicle growth, thereby reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Women who have already frozen eggs before cancer treatment do not need to worry about these risks.

What if the body is not suitable for pregnancy after cancer treatment?

If, after cancer treatment, the body is not suitable for pregnancy due to discomfort caused by cancer treatment, childbirth can be achieved through a surrogate mother. Surrogacy is fully legal in the United States, but in Taiwan, although the artificial reproduction law has passed its third reading, there may still be some way to go.

Further Reading: Intended Parents: Navigating the Path to Parenthood with RSMC

Will IVF cause cancer?

Many customers often ask us if undergoing IVF will make them more prone to cancer. In fact, there is currently no scientific evidence to verify the relationship between the two. If not taking medication for long-term egg retrieval, the impact of drugs on the body is minimal. However, if there is a history of gynecological cancer in your family or if you have gynecological diseases such as uterine fibroids or breast fibrocystic changes, it is recommended to inform your attending physician before starting treatment so that the doctor can assess the medication according to your individual condition.