In this Article

• How is chemotherapy given?
• When is chemotherapy given?
• Can I still work while receiving chemotherapy treatments?
• How will I know if the chemotherapy treatments are working?
• What are the potential side effects of chemotherapy drugs?
• How will chemotherapy affect my menstrual cycle?
• What is menopause?
• How does chemotherapy influence the onset of menopause?
• Will my menstrual flow be different after chemotherapy?
• Will my periods return after chemotherapy?
• Can I get pregnant while I'm receiving chemotherapy?
• What is the safest type of birth control during chemotherapy?
• After I've completed chemotherapy, how long must I wait before trying to get pregnant?
• Are there risks of chromosomal abnormalities or cancer in children conceived after chemotherapy?
• Chemotherapy Treatment for Breast Cancer Index

After I've Completed Chemotherapy, How Long Must I Wait Before Trying To Get Pregnant?

Pregnancies after chemotherapy are not uncommon, but need to be planned after you complete treatment. Consult your oncology physician about your plans to get pregnant. In many cases, pregnancy will not influence the return of cancer. But there are situations in which pregnancy should be considered with caution.

If infertility is an issue after your treatment is complete, there are alternative therapies. Discuss your options with your gynecologic doctor.

Are There Risks Of Chromosomal Abnormalities Or Cancer In Children Conceived After Chemotherapy?

No. There is no known risk of chromosomal abnormalities in a woman's children after she has had chemotherapy. There is also no evidence that cancer treatment causes cancer in children conceived after the treatment is complete.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, February 2004.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• fluconazole, Diflucan - Clarifies the medication fluconazole (Diflucan), a drug used to treat oral, esophageal, urinary, vaginal and possibly other organ infections caused by the fungus Candida.
• Hemoglobin - Read about hemoglobin - the protein molecule in red blood cells. Learn what normal, low, and high level hemoglobin counts mean on MedicineNet.com
• Breast Cancer - Get the facts on breast cancer symptoms, signs, stages, types, research, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention information and treatment options: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

Read more Chemotherapy Treatment for Breast Cancer related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Breast Cancer May Be Gone, But Pain Lingers
• Too Many Mastectomies? Maybe Not
• Vitamin D Good for Breast Cancer Patients
• After-Effects of Chemotherapy May Include Memory Problems