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