A cervical cancer diagnosis can be devastating. But for many, one question keeps coming back: Will I still be able to have children? Whether you’re hoping to start a family now or in the future, fertility is often a huge part of the conversation—and the concern.
The truth is, cervical cancer treatment can affect your fertility. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. With the right planning and support, there may be ways to preserve or restore your ability to have children.
Let’s explore your options, one step at a time.
Can You Still Have Children After Cervical Cancer?
It depends. Some people can, others can’t—but the key factor lies in the type of treatment and stage of cancer.
In early-stage cervical cancer, fertility-sparing treatments might be possible. But if the cancer is more advanced and treatment involves removing the uterus or damaging the ovaries, biological pregnancy may no longer be an option.
Still, that doesn’t mean parenthood is out of reach. Options like egg freezing, surrogacy, or adoption may open different doors.
How Cervical Cancer Treatment Impacts Fertility
Not all treatments affect fertility in the same way. Here’s a breakdown:
- Surgery: A full hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) means pregnancy isn’t possible, but partial surgeries like cone biopsy or trachelectomy might preserve fertility.
- Radiation therapy: Pelvic radiation can damage the ovaries and uterus, making it hard or unsafe to carry a pregnancy.
- Chemotherapy: Certain drugs can harm the ovaries and reduce egg quality or quantity.
Timing also matters. Some people undergo treatments quickly after diagnosis, leaving little time for fertility planning. That’s why early discussions with your care team are so crucial.
Fertility-Sparing Treatments: Are They Possible?
Yes—if caught early, some forms of cervical cancer may be treated without removing your ability to conceive.
Here are two main options:
- Cone Biopsy: Removes a cone-shaped section of abnormal tissue from the cervix. Often used for very early-stage cases.
- Radical Trachelectomy: Removes the cervix but leaves the uterus intact. It’s typically an option for small tumors (less than 2 cm) in early stages.
Both procedures carry risks, such as preterm birth or miscarriage, but they allow some individuals to carry a pregnancy later on.
The key? Catching the cancer early and working with a gynaecologic oncologist experienced in fertility-sparing surgery.
Exploring Fertility Preservation Options Before Treatment
If you’re not yet ready for children, but want the chance later, consider these fertility preservation methods:
- Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation): Mature eggs are harvested, frozen, and stored for future use.
- Embryo Freezing: Eggs are fertilized with sperm before freezing, useful for couples.
- Ovarian Transposition (Oophoropexy): A surgical move—literally. It repositions ovaries away from the radiation zone to protect function.
- Ovarian Tissue Freezing: An experimental approach where ovarian tissue is removed and frozen.
Wondering which is best for you? That depends on how much time you have before treatment begins and what options are available nearby.
Talk to a fertility specialist immediately after diagnosis. Waiting too long could limit what’s possible.
What If You’ve Already Had Treatment?
Don’t give up hope.
Even if surgery or radiation has made it impossible to carry a pregnancy, there are still other paths to parenthood:
- Surrogacy: You can use your frozen eggs or embryos (if preserved earlier), or use a donor. A surrogate carries the pregnancy for you.
- Adoption: It’s a beautiful, fulfilling path chosen by many cervical cancer survivors.
- Donor Eggs: If your ovaries no longer function, using a donor egg with your partner’s or donor’s sperm is an option.
These choices may not be simple emotionally or financially—but for many, they offer a second chance at a dream once thought lost.
Talking to Your Oncologist and Fertility Specialist
Here’s a question most people forget to ask at the start: “How will this treatment affect my ability to have children?”
And yet, it’s one of the most important.
Bring it up as early as possible—even during your first appointment. Oncologists can tailor treatment or refer you to a fertility specialist. The earlier the planning, the more options you’ll have.
Not sure how to start the conversation? Try this:
“I’d like to explore options to preserve my fertility. Can you refer me to a reproductive specialist before we begin treatment?”
It’s your right to ask. Your future matters just as much as your present.
Emotional Toll of Infertility After Cancer
Infertility isn’t just a physical issue—it’s emotional, too. Some describe the grief as a second loss after cancer itself.
You might feel angry. Or numb. Or guilty for grieving when you’ve “survived.” That’s normal.
Support matters. You’re not alone. Here’s what can help:
- Support groups: Talk to others who’ve walked this path.
- Counselling: A therapist can help process grief and redefine what motherhood might look like.
- Journaling: Writing can offer emotional release and clarity.
Give yourself permission to grieve. And then, when you’re ready—give yourself permission to hope again.
Success Stories and Hope for the Future
Real people. Real hope.
- Anna, diagnosed at 29, preserved her eggs before radiation. Two years later, she welcomed a baby via surrogate.
- Lina, had a radical trachelectomy and gave birth to a premature—but healthy—baby boy.
- Sarah, adopted two siblings after a hysterectomy and says they are the light of her life.
Medicine is advancing. Fertility options after cancer are growing. You’re not the only one dreaming of a family—and you’re certainly not the only one who’s made it happen.
Can You Get Pregnant After Cervical Cancer—and Is It Safe?
Yes, in some cases. But it’s not always simple.
Women who undergo fertility-sparing surgery can often conceive naturally. However, they may face increased risks of:
- Preterm labour
- Miscarriage
- Need for C-section delivery
Close monitoring by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist is essential.
For others, using a surrogate or donor embryo may be the safer route. What’s important is that you have a care team that understands your unique medical history—and your dreams.
Support Groups and Resources for Cancer Survivors Facing Infertility
Looking for support? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Here are some organisations and groups worth exploring:
- Livestrong Fertility – Offers info and financial support for fertility preservation https://www.livestrong.org/fertility
- Resolve: The National Infertility Association – Support groups, education, and community https://resolve.org
- CancerCare – Offers free counselling and fertility support resources https://www.cancercare.org
- Fertility Preservation Network Malaysia (UMMC) – Local options for egg/embryo preservation
Final Thoughts
Fertility after cervical cancer is a complicated road. But it’s not a dead end.
With early planning, honest conversations, and the right medical and emotional support, the possibility of becoming a parent can still be within reach.
Don’t be afraid to ask, to grieve, to hope—and to dream again.
References:
- “Fertility Preservation in Patients with Cancer: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Update”, Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2018. https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.2018.78.1914
- “Cervical Cancer Treatment and Fertility”, Cancer Research UK, 2023. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org
- “Getting Pregnant After Cancer”, American Cancer Society, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/fertility-and-women-with-cancer.html
- “Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review”, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2021. https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2021/03000/Fertility_Sparing_Surgery_for_Early_Stage.10.aspx