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Chemo can but does not always affect sexual organs and
functioning. The possible side effects depend on the drugs used, age,
and general health.
Men
Chemo may lower the number of sperm cells, reduce their
ability to move, or cause other changes. These changes can result in
short- or long-term infertility. Infertility affects a man’s
ability to father a child, but does not affect his ability to have sex.
Because permanent sterility (infertility) may occur, it's
important to discuss this issue with your doctor BEFORE you begin
chemo. You might want to think about banking your sperm for future use.
Men who are getting chemo should use birth control with their
partners during treatment because chemo may have harmful effects on chromosomes of
sperm cells. Ask your doctor when you can stop using birth control for
this reason.
Women
Chemo can damage the ovaries and reduce the amount of hormones they
produce. As a result, you may have these side effects:
- Your menstrual periods may become irregular or stop
completely during treatment.
- You may have menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes
and itching, burning, or dryness of vaginal tissues. These tissue
changes can make intercourse uncomfortable, but the symptoms often can
be relieved by using a water-based vaginal lubricant.
- You may be more likely to get vaginal infections. To help
prevent infection, avoid oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly,
always use a condom for sexual intercourse, wear cotton underwear and
pantyhose with a ventilated cotton lining, and don’t wear
tight slacks or shorts. Your doctor also may prescribe a vaginal cream
or suppository to reduce the chances of infection. If you do get an
infection, it should be treated right away.
- You may become infertile (unable to become pregnant).
Whether this happens and how long it lasts depends on many factors,
including the type of drug, the doses given, and your age. It is
important to discuss this possibility BEFORE you start treatment.
Pregnancy and chemo
Although pregnancy may be possible during chemo, it should be
avoided because some chemo may cause birth defects. Doctors advise
women of childbearing age -- from the teens through the end of
menopause -- to use birth control throughout their treatment. If a
woman is pregnant when her cancer is discovered, it may be possible to
delay chemo until after the baby is born. For a woman who needs
treatment sooner, the doctor may suggest starting chemo after the 12th
week of pregnancy, when the fetus is beyond the stage of greatest risk.
In some cases, termination of the pregnancy may be considered.
Talk to your doctor if you and your partner are considering
pregnancy after completing chemo.
Last
Medical Review: 08/28/2008
Last Revised: 09/11/2008
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