Cervical cancer and fertility

Infertility

Your fertility will be affected if you have a hysterectomy or radiotherapy. Talk to your doctor or nurse before treatment to see if there are any options if you would like to have a child or more children.

Ovarian transposition

Radiotherapy for cervical cancer affects your ovaries and stops them from producing eggs and pregnancy hormones.

Ovarian transposition is a type of surgery where the ovaries are moved away from the area where the radiotherapy will be given. This is to try to stop the radiation from affecting your ovaries to allow you to keep producing eggs. This operation is carried out in specialist centres and doesn’t always work, but you can talk to your doctor to see if you are suitable.

Dealing with infertility

Dealing with infertility can be as hard as dealing with a cancer diagnosis for some women.

Feelings of anger, grief, sadness and loss of identity are common at this time.

It's important to talk openly to your partner or a friend about these feelings. If you're finding it hard to deal with infertility, it may help to talk to your nurse or doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in dealing with this matter. Your doctor may arrange for you to speak to a trained counsellor or a specialist.

Find out about free counselling at our affiliated cancer support centres.

Contraception

You will be advised to use contraception for at least 3 months after surgery. Ask your consultant about when it is OK to stop using contraception after treatment.